How to Repair Patio Doors
A sliding patio door improves the aesthetics of a home and offers comfort and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance in order to perform as they were intended to.
These simple steps will extend the life of your doors and minimize expensive repairs. In some cases the expertise of a professional might be required for more severe damage.
Clear the Tracks
If a sliding patio door becomes stuck in its tracks, it can be difficult to open and close. This is typically a simple issue to fix. In most cases, the door simply requires lubrication to allow it to move.
Cleaning the tracks regularly and sliding patio doors can help to keep dirt from accumulating that could interfere with track operation. It is important to sweep or brush the sill and tracks every week to get rid of larger pieces of dirt. Make use of a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and warm water, as well as a mild detergent to wash the tracks and thoroughly wash them. You can also scrub the 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 crevices, nooks and corners of the tracks and sill.
After the sill and tracks have been cleaned, they should be cleaned with a cloth that is free of lint and dried with paper towel. If you have white vinegar handy, it can be used to remove stubborn stains on the tracks and sill. Apply a small amount of vinegar to an unclean, soft cloth and rub the area with the stain. If the stain persists, you can try scrubbing them with a small brush or an old toothbrush and then rinse them off.
Keep your sliding patio door tracks and doors clean to prolong their life and increase their efficiency. Clean them every time you clean your windows. Be sure to inspect the weather strip that surrounds patio doors regularly and replace it if it's damaged or worn. This is an essential step in reducing energy costs while ensuring indoor comfort. If you notice drafts, or a rise in your cooling and heating bills, it might be time to consider investing in new patio doors with improved insulation.
Lubricate the Locks
The mechanism of the lock must be lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This will also prolong the longevity of the lock because it won't be subjected to unnecessary wear and tears. Light machine oil is ideal, but you can also use a graphite lock lubricant. The right lubricant can help prevent the buildup of gunk that can cause the delicate pins within the lock to break.
Graphite is a great oil for the lock cylinder, since it does not wash away or attract dirt. This dry lubricant is available in most hardware stores. It is available in a squeeze-bottle that allows you to blow the powder directly into the lock. Insert your key, and then move it back and forward to distribute the graphite throughout the lock.
Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock cylinder. This will give you instant lubrication but it could be too strong for certain locks. If the cylinder is stuck, you can try working the key in and out several times to distribute the WD-40 on all the internal components.
Teflon based oils can also be utilized. These lubricants are extremely robust and are able to withstand high temperatures, making them the perfect choice for a lock. They're also water-resistant, which means they'll help prevent the rust that can affect other lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors are a bit stiff to open and close, it's probably because the locking mechanism isn't aligned properly with the frame of the door. If you're not able to fix this problem on your own, it's recommended to seek out an expert locksmith. They'll be able to examine your lock and determine what's causing it to be stiff and difficult to operate. They can also install new rollers and springs to bring back the functionality of your patio door. They'll even help you choose the appropriate locks to replace your old ones with, if needed. This means you don't have to worry about losing your keys or having a broken locks on your doors ever again!
Adjust the Rollers
Incorrectly aligned tracks or rollers can cause patio doors to be difficult to open and close. If the door is stuck due to one or more of these issues, the fix can be simple. If the issue persists and you are experiencing drafts or see an increase in your heating and cooling costs it could be the right the time to replace your doors.
The next step is check the rollers. The rollers are an essential element in the sliding track of a door and if they're damaged or worn, they could cause the door to slam. To remove the rollers, gently pry them up by taking off the screw that is holding them in place using the aid of a Phillips head screwdriver.
After sliding patio door repair repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk have been removed, you can remove the rollers and replace them with new ones if needed. Most patio door systems use steel wheels that can rust with time. Most modern doors feature plastic wheels that last longer than the metal ones do. If your wheels are worn out and rusty, you'll likely have to replace the entire system of rollers and track.
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 works well). By turning these screws, you can either tighten or loosen the track in order to position it in the correct way. Once you've got it correct, your door should be in full contact with the track, and there shouldn’t be any gaps.
After the adjustment, spray lubricant containing silicone on the tracks and rollers. Apply a generous coat of lubricant and slide the door back and forth several times to spread it out. After the lubricant is dry you should be capable of opening and closing your patio door without it becoming stuck or making any noises. If you're experiencing issues, contact your Milgard dealer for assistance. They will assist you in finding the correct replacement parts and show you how to install them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are a great way to bring natural light into your home, and also provide stunning views of nature. However, they can also be a security concern because a damaged window could easily allow intruders to gain entry into your home. It is crucial to replace the glass on these doors to ensure they are functioning and secure.
If the glass on your patio door has broken, it might appear to be a difficult project to replace the pane. With the right guidance replacing a window on a patio door is actually quite easy. You can complete this task without taking the frame from the door. To begin, take off the trim around the glass, also known as the mull. Place a putty knife between the trim and the door, then use a small pry bar and hammer to gently lift it off. Wear gloves and long sleeves to prevent damaging the trim.
Once the old glass is removed Clean and sweep the area to remove any broken pieces glass. After that, wipe clean the frame. Duct tape any cracks on the frame to help strengthen it. You can then begin reassembling the door. Before you do this, be sure to take measurements of the exact dimensions (and the thickness) of the glass that was originally installed. This will help you to ensure that the replacement glass is of the right size and thickness.
After reassembling your frame apply a clear silicone caulk over the opening. This will stop water or air from seeping into the gap and damaging the glass. Once the caulk is dry, slide the new window into position. Then, use the glazing points to hold it. Once the glass is secured to the stop, replace them using brad nails. Then use a nail punch to tap them in.
Patio doors are not just for providing a beautiful view, but they can also increase the energy efficiency of your home by reducing the heat and cold transfer from the inside to the outside. They also provide an extra level of protection from storms and other elements that could harm your windows and cause leaks.