5 Myths About Sliding Patio Door Repair That You Should Stay Clear Of
Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement A sliding patio door is an excellent addition to any home. They're simple to operate and provide an expansive view. But, just like any other doors in the house, they're subject to wear and tear that needs repair or replacement. Regularly clean and lubricate your sliding patio doors to keep them in good working order. Lubricating them with silicone spray or graphite will allow them to glide smoothly and extend their use. Roller Replacement If your sliding patio door does not roll easily, you may need to grease it. If the rollers have become damaged or worn out then you'll need to replace them. Replacing your patio door rollers will enable your doors to operate smoothly and reduce the amount of force required to open or close them. If your patio door was constructed prior to 2000, you might have to take off the bottom part of the frame to get access to the rollers. If this is the situation you can use a wooden block and rubber mallet to tap the door free and then pull it out. Be sure to save the roller screws to use when reinstalling your new rollers. Sliding glass doors are major security features in many homes and need to be secured in a secure manner. Roller wheels that are damaged or worn out can make your door difficult to push open or closed and also create gaps around the door that burglars can exploit. By replacing your patio door rollers you can ensure that your home will be safe from unwanted visitors. After taking off the rails at the top and bottom, it is a great idea to clean the entire length of the track with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will get rid of any dirt and make getting rid of the doors from the tracks much easier. You will be able to see drainage holes in the bottom of the track, but these often become blocked by dirt. If your track seems to be prone of collecting dirt, you may be interested in installing an stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps onto the track and provides an extra channel for water to flow through. These are available from CR Laurence, as well as other retailers that specialize in sliding door parts. When you are reinstalling the doors, remember to place the bottom panel in first, and then move the top in place. You should be able to test the doors once they are in their original positions to ensure that they move smoothly and don't require a lot of force to open or close. If the doors still feel rough you can adjust the rollers for more clearance. Weather Stripping Replacement The weather strip seals the sliding doors gradually become worn, allowing drafts and moisture to get in. This can increase your energy bills. Replacing them is a straightforward task that takes just a few minutes and can be repaid in lower heating bills in a matter of minutes. Weather stripping for sliding doors is available in a range of materials, each with its own pros and cons. It is important to select a material that will be able to withstand friction as well as weather variations temperatures, extreme temperature fluctuations and foot traffic without hindering the door's function. Foam and felt are affordable, but susceptible to weather, and are visible in the frame. Vinyl is more expensive, but lasts for years. Metals are strong however they may not look right in modern homes. Rubber or plastic can be damaged over time and require frequent replacement. To install new weather strips, you must remove the door from the casing. To do this, look for the headstop on the top of the door – typically a small piece of plastic or metal that's secured by screws. Remove the screw caps and then use a flathead to pry out the headstop from the bottom of your door. Remove the weather stripping and any debris left behind with a putty knife or scraper. You'll require a lot of force to pull the door off of its frame Don't try to do this with just one person. It is better to have a partner to hold the door steady as you take it out of its frame. Once the doors are closed Find the channels that support the weather stripping. They should be covered by plugs that match the colour of your doors. Remove the plugs, then pull them up on the weather stripping to disconnect it from the channel. Fin Seal is the most effective type of weather stripping that is suitable for sliding patio doors. This kind of weather seal comes with a Mylar that is centered within the brush material. It is very robust. It is suitable for all climates, and can endure foot traffic. The back of the stripping is composed of a pliable, hard material that is able to endure the pressure of sliding patio doors. Door Alignment Sliding patio doors are a great option for any home. But, as with many other things, they might require adjustment periodically to ensure they function at their best. Over time, these sliding patio doors can be worn out or misaligned. This can lead to issues like bumping against frames, or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can keep these issues from happening and save you money and time. sliding patio door repairs near me RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of sliding door misalignment is damage to the rollers or tracks caused by sudden jolts or excessive force. This issue can be resolved quickly using the right tools. Your patio door will glide smoothly for a long time. Other reasons for misalignment are changes in humidity or temperature, weatherstripping wear and tear and a inadequate installation. The latter can result in parts moving and loosening over time and causing the door to move and not latch or close properly. The resulting shifts can cause air drafts and even water leakage into the house. It is essential to clean and lubricate your sliding patio door track on a regular basis in order to prevent these issues. You can purchase a small amount of spray-on lubricant at any hardware store. Applying it frequently using bristles of a small size can help keep your track operating smoothly. Another common cause for misalignment of sliding patio doors is the latch hook that is not aligned with the strike plate on the jamb. To fix this issue begin by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism and give you complete access to it. Then, locate the adjusting screw that controls this latch hook, and gently rotate it in either direction to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch will ensure that it will engage and hit the strike plate without resistance or hindrance. Check your door after you've made the necessary adjustments to ensure that it is able to slide and locks properly. Repeat the procedure if there are any issues, until your sliding patio door is working properly. With these simple steps you will save yourself a significant amount of money by not hiring professionals to perform expensive repairs. Frame Replacement Over time, the screws in sliding door frames may loosen. This allows the frame to move small amount. By checking and tightening the screws, you can stop your doors from becoming stuck or blocked. A sagging screen is fixable with a little clamping. However, a loose hinge may need to be replaced. It is possible to replace the patio's sliding mechanism without having to replace the frame but you must first assess the condition of the current frame. This is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire frame and can address specific needs like improved insulation. A complete frame replacement requires the complete removal of hinged doors, windows and frames from the wall opening. This allows for a new sliding patio door to be put in and offers more options in terms of style size, dimensions and materials. Sliding glass doors are designed to give you a stunning view of your backyard. However, they do begin to show signs of wear and tear as time passes. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or are stuck you may need to replace the track or wheels. However, if the frame is in good condition replacing the doors may be sufficient. Before you begin, make sure your work area is clear of obstructions. Also, lay down a drop cloth. The next step is to lay the sliding door on a flat work surface and remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the frame. Use a screwdriver and take off the plugs that cover the roller adjustment screws on the bottom of the frame (they are usually covered with caps). Once these are removed then you can unlatch and pull the door's bottom away from the track. After the frame has been exposed, you can replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your track for sliding doors has become old or damaged you should replace it, rather than fix it. You can purchase a kit for the DIY project or let a professional do it for you. In either case, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper installation.