How to Repair Patio Doors
Patio doors that slide open enhance the look of your home and provide convenience and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance in order to perform as they were intended to.
These simple tasks can help you extend the life of your doors, and help you avoid costly repairs. In some instances, the expertise of a professional may be required to repair more severe damage.
Clear the Tracks
A sliding patio door can be difficult to open or close in the event that it has become stuck in the tracks. This is usually a simple problem to solve. In the majority of cases, the door simply requires lubrication to allow it to move.
Cleaning the tracks regularly and sliding patio doors can help to prevent dirt buildup that can interfere with the operation of the tracks. Every week, you should vacuum or scrub your tracks and sill to get rid of larger dirt particles. Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and warm water, as well as a gentle detergent to clean the tracks and thoroughly wash them. You can also scrub off stubborn stains on the tracks with a small brush, but be careful not to scratch or damage the tracks. Be sure to clean all the nooks, crannies and corners of the sill and tracks.
After the sill and tracks are clean, they need to be cleaned with a lint-free cloth and then dried with paper towels. If you have white wine vinegar on hand you can use it to get rid of stubborn stains. Apply a small amount on a clean, soft cloth and rub the area that has the stain. If the stains are persistent, try scrubbing with a small toothbrush or a small brush.
Maintaining your sliding patio doors and their tracks clean can make them last longer and aid in making them operate more smoothly. It is a good idea to clean them as often as you do your windows. Be sure to inspect the weather strip around patio doors regularly and replace it if damaged or worn out. This is an essential step in reducing your energy bills and ensuring indoor comfort. If you are experiencing drafts or a significant increase in your heating or cooling costs, it could be time to invest in new patio doors with improved insulation and weather stripping.
Lubricate the Locks
The mechanism of the lock must be lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This can also prolong the life of the lock, since it won't be subjected to excessive wear and tears. You can apply graphite lock grease or light machine oil. Using the right lubricant will aid in preventing the buildup of gunk which could cause the delicate pins within the lock to become damaged.
Graphite powder is a great method to lubricate the lock cylinder since it doesn't wash away or attract dirt. This dry lubricant is available at most hardware stores. It is available in a squeeze-bottle which lets you to blow the powder directly into the lock. Then, simply insert your key and work it back and forth to spread the graphite over the internal parts of the lock.
Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock's cylinder. This will provide an instant burst lubrication but may be too strong for some locks. If the cylinder is not working it is possible to try moving the key through and out several times to spread the WD-40 across all internal parts.
Teflon based lubricants can also be used. These lubricants are able to withstand high temperatures and are extremely durable, which makes them a fantastic option for locking. They also resist water and can prevent rust, which can affect other types lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors are somewhat stiff to open and close, it's likely that the locking mechanism isn't aligned correctly with the door's frame. It's best to call a locksmith if you can't fix the problem yourself. They can examine your lock and determine what's causing it to be difficult and stiff to operate. They can also install new springs and rollers to restore the functionality of your patio door. If needed, they'll assist you in selecting the best locks to replace the ones that are damaged. You'll never have to worry again about losing your keys, or having damaged locks on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
The tracks or rollers that are not aligned properly can cause patio doors to become difficult to open and close. If the door is stuck because of one or more of these reasons fixing it is simple. If the problem persists, and you feel drafts, or you notice an increase in heating and cooling bills it could be the right the time to replace your doors.
If the latch and tracks are in good condition, the next thing to check is the rollers. The rollers are an important element of a sliding track and in the event that they're damaged or worn they could cause the doors to stick. To remove the rollers, gently pry them off by removing the screw that is holding them in place using the aid of a Phillips head screwdriver.
Once the screws are removed, you can easily remove the rollers and replace them with new ones, if required. The majority of patio door systems utilize steel wheels, which may be rusty with time. Most modern doors feature plastic wheels, which last longer than the metal ones do. If your wheels are worn out and rusty, you'll probably need to replace the entire assembly of track and rollers.
If your rollers are working, you can often correct the alignment with the adjustment screws at the bottom of the track (the screwdriver you used to remove them can work well). The adjustment screws that you turn will either tighten or loosen the track to position it correctly. If you've got the adjustment right, the door should be in contact with the track all the way around, and there shouldn't be any gaps.
After the adjustment is completed, lubricate the rollers and track using a silicone-based spray lubricant. Apply a generous amount of grease to the rollers as well as the track. Then, slide the door back and forth several times to spread the lubricant. Once the lubricant is dry and the door is open, you should be able to open and shut your patio door without issues. If you're still having issues then contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. patio door repair can guide you on how to replace the parts and help you find the problem.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are an excellent way to let sunlight into your home and provide breathtaking views of the natural world. They can also pose an security risk, since glass panes that are broken could allow an intruder to easily gain entry to your home. Replacement of the glass on these doors is crucial to keep them secure and functioning properly.
It can be difficult to replace a patio door's glass when the glass is broken. But, if you follow the right instructions replacing a glass window on your patio is actually very easy. You can complete this task without taking the frame from the door. To begin, take off the trim around your glass, also known as the mull. Place a putty knife between the trim and the door, and then employ a small pry bar and hammer to gently lift the trim off. Be careful not to bend or break the trim, and make sure you wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing.
After removing the old glass, vacuum and sweep the area to remove any broken glass. Wipe down the frame. If there are any cracks in the frame, tape them to strengthen the frame. Then, you can begin building the door. Before doing so, be sure to measure the exact dimensions (and the thickness) of the glass that was originally installed. This will allow you to ensure that the replacement glass is the correct size and thickness.
After reassembling the frame apply a clear silicone caulk around the edges of the opening. This will prevent water or air from seeping into the gap and damaging the new glass. Once the caulk is dry, slide the new window into place. Then, use the glazing points to secure it. Once the glass is secure, replace the stops and then tack in the brad nails using the nail punch.
In addition to offering an amazing view of the outside, patio doors increase your home's energy efficiency by reducing cold and heat transfer between indoors and outside. They also provide an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements that could harm windows and cause leaks.