Patio Door Repair - How to Keep Your Door in Good Shape
Patio doors are attractive and useful addition to any home, helping to bridge the gap between outdoor and indoor living. However, they are susceptible to wear and tear and require to be maintained properly.
Damaged doors are not only a security risk, but can also result in the cost of energy by allowing cold air into the home.
Glass that is damaged
Patio doors can be used to make a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors. They can enhance the appearance of your home and increase energy efficiency. However, over time the sliding mechanisms may develop issues that affect their functionality and overall performance.
One of the most common issues homeowners encounter with their patio doors is broken or cracked glass. It can be caused by various reasons. It could be due to misaligned tracks or cold draughts entering the property or even when the door was put in incorrectly. If you're uncertain about the cause of the issue, it's best to contact an expert.
Broken windows can be dangerous for your safety, but they can also allow colder air to get into the property, or water to infiltrate the house, or make it more attractive to criminals. To avoid further damage it is crucial to repair windows that have been damaged as soon as possible.
If your patio door is shattered, you'll need to connect with an expert glazier who can repair the glass. This is a faster and less expensive option than replacing the whole door.
Glazing beads are used to fix sliding glass doors into the frame. door repair london can turn loose over time. These beads can also crack or break if they are exposed to extreme heat. You may be able do the work yourself, depending on the severity, however it is best to consult an expert for a flawless finish and safe installation.
Sliding Tracks
Over time, dirt, dust and even rust may build up on the tracks of your patio door. This can cause the door to move less, so it is important to keep the tracks clean. You can do this by using a mild detergent and brush. It's also a good idea to apply a degreaser to more substantial build-ups. If your door is not moving smoothly, the track could be bent or damaged.
This is often caused by heavy doors or pets dragging dirt into the door. The cogs or spindles may break. This can cause the handle become stuck and difficult to lift.
Another reason for a sliding patio door's failure is an absence of lubrication. Applying a silicone-based lubricant on the tracks and rollers can assist in preventing future problems. Be sure to thoroughly clean the track before applying lubricant so it doesn't collect more dirt.
Test the door after applying the lubricant, moving it up and down. Reapply the lubricant if it's not moving easily. At some point, you'll be in a position to get your sliding patio door moving without the need for a repair company.
If the tracks on your door are bent, you could need to remove the door in order to straighten them. It's a huge job and you'll need someone help you. Begin by laying an untidy cloth on the floor, and then taking off the plugs that cover the screws that adjust the roller. Usually, they are located in the corner of each side of the frame. Once the screws are removed, the track will pull away from the wall. If you spot a section of the track that bends outward, take an rubber mallet and a piece of wood. Place the wood in the region of the track that is bent outwards, then hit it with the mallet until the track becomes straight. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the track depending on the need. After the tracks have been straightened, you can reinstall the door and affix any hardware that was removed.
Broken Rollers
If you notice that your patio door is difficult to open and is scraping or catching on the track, then it's probably time to replace the bottom roller. 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 lead to excessive stress on other parts such as the handles which may break or the track that could be broken.
Replacing the rollers is quite an arduous task and requires removing the entire panel from the frame. First, you will need to retract the roller wheels. Then give the panel a gentle pull to determine if it will be able to come loose. If the panel comes off, ask a relative to assist you in removing it and placing it on a flat surface. Once the panel is removed you can then begin to examine it for indications of damage.
Once you've completed this, you can begin working on the rollers. You'll likely require the use of a screwdriver, a plier bar or a rigid putty blade to remove them. Once you've removed your old ones make a note of their style and dimensions so that when you replace them you can be sure they're a perfect match.
There could be no obvious damage to the rollers and they just need lubricating. If this is the situation, spray some silicone-based lubricant onto the rollers and try sliding the panel a second time.
In more serious situations, the bogies which sit underneath the rollers will fail or the tracks they roll on will become damaged. In this scenario the entire track would need replacing. It's usually a two-person job as the panel needs to be lifted from the frame made of aluminum so that the builders can take it away. This is typically the longest portion of the repair and it is important to take care to avoid any cracking or shattered glass.
Weather Treatment
Paul and his wife were irritated that their old patio door let drafts through while they were relaxing in their living space watching television or sitting in their recliner of choice. They also noticed icicles on the frame this past winter. Our product expert informed the couple that their doors needed to be treated for weather. The door was old and had some corrosion due to age and British weather however it could be repaired to enhance the look of their home. They decided to put in new patio and window treatments that would complement the decor of their home.