How to Repair Patio Doors
A sliding patio door improves the aesthetics of a home and also provides convenience and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance in order to function as intended.
Doing these simple tasks can extend the life of your doors and reduce expensive repairs. In certain situations an expert's assistance could be required to repair more extensive damage.
Clear the Tracks
A sliding patio door could be difficult to close or open when it is stuck in the tracks. This is typically a simple problem to solve. In the majority of cases, the door simply requires lubrication to get it moving again.
Regularly cleaning the tracks and sliding patio doors can help keep dirt from accumulating that could interfere with the operation of the tracks. Every week, clean or scrub your tracks and sill to remove larger dirt particles. Then employ a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and warm water to wipe them clean and wash them thoroughly. You can scrub the stains with a small brush, but you must be careful to not 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 are clean, they need to be scrubbed with a cloth that is lint-free and then dried with paper towels. If you have white vinegar on hand you can use it to quickly remove stubborn stains on the tracks and sill. Apply a small amount on a soft, clean cloth and rub the area with the stain. If the stains persist you can try rubbing them using a small brush or an old toothbrush and then rinse them off.
Keep your sliding doors and tracks clean to extend their life and improve their efficiency. It is recommended to clean them as often as you clean your windows. In addition, be sure to inspect the weather strip around your patio doors regularly and replace it promptly if it is damaged or worn. This is an essential step to reduce energy costs while ensuring indoor comfort. If you notice drafts or a noticeable increase in your cooling or heating costs, it may be time to consider purchasing new patio doors with better insulation and weather stripping.
Lubricate the Locks
To ensure smooth operation the lock mechanism should be maintained by lubrication. This will also extend the lifespan of the lock since it won't be prone to wear and tears. You can use graphite lock grease or light machine oil. The right lubricant can help prevent the buildup of gunk, which can cause the delicate pins within the lock to become damaged.
Graphite is an excellent oil for the lock cylinder, since it does not remove dirt or wash away. You can purchase this dry lubricant in a majority of hardware stores in a squeeze bottle that allows you to blow the powder into the lock without having to touch it. Insert your key and then move it forward and back to spread the graphite across the lock.
Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock's cylinder. This will give you an instant blast of lubrication, however it might be too powerful for some locks. If the lock is stuck you can try putting the key in and out a few times to spread the WD-40 across all internal parts.
Teflon based lubricants can also be used. These lubricants are able to withstand high temperatures and are extremely durable, which makes them a great option for locking. They're also water-resistant, which means they'll help prevent the rust that can affect other types of lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors are slightly stiff to open and close, it's that the locking mechanism isn't aligned with the door's frame. If you're unable to fix this problem yourself, it's usually best to contact a professional locksmith. They'll be able to look over your lock and figure out the reason for it to be difficult and stiff to operate. They can also install new springs and rollers to restore the functionality of your patio door. They can also help you select the appropriate locks to replace your old locks with, if needed. You don't need to be worried about losing your keys or experiencing a a broken door lock ever again!
Adjust the Rollers
The tracks or rollers that are not aligned properly can cause patio doors to be difficult to open and close. If your door is squeaking because of one or more of these reasons, the fix can be simple. However should the problem persist and you are feeling drafts or notice an increase in your heating and cooling bills, it could be time to think about replacing your doors.
The next thing to do is check the rollers. The rollers are an essential element of the sliding track of a door and, if damaged or worn, they may cause the door to slam. To remove the rollers, gently pull them out by taking out the screw that holds them in place with the help of a Phillips head screwdriver.
Once the screws are removed, it is easy to extract and replace the rollers with new ones if needed. The wheels used in the majority of patio door systems are typically steel and can rust with time. Most newer doors have plastic wheels, which last longer than the metal ones do. If your wheels are dated and rusted, you will likely have to replace the entire set of track and rollers.
If sliding patio door repair near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk work normally, you can correct the alignment with the adjustment screws on the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver you used to remove the rollers will work). These screws tighten or loosen track to get it positioned correctly. When you have the adjustment correct, the door will be in contact with the track all the way around, and there should not be any gaps.
Once the adjustment is done then lubricate the rollers and track with a silicone-based spray lubricant. Apply a good coat of lubricant and then slide the door back and forth a few times to spread it. Once the lubricant is dry and the door is open, you should be able to open and close your patio door without any problems. If you still have trouble, contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They will help you locate the right replacement parts and show you how to install them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors can be ideal for bringing natural light into your home and offer stunning views of the natural world. They can also be an security risk, since a broken glass pane could allow an intruder to easily break into your home. The replacement of the glass on these doors is important to ensure they are safe and in good working order.
It might seem difficult to replace a patio door's glass when the glass is broken. But, if you follow the right directions, replacing a patio door window is actually very easy. You can even do this without removing the frame from the door. To get started, first take off the trim around the glass, referred to as the mull. Place a putty knife between the trim and the door and then use a small pry-bar and hammer. Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid damaging the trim.
Once the old glass is removed Clean and sweep the area to remove any pieces of broken glass. After that, wipe clean the frame. If there are any cracks within the frame, tape them together to help strengthen it. Then, you can begin assembling the door. Before you begin, make sure to measure the exact dimensions (and the thickness) of the glass that was originally installed. This will allow 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 air or water from leaking into the gap, causing damage to the glass. Once the caulk is dry then slide the new window into place. Then, use the glazing points to hold it. Once the glass is secure, replace the stops and then tap in the brad nails using the nail punch.
In addition to providing an amazing view of the outside, patio doors can enhance the efficiency of your home's energy usage by reducing heat and cold transfer between indoors and the outdoors. They also provide an extra level of protection against storms and other elements that could damage windows and cause leaks.