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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh air, and they enhance the value of a house. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate better with contractors about problems they face. Here are a few of the most common patio door problems: Misaligned rollers It's sometimes difficult to open a sliding patio door. But in the absence of a underlying structural issue, the majority of uncooperative doors can be easily fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. The majority of the time dirt on the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this instance clean the track thoroughly before applying an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers are able to glide smoothly. Misalignment can also occur due to wear or damage in the hinges that connect the doors, which house some of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension; and cables, which raise the door. When worn or damaged these components can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance and other problems such as the door being heavier or having higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these elements are in sync to keep your patio doors operating smoothly. Install a crow's feet at one end. Use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track and divide by two to get the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as exact as using pi tape to measure the diameter directly. However, patio door repair and more efficient than using a carpenter's or level to determine the rail's diameter. You can also check the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is a flat plate that is situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy, you may need help removing removable grilles and shades. After the head stop is removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by pushing them out using a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in using the Hammer. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Sliding patio doors can act as magnets for debris, dirt and other outside elements. They also are susceptible to misalignment, and other issues that require professional assistance to fix. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it's essential to find and fix these problems as soon as you can. Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time dirt and other debris such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, could be trapped in the small spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors and cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum the patio door tracks every month, at minimum, to avoid problems. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or warm soapy tap water once you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that certain parts of the track are harder to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny areas. It is also recommended to lubricate the tracks regularly to avoid your sliding door becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, it is recommended that you add silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to enhance glide. Air leaks or drafts can also impact your sliding patio doors. This can happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn away or is damaged. This can cause an opening between your patio door and the frame. This lets air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it as necessary. Over time your patio door could experience normal wear. These issues aren't usually an indication of a serious problem. Small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door. Call a professional as quickly when you spot any issues to avoid costly repairs. Glass that is warped or cracked A damaged or cracked patio door is an visual ailment and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals to enter your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix in the event that you spot them early. First, a quick look at the glass can help determine what type of repair is needed. Generally, cracks in glass are due to stress or impact. They are more difficult to fix than simple chipping on the surface. A professional will probably need to re-lead the panel. This will require removing the glass and replacing any broken pieces. For this reason, a professional will need accurate documentation of the piece as it was originally viewed to help match up the new glass to the old one. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. You can purchase this at a hardware store, or in the home improvement section. A professional will usually use an iron soldering to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. After the plastic has cooled it is then removed by the professional any excess. If the crack is not too big, it may be possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. This type of product can be found at any hardware store. It is crucial to dry the crack thoroughly before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to expedite this procedure. Damaged weatherstripping A weather stripping that is worn out is not just ugly and a security hazard, but it also allows air from outside to get in and cold or hot air escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home. First, make sure you have all the tools and supplies. You'll require an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you choose) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility blade, protective goggles or gloves and a new weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through one end piece and lifting it up with any screws for attachment when applicable. Then take any remaining pieces over using pliers or a pry bar. Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine the right size weather stripping you will need. Make sure you leave extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the ideal size, place the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired, tack it to the frame using the nail or hammer. Finally apply wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before applying any paint. It is best to use oil-based paints however, latex paint can also be used. Also, ensure that you clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. This will prevent future problems such as sticking. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they remain attractive, functional, and energy-efficient. By doing so you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and save money in the process! Enjoy your home improvement projects!