15 Facts Your Boss Wished You'd Known About Sliding Patio Door Repair
Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors are a wonderful addition to any home. They're easy to operate and provide the most expansive view. As with all doors in the house, they are prone to wear and tear that needs replacement or repair.
Keep your sliding patio doors in good in good order by cleaning and lubricating them regularly. Lubricating them using graphite or silicone spray will let them slide smoothly and extend their usage.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door does not roll easily, you may need to grease it. If the rollers are worn or damaged, you will need to replace them. Replacing the rollers on your patio door will allow your doors to operate smoothly and lessen the amount of force needed to open or close them.
If your patio door was manufactured prior to 2000, you might have to take off the bottom of the frame to gain access to the rollers. If this is the scenario, use a rubber mallet and wood block to tap the door loose, and then pull it off. Save the roller screws for reinstalling your new rollers.
Glass sliding doors are a key security factor in many homes and should be properly protected. 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 could exploit. Replacing your patio door's rollers will ensure that your home is safe from unwanted guests.
After taking off the top and bottom rails it is a great idea to clean the entire length of track with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will remove any grime and make it easier to remove the doors from the track. The drainage holes on the bottom of the track should be visible, but they are often clogged by dirt. If you notice that your track is susceptible to accumulating dirt, you might consider installing a stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps onto the track to create an extra channel for water flow. You can get these from CR Laurence and other retailers that specialize in replacement sliding door parts.
Be sure to put in the bottom panel first before installing the top panel. After the doors are in place, you'll be able to test that they are able to move freely and do not require a lot of force to open or close them. If they feel rough, you could readjust the new rollers to give them more clearance.
Weather Strip Replacement
The weather strip seals on your sliding doors slowly wear out, allowing drafts and moisture to get in. This can increase your energy costs. Replacing them is an easy task that takes just some minutes and will be repaid in lower heating costs in no time.
Weather stripping for sliding doors is available in a variety of materials, each having its own advantages and drawbacks. You should select a material that will stand up to friction, weather changes as well as extreme temperatures and foot traffic without hindering the door's function. Foam and felt are affordable but are prone to weather and visible in the frame. Vinyl is more costly, but lasts years. Metals are durable, but may not be appropriate for a modern home. Plastic or rubber can wear away over time and require frequent replacement.
To install repair patio door lock , take the door from the casing. To do this, look for the headstop at the top of the door - typically a small piece of metal or plastic fixed by screws. Take off the screws, then use a screwdriver that is flat to pull the headstop free from the door's bottom. Take off the weather stripping and any debris left behind using scraper or a putty knife.
You'll require a significant amount of force to pull the door out of its frame Don't try to do it with only one person. It is better to have a partner hold the door steady while you take it out of its frame.
Locate the channels that hold your weather stripping. They should be covered with plugs that match the colour of your doors. Remove the plugs, then pull up on the weather stripping to remove it from its channel.
There are many types of weather stripping and the best one for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This type of weather seal is made with Mylar centering in the brush material, and is extremely durable. It can be used in all climates, and can be able to withstand the pressure of walking. The back of the weather stripping is constructed from a tough flexible material that can better withstand the demands of a sliding patio door.
Door Alignment
Sliding patio doors are a great feature for any home, but like anything else, they can benefit from an occasional adjustment to work their best. With time, sliding patio doors will get worn out or misaligned. This can lead to issues such as sticking, bumping against frames, and not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can prevent these issues, thereby saving you money and hassle.
The most common cause of sliding door misalignment stems from damage to the tracks or rollers caused by sudden jolts and excessive force. This issue can be resolved quickly with the right tools. Your patio door will continue to slide smoothly for a long time.
It can be caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity, weatherstripping wear, and inadequate installation. Parts can shift and loosen as time passes. This could cause the door to move and not latch or close correctly. The resulting shifts can result in air drafts, and possibly water leakage into the home.
It is essential to clean and lubricate the sliding patio door track on a regular basis in order to prevent these issues. A small amount of spray lubricant can be easily purchased from any hardware retailer, and applying it often with a small amount of brush can keep the track running smooth.
Another reason that can cause misalignment of sliding patio doors is the latch hook that isn't aligned with the strike plate on the jamb. To fix this, open the door and expose the latch mechanism. This will allow you to inspect it and have full access. Find the adjustment screw for the latch hook and then gently turn it in either direction to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch will ensure that the latch engages and hits the strike plate without obstruction or resistance.
After you've made the required adjustments, test the door to ensure that it locks and slides properly. If there are any remaining issues, you can repeat the procedure until your sliding patio door is working properly. By following these easy steps, you can save yourself a lot of money by not requiring experts to make costly repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, the screws on sliding door frames can loosen and allow the frame to move a bit. By regularly tightening and checking these screws, you can stop your doors from becoming stuck or blocked. A screen that is sagging can be fixed with a little clamping. However hinges that are loose may need to be replaced.
Replacing a sliding patio door without replacing the frame is feasible however, it requires careful analysis of the condition of the current frame. This option is less expensive than a full frame replacement and can help address specific requirements like improved insulation or a fresh look.
A full frame replacement involves the complete removal of all hinged doors frames, windows and doors from the wall opening. This allows the new patio to be installed, and it allows for more flexibility in terms size, dimension and materials.
Sliding glass doors are designed to provide a beautiful view from your backyard. However, they do show signs of wear as time passes. If your sliding doors are sluggish or difficult to open, you may need to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good shape it could be enough to replace the doors.
Be sure that your work area is free of any obstructions, and that you have laid down a dropcloth. Then, lay the sliding door flat on a surface and take off the grilles and shades that can be removed. Utilizing a screwdriver, remove the plugs that protect the screws for adjustment of the roller on the bottom of the sliding frame (they are often covered by caps). Once these screws are removed then you can loosen them and remove the bottom of the door away from the track.
Once the frame is exposed, you can replace the track and sliding door wheels. If the track for your sliding door is damaged or worn out it is recommended to replace it completely than repairing the existing track. You can either buy a DIY kit or hire a professional to do it. In either case, be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for proper installation.