Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors make a fantastic addition to any home. They are easy to operate and offer the most expansive view. However, like all household door, they're prone to wear and tear that requires repair or replacement.
Make sure you regularly clean and lubricate your sliding patio doors to keep them in good working order. Lubricating them using graphite or silicon spray will let them slide smoothly and prolong their usage.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door isn't rolling smoothly, you might need to grease it. If the rollers have become damaged or worn out it is necessary to replace them. Replace the rollers on your patio door to ensure that your doors run smoothly. You will also need less force to open or shut them.
If your patio door was built prior to 2000, you may require removing the bottom of the frame in order to get access to the rollers. If this is the situation, use a wood block and rubber mallet to tap the door free, then pull it out. Be sure to save the roller screws to use when reinstalling your new rollers.
Glass sliding doors are a major security point in many homes and must be protected properly. In addition to making it difficult to open or close your door, damaged or worn-out roller wheels can leave gaps that can be exploited by intruders. Replacing your patio door's rollers will ensure that your home is well-protected from unwanted guests.
After removal of the rails at the top and bottom, it is a good idea to wipe all parts of track with an alcohol soaked cloth. This will remove any dirt and make taking the doors off the tracks much easier. You will be able to see drainage holes on the bottom track, but these often get clogged with dirt. If you discover that your track is prone to collecting dirt, think about installing a stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps over the track to provide an additional channel to let water flow. These are available from CR Laurence, as well as other stores that specialize in sliding door parts.
When you install the doors, remember to put the bottom panel in first before putting the top into the position. You should be able to test the doors once they have returned to their original position to ensure they are smooth and do not require excessive force to open or shut. If the doors feel rough you can adjust the new rollers for more clearance.
Weather Strip Replacement
The weather strip seals your sliding doors wear out, permitting drafts and moisture to be able to. This can increase your energy costs. Replacing them is an easy task that takes just few minutes and will be repaid in lower heating expenses in no time.
There are a variety of types of materials that can be used for sliding door weather stripping, each having their distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select the right material that can stand up to friction, temperature changes as well as changes in weather and pedestrian traffic, but not interfere with the operation of the sliding door. Foam and felt, for instance, are inexpensive but vulnerable to weather and visible within the frame; vinyl is more expensive but will last for a long time while metals are strong but could look out of an upscale home; while plastic or rubber may degrade over time and require frequent replacement.
To install new weather strips, remove the door from the casing. To do this, locate the headstop at the top of the door. It's usually a small strip of plastic or metal that's fixed by screws. Take off the screws and then employ a flathead to pull out the headstop from the bottom of your door. Remove the weather stripping and any debris left behind with a putty knife or scraper.
You'll require a lot of force to lift the door out of its track, so don't try to do it with only one person. Have a friend assist you in removing the door. take it off.
After the doors are out of the way, locate the channels that support the weather stripping. Plugs that are in line with the color of your doors are best placed in these channels. Remove the plugs, and then pull the weather stripping to remove it from its channel.
There are a myriad of weather stripping however the most suitable for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This kind of weather stripping has a Mylar fin that is centered in the pile (brush material) and is extremely durable, suitable for nearly all climates, and is able to stand well against foot traffic. The back of the weather stripping is also constructed of a strong, flexible material to better withstand the demands of sliding patio doors.
Door Alignment
The sliding patio doors are a wonderful option for any home. However, just like all other things, they will need an adjustment every now and then to ensure they function at their best. Over time, the parts of these doors can wear out or fall out of alignment, resulting in issues such as sticking, bumping into frames, or failing to lock properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can avoid these issues, saving you money and time.
The most common reason for sliding door misalignment comes from damage to the rollers or tracks caused by sudden jolts and excessive force. This issue can be fixed quickly using the right tools. Your patio door will continue to glide smoothly for a long time.
The misalignment could be caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity, weatherstripping wear, and inadequate installation. The latter can result in parts shifting and becoming loose over time and causing the door to move but not latch properly or close. These changes over time could result in air drafts, and possibly water leakage into the home.
It is essential to clean and lubricate the sliding patio door track frequently to avoid these problems. You can purchase a small amount of spray-on lubricant at any hardware store. Applying it regularly using bristles that are small will help keep your track in good condition.
Another reason for sliding patio door misalignment is the latch hook not syncing with the strike plate on the jamb. To fix this, open the door and reveal the latch mechanism. This allows you to view it and have full access. Locate the adjusting screw for this latch hook, and gently turn it either way to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch will ensure that the latch will engage and hit the strike plate without any resistance or hindrance.
After you've made all the necessary adjustments, check your door to make sure it locks and slides properly. If there are any issues, continue the process until your sliding patio door is fully functioning. You'll save money by not paying professionals to do expensive repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, screws on sliding door frames may loosen and allow the frame to move a bit. By checking and tightening the screws, you can stop your doors from becoming stuck or jammed. A sagging screen door can be fixed with a bit of clamping, whereas hinges that are loose may require replacing it.
Replacing a sliding patio door, without replacing the frame is possible but requires careful assessment of 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 involves the complete removal of the current hinged doors, window and frame from the wall opening. This allows an entirely new sliding patio be installed, and it will allow more flexibility in terms size, dimensions and materials.
Sliding glass doors are designed to offer a stunning view from your backyard. However, patio door repair can develop signs of wear over time. If your sliding doors are jammed or are difficult to open, you might need to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good shape it might be enough to replace the doors.
Be sure that your work area is clear of obstructions and that you've laid down a dropcloth. Then, place the sliding door flat on a surface and take off the grilles or shades that are removable. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the plugs covering the roller adjustment screws at the bottom of the frame (they're often covered by caps). After you've removed them screws, you can remove the bottom of the sliding door and pull it away from the track.
Once the frame is exposed and the frame is exposed, you can replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If the track on your sliding door is damaged or old and needs to be replaced, it is best to replace it rather than repair it. You can either purchase a DIY kit or employ a professional to install it. In either case, make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper installation.