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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors give homeowners natural light and fresh air. They also increase the value of a house. In time, however, they may develop problems that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors function will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about issues they encounter. Here are a few of the most frequent patio door problems: Rollers that are not aligned It's not always easy to open a sliding patio door. However, unless there's an underlying structural problem, most such doors that aren't cooperating could be fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. Most often dirt on the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this case it is necessary to clean the track and apply a thin coat of lubricant so that the rollers move easily. Misalignment may also be caused by wear or damage to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions); and cables which lift the door. When they are damaged or worn, can cause roller alignment issues and cause resistance, as well as other issues, such as the door feeling heavier or higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these components are working together to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly. Set up a crow’s foot at one end, and use the tramming stick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and then divide by two to determine the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much faster and easier than measuring each rail with a level or carpenter's level. You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. This is an elongated plate that is located at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. This will require removing any grilles or shades that are removable and, if the door is heavy, getting assistance in this process. Once the head stop is removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by removing them with the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with the access hole for it and tapping it in using the hammer. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Patio doors that slide can act as magnets for dirt, debris and other outside elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues which may require professional assistance to fix. In order to extend the lifespan of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems in the early stages is crucial. One of the main causes for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can become trapped in the tiny spaces of your sliding door track, causing the door to snag or become difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum the patio door tracks every month, at minimum, to avoid these problems. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaner or with warm soapy tap water after you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice parts of the track are harder to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these tiny areas. In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to lubricate them regularly to prevent your sliding door from sticking or becoming difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors it is recommended to add silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also use paraffin wax to enhance the glide. Another issue that could impact your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This may occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has damaged or worn out. This can cause a gap between the frame and the door that allows air to be able to enter and decrease the efficiency of energy. Check that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if needed. Over time your patio door will experience normal wear. These issues are not usually a sign of an urgent issue. In most cases, minor repairs can prolong the life of your patio door and keep it running smoothly. Get a professional in touch to fix any issues as soon as they occur to save on costly repairs in the future. Warped or cracked glass A damaged or cracked patio door is an eyesore and a potential security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually simple to fix when they are caught early. A quick glance at the glass will help determine what type of repair is needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional may have to reconnect this panel. This would require taking the glass off and cleaning, as well as replacing any broken pieces. This is why professionals will require accurate documentation of the glass as it looked originally to aid in comparing the new glass with the old one. Sometimes cracks in the glass can be filled with epoxy plastic. You can buy this at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. Once the plastic has cooled, the professional can remove any excess. If the crack isn't too large it might be possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. You can buy this type of product at any hardware store. It is important to thoroughly dry the crack before applying sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to speed up this process. Weatherstripping damaged A weather stripping that's worn-out not only looks bad and poses a security threat it also lets outside air in and heat to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping can save you money and keep your home more comfortable. First, ensure you have all the tools and supplies. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method), scissors, pliers, utility knife, as well as gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through an end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached if applicable. Then remove any pieces still left in the pliers or pry bar. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the distance around your door frame. Make use of the measurements to determine the right size weather stripping you need. Be sure to leave an extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the perfect size, place the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired you would like to use a small nail to tack the frame in place. Finally apply wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to applying any paint. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, but latex paint will work too. Also, ensure that you clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will help prevent future issues such as sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. You'll save money and enjoy the outdoors while doing it. double glazed patio door repairs -fixing!