Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors make a fantastic addition to any home. They're easy to operate and provide an expansive view. Like all doors in the home, they're prone to wear and tear, which requires replacement or repair.
patio door repair and lubricate regularly your sliding patio doors regularly to keep them in good condition. Lubricating them with silicone spray or graphite will allow them to glide smoothly and extend their lifespan.
Roller Replacement
If you find your sliding patio door isn't rolling smoothly, it might need lubrication. If the rollers have worn out or damaged, they must be replaced. Replace your patio door rollers to make your doors operate smoothly. You will also need less force to open or close them.
If your patio door is older, it may be necessary to remove the bottom part of the frame in order to access the rollers. If this is the case then use a block of wood and a mallet made of rubber to tap the door free, then pull it out. Save the roller screws to install your new rollers.
Sliding glass door are a major security point in many homes and must be protected properly. In addition to making it difficult to open and close your door, old or damaged roller wheels can create gaps that could be exploited by burglars. By replacing the rollers on your patio door, you can ensure that your home is protected from unwanted guests.
After removing 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 in the bottom track should be obvious however they are often blocked by dirt. If your track seems to be prone to collecting lots of dirt, you might 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 at CR Laurence, as well as other stores that specialize in sliding door parts.
Be sure to put in the first panel, and then the top panel. You should be able to test the doors after they are back in their original position to make sure they are smooth and don't require any excessive force to open or shut. If the doors still feel rough you can adjust the new rollers to allow for more clearance.
Weather Strip Replacement
The weather strip seals the sliding doors gradually become worn, allowing drafts and moisture to enter. This can increase your energy bills. Replacing them is a straightforward task that takes just a few minutes and can be paid for in lower heating expenses in no time.
Weather stripping for sliding doors is available in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. It is important to select a material which will be able to withstand the effects of friction, temperature fluctuations as well as changes in weather and foot traffic, while not interfering with the operation of the sliding door. Foam and felt, for instance are not expensive, but they are susceptible to weather and visible within the frame; vinyl is more expensive but will last for many years and is durable, but could look out of place in a contemporary home; and plastic or rubber can erode over time and need regular replacement.
To install new weather stripping, first take the door out of its casing. Find the headstop on the top of the doors It's usually a small piece of plastic or metal that is held in place with screws. Take off the screws and then use a flathead tool to pry out the headstop from bottom of your door. Remove the old weatherstripping and any remaining residue using a putty blade or scraper.
You'll require a significant amount of force to pull the door out of its frame So don't attempt to do this with just one person. Instead, you should have a second person keep the door in place while you remove it from its frame.
When the doors are out of the way Find the channels that hold the weather stripping. Plugs that match the color of your doors should be placed in these channels. Pull the weatherstripping up to separate it from the channel. Take the plugs off.
There are many types of weather stripping that are available, but the best for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This type of weather stripping features a Mylar fin centered in the pile (brush material) and is very robust, suitable for almost all climates and stands well against foot traffic. The back of the stripping is composed of a flexible, tough material that can be able to withstand the demands of sliding patio doors.
Door Alignment
Sliding patio doors are a fantastic addition to any home. However, just like all other things, they will require adjustment periodically to ensure they perform at their peak. As time passes, the parts of these doors can wear out or get out of alignment, resulting in problems such as hitting frames, sticking, or failing to lock properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments will prevent these problems which will save you money and time.
One of the most common causes of sliding door misalignment is the damage to tracks or rollers due to unexpected jolts, or excessive force. A quick repair using the right tools can resolve this issue, ensuring your patio door in good shape for many years to come.
Other causes for misalignment include variations in temperature or humidity or weatherstripping wear and tear, and poor installation. Parts can shift and become loose as time passes. This can cause the door to move and it may not close or latch properly. These changes over time could result in air drafts, and possibly water leakage into your home.
To prevent these problems to avoid these issues, it is essential to clean and lubricate your patio door track. A small amount of spray lubricant could be easily purchased from any hardware retailer, and applying it frequently with a small brush can help keep the track running smooth.
Another reason for misalignment of sliding patio doors is the latch hook not syncing with the strike plate that is on the jamb. To fix this issue start by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism and give you complete access to it. Find the screw that adjusts this latch hook and gently rotate it either way to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch hook will guarantee that the latch is able to hit and connects to the strike plate with no hindrance or resistance.
Test your door after you've made the necessary adjustments to ensure it locks and slides correctly. Repeat the process if you find still any issues until your sliding patio doors is functional. With these simple steps you will save yourself lots of money by not hiring professionals to perform expensive repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, screws in sliding door frames may loosen. This allows the frame to move small amount. Checking and tightening the screws will prevent your doors from sagging or getting jammed. A sagging screen is fixable with a bit of clamping. However hinges that are loose may need to be replaced.
It is possible to replace the patio's sliding feature without replacing the frame, but you must first assess the condition of the current frame. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire frame. It also can meet specific requirements like improved insulation.
A complete frame replacement is the complete removal of the current hinged doors, window and frame from the wall opening. This allows for a new sliding patio door to be built and will allow for more flexibility in design size, material and design.
Sliding glass doors are designed to give you a beautiful view of your backyard, but over time they can start showing signs of wear and tear. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or get stuck you may need to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good condition it might suffice to replace the doors.
Make sure that your work area is free of obstructions, and that you have laid down a dropcloth. Next, lay the sliding door on a flat surface and remove any removable grilles or shades from the frame. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the plugs covering the screws for adjustment of the roller at the bottom of the sliding door frame (they're usually covered with caps). After these have been 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 both the track and the sliding door wheels. If your track for sliding doors has deteriorated or is damaged you should replace it rather than repair it. You can either buy a DIY kit or hire a professional to do it. In either case, follow the directions of the manufacturer to ensure proper installation.