Patio doors are an attractive and useful addition to any house, bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor living. They are prone to wear and tear and should be maintained in a timely manner.
Doors that are damaged aren't just an issue for security, but also contribute to the cost of energy by allowing cold air into the home.
Damaged Glass
Patio doors are an excellent option to create seamless transitions between outdoor and indoor living spaces. They can enhance the aesthetics of your home and improve the efficiency of your energy use. However, with time, the sliding mechanisms can develop issues that affect their functionality and overall performance.
The glass on patio doors can often be cracked or shattered. It could be due to various reasons. It could be due to misaligned tracks or cold draughts entering the building or even if the door was set up incorrectly in the first place. If you're uncertain about the cause of the issue, it's recommended to speak with a professional.
Broken windows aren't just a security risk, but also cause colder air to enter the property, water ingress or make your home appealing for criminals. It is also essential to fix a damaged window as soon as you can, to prevent further damage.
If your patio door is shattered it is necessary to get in contact with a glazier who can replace the glass. This is usually a quicker alternative than replacing the entire door, since it can be a lot cheaper to replace only the glass panel.
Glazing beads are used to anchor sliding patio door glass panels to the frame. These beads may become loose with time. They can also crack or break when exposed to temperatures that are high. Depending on the degree of the damage you may be able to perform the repair yourself, but it's recommended to seek help from a professional to ensure a perfect finish and a safe installation.
Tracks that slide Tracks
Over time, dirt, dust, and even rust can build up in the tracks of your patio door. It can cause the door to move slower and therefore it is essential to keep the tracks clean. You can do this by using a mild detergent and a brush. You can also use a degreaser in order to remove more extensive build-ups. If your door is still not sliding smoothly, the track may be bent or damaged.
This is often caused by heavy doors, or pets who drag dirt through the door. The cogs or spindles can break. This could cause the handle to become stuck and make it difficult to lift.
Lack of lubrication is a common cause of a sliding door malfunctioning. To prevent future problems, it can be accomplished by applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks. Be sure to thoroughly clean the track before applying the lubricant, so that it doesn't accumulate more dirt.
Test the door after applying the lubricant, moving it upwards and downwards. If it isn't moving easily, apply the lubricant and repeat. At some point, you'll be in a position to get your sliding patio door to move again without the need for a repair company.
If the tracks on your door are bent, you may require removing the door in order to straighten them. It's a large task and you'll need someone assist you. Begin by placing an untidy cloth on the floor and taking off the plugs that cover the screws for adjusting the roller. Often, these are located in the corner of each side of the frame. After the screws have been removed, the track will pull away from the wall. Utilize a rubber mallet, a block and a rubber mallet if you find an area that is bent outward. Place the wood on the part of the track that is bent outward, then strike it with the mallet until the track becomes straight. Repeat the process on the other side of the track in the event that it is necessary. Once the tracks are straight, you'll be able to reinstall your door and reattach any hardware that was removed.
Broken Rollers
If you notice that your patio door is difficult to open, and it's catching or scraping on the track, it may be time to replace the roller on the bottom. It will wear out with time, just like all moving parts. If you wait too long, you may have difficulty getting the door to open. This can cause excessive stress to other components, such as the handles that could break or the track that will be broken.
It is a difficult job to replace the rollers and you will need to remove the entire panel from the frame. The first thing to do is pull back the roller wheels and give the panel a slight push to see if the panel will break free. If it does then get a friend to help you remove the panel and then place it on the floor. Once original site is removed you can then begin to look at it for evidence of damage.
After you've completed that, you're now able to work on the rollers themselves. They'll likely be glued to the metal frame so you'll need a screwdriver and perhaps a pry-bar or a rigid putty knife to take them off the rollers. After you've removed the old ones, make notes about their style and size so that you can substitute them with the same ones.
It's possible that there's no visible damage to the rollers, and they just need lubricating. If this is the situation, spray some silicone-based lubricant onto the rollers and try moving the panel again.
In more serious instances the bogies under the rollers could fail, or the tracks on which they roll may be damaged. In this instance, the entire track will have to be replaced. This is usually an all-hands job since the panel must be lifted off the aluminium frame before the builders can be taken out. This is the most difficult part of the repair. It is important to take care not to break or shatter the glass.
Weather Treatment
Paul and his wife were tired of their old patio door letting drafts through when they were in the living room, watching TV or sitting in their recliner. They also noticed icicles inside the frame this past winter. The couple spoke to our expert on products who informed them that their doors required of weather treatment. The door was old and had some rust due to age and the British weather, but it could be fixed to enhance the look of their home. They decided to build a new patio and window treatments that would match their home's decor.
