How to Repair Patio Doors
A sliding patio door improves the aesthetics of a home and also provides comfort and energy efficiency. However they require regular maintenance in order to function in the way they were designed to.
These simple tasks will help you extend the life of your doors, and reduce costly repairs. In certain situations the expertise of a professional might be required for more extensive damage.
Clear the Tracks
If the sliding patio door gets stuck in its tracks, it can be difficult to open and close. This is usually a simple problem to fix. In most cases, lubricating the door is all needed to move it.
Regularly cleaning the tracks and sliding patio doors can help prevent dirt buildup that can interfere with track operation. It is essential to sweep or brush the sill and tracks each week to get rid of larger pieces of dirt. Then you can use an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth with mild soap and warm water to clean them down and rinse them thoroughly. You can scrub the stains with a small toothbrush, but be careful to avoid damaging or scratching the tracks. Be sure to clean all the crevices, nooks and corners of the sill and tracks.
After the sill and tracks are clean, they need to be wiped down with a cloth that is lint-free and then dried using paper towels. If patio door repair near me have white wine vinegar in your house you can use it to get rid of stubborn stains. Apply a small amount to an unclean, soft cloth and rub the area with the stain. If the stain remains try rubbing with a small toothbrush or a small brush.
Keep your sliding patio door tracks and doors clean to extend their life and make them more efficient. Clean them as often as you clean your windows. Be sure to check the weather strip that surrounds the patio doors frequently and replace it if it's worn or damaged. This is a vital measure to cut down on energy costs while maintaining the comfort of your home. If you notice drafts, or an increase in your cooling and heating bills, then it may be time to invest new patio doors that are more efficient in insulation.
Lubricate the Locks
The mechanism of the lock must be lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This can also extend the life of the lock itself because it won't be subject to excessive wear and wear and tear. You can use graphite lock grease or light machine oil. Using the correct lubricant will help prevent the buildup of gunk, which can cause the delicate pins in the lock to become damaged.
Graphite is a great oil for the lock cylinder, since it does not wash away or attract dirt. You can purchase this dry lubricant at most hardware stores in a squeeze bottle that permits you to blow the powder into the lock without having to touch it. After that, just insert your key and move it back and forth to spread the graphite around the internal parts of the lock.
You can also spray WD-40 directly into the lock's cylinder. This will give you a quick burst of lubrication, but it could be too strong for certain locks. If the lock is stuck it is possible to try moving the key in and out a few times to spread the WD-40 on all the internal components.
Teflon based oils can also be utilized. These lubricants are able to withstand high temperatures and are extremely durable, which makes them an excellent choice for a lock. They're also water-resistant, which means they can help to prevent the rust that can affect other lubricants.
If you find that your sliding patio door is a bit difficult to open or close it could be caused by the locking mechanism not being aligned correctly with the frame. If you're not able to fix this problem by yourself, it's best to seek out a professional locksmith. They can inspection of your lock to discover what's making it stiff or difficult to operate, and they can also install new springs and rollers to restore your patio door's functionality. If necessary, they'll assist you in selecting the best locks to replace the ones that are damaged. You won't have to worry about losing your keys, or getting a broken lock on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
Incorrectly aligned tracks or rollers can cause patio doors to be difficult to open and close. The solution to stuck doors is simple if any of the issues mentioned above are present. However should the problem persist and you're experiencing drafts or notice an increase in your heating and cooling bills, it could be time to replace your doors.
If the tracks and latch are in good condition, the next thing to examine is the rollers. The rollers are a crucial element of a sliding track. if they're damaged or worn they could cause the doors to become stuck. To remove the rollers, gently pry them up by removing the screw that holds them in place with a Phillips head screwdriver.
You can easily take off the screws and replace the rollers if needed. The majority of patio door systems have steel wheels, which can be rusty with time. Plastic wheels are found on most newer doors, and last longer than metal ones. If your wheels are rusted and worn out, you'll need to replace all the rollers and tracks.
If your rollers work normally, you can adjust the alignment by with the adjustment screws on the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver you used to remove the rollers will also work). Turning these adjustment screws will either tighten or loosen the track to position it correctly. When you've got the adjustment correct, your door should be in full contact with the track, and there shouldn't be any gaps.
Once the adjustment is done then lubricate the rollers and track using a silicone-based spray lubricant. Apply a generous coat of lubricant, then slide the door back and forth several times to spread it out. After the lubricant is dry, you should be able to open and close your patio door without getting stuck or making any noises. If you're experiencing issues, contact your Milgard dealer for assistance. They can guide you on how to replace the part and help you find the problem.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors can be ideal for bringing natural light into your home and offer stunning views of the natural world. However, they can also be an issue for security as a cracked window could allow burglars to break into your home. Replacing the glass on these doors is crucial to ensure that they are secure and functioning properly.
It might seem difficult to replace a patio door's pane if the glass has broken. If you follow the correct instructions replacing a window on a patio door is actually very simple. You can even do this without removing the door from the frame. To get started, first take off the trim around the glass, referred to as the mull. Slide a putty blade between the trim and door and then apply the small pry-bar and hammer. Wear gloves and long sleeves to prevent damaging the trim.
After you have removed the old glass remove it and vacuum the area to remove any broken glass. Wipe the frame. Apply tape to any cracks on the frame to help strengthen it. Then, you can begin to reassemble the door. Before you begin, make sure to take measurements of the exact dimensions (and thickness) of the glass that was originally installed. This will help you ensure that the replacement glass is the proper size and thickness.
After reassembling your frame, apply a clear silicone caulk over the opening. This will stop air or water from leaking into the gap and damaging the glass. When the caulk has dried then slide the new glass into position, and then use the glazing points to hold it in the place. Once the glass has been secured, replace the stops with brad nails and then use a nail punch to tap them into.
In addition to offering an amazing view of the outside, patio doors enhance the efficiency of your home's energy usage by reducing cold and heat transfer between indoors and outdoors. They can also provide an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements which could damage your windows or cause leaks.