Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors are a great addition to any home. They're easy to operate and provide a wide view. However, like all door in the home, they're susceptible to wear and tear that requires repair or replacement.
Keep your sliding patio doors in working order by cleaning and lubricating them regularly. Lubricating them with graphite or silicone will allow them to slide effortlessly, which can extend their life.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door doesn't roll easily, you may need to lubricate it. If the rollers have become damaged or worn, you will need to replace them. Replacing your patio door's rollers will let your doors run smoothly and lessen the amount of force needed to open or close them.
If your patio door is older, it may be necessary to cut off the bottom part of the frame to access the rollers. If this is the situation then use a mallet made of rubber and wood block to loosen the frame and then pull it off. Save the roller screws to install your new rollers.
Sliding glass doors are major security points in most homes and should be secured properly. In addition to making it difficult to open or close your door, damaged or old roller wheels can leave gaps that could be exploited by intruders. By replacing your patio door rollers, you can ensure that your home is protected from unwanted guests.
After removing the top and bottom rails it is a great idea to clean the entire length of track with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will get rid of any dirt and make the task of getting rid of the doors from the tracks much simpler. The drainage holes on the bottom of the track should be clearly visible but they are usually blocked by dirt. If your track seems to be prone of collecting lots of dirt, you might be interested in installing an stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps onto the track and provides an extra channel for water to flow through. You can get these from CR Laurence and other retailers who specialize in sliding door replacement parts.
Remember to install the bottom panel first before installing the top panel. Once the doors are back in place, you'll be able to verify that they move freely and don't require a lot of force to open or close them. If you feel that the doors are rough, you can adjust the rollers to allow for more clearance.
Weather Strip Replacement
The weather strip on your sliding door's seals wear down slowly opening up drafts and moisture that raise your energy costs. Replacing them is a straightforward task that takes just some minutes and will be paid for in lower heating costs in no time.
There are many different types of materials that can be used for sliding door weather stripping, each with their distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select one that is able to be able to withstand the effects of friction, temperature fluctuations, weather changes and pedestrian traffic, but not interfere with the operation of the sliding door. Foam and felt, for example, are inexpensive but vulnerable to weather and visible inside the frame; vinyl is more expensive but lasts for years while metals are strong however they may not look in an upscale home; and plastic or rubber will degrade over time and require frequent replacement.
To install new weather stripping, you must first remove the door from its casing. Find the headstop at the top of the doors - it's usually a small piece of metal or plastic that is held in place with screws. Take off the screws and then use a screwdriver with a flat head to pull the headstop free from the bottom of the door. Take off the weather stripping and any residue left behind using scraper or a putty knife.
Do not try to remove the door off its tracks with only one person. You will need to apply plenty of force. It is better to have a partner to hold the door steady as you remove it from its frame.
Find the channels that are holding your weather stripping. These should be covered with plugs that match the colour of your doors. Pull up on the weatherstripping to remove it from the channel. Remove the plugs.
There are many types of weather stripping, but the best for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This kind of weather seal is made with Mylar centering in the brush material, and is very durable. It is suitable for all climates and is able to be able to withstand the rigors of foot traffic. The back of the stripping is made of a pliable, hard material that can withstand the rigors a sliding patio door.
Door Alignment
Sliding patio doors are a wonderful option for any home. But, as with all other things, they will need an adjustment periodically to ensure that they perform at their best. As time passes, the parts of these doors will wear out or become out of alignment, which can result in issues such as hitting frames, sticking or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments will keep these issues from happening, saving you both money and time.
The most common cause of sliding door misalignment comes from damage to the rollers or tracks caused by sudden jolts and excessive force. This problem can be solved quickly with the right tools. Your patio door will glide smoothly for a long time.
www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk could also be caused by changes 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 or close properly. These changes over time could cause air drafts and even water leakage into your home.
To prevent these problems, it is important to regularly clean and lubricate your patio door track. You can buy a small amount of spray-on lubricant at any hardware store. Applying it frequently using a small bristle can help keep your track in good condition.
Another common cause of misalignment of sliding patio doors is that the latch hook is not synchronizing with the strike plate on the jamb. To fix this, first open the door to expose the latch mechanism, giving you complete access to it. Find the screw that adjusts this latch hook and gently turn it in either direction to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch will ensure that the latch engages and hits the strike plate without obstruction or resistance.
Check your door after having made the necessary adjustments to ensure it slides and locks correctly. Repeat the process if you find problems that persist until your sliding patio door is functional. You'll save a lot of cash by not having to hire professionals to make costly repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, the screws in sliding door frames may loosen. This allows the frame to move a small amount. By regularly tightening and checking these screws, you can prevent your doors from getting stuck or blocked. A sliding screen door can be corrected with a little some clamping, but hinges that are loose could require replacing it.
It is possible to repair the patio's sliding feature without having to replace the frame, however, you should first determine the condition of the current frame. This option is less expensive than a full frame replacement and can address specific requirements like improved insulation or a new aesthetic.
A full frame replacement involves the complete removal of hinged doors frames, windows and doors from the wall opening. This allows the new patio to be constructed, and allows for more flexibility in terms of design size, dimension and materials.
Sliding glass doors are made to give you a beautiful view of your backyard, however in time, they start showing signs of wear and wear and tear. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or are stuck you may need to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good shape it might suffice to replace the doors.
Before you begin, make sure your work space is free of obstructions. Also, lay down a drop cloth. Then, place the sliding door on a flat work surface and remove any grilles or shades from the frame. Then make use of a screwdriver remove the plugs covering the roller adjustment screws at the bottom of the frame (they're often covered with caps). Once these are removed then you can unlatch and pull the door's bottom from the track.
After the frame is exposed it is possible to replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If the track on your sliding door has deteriorated or is damaged you should replace it rather than repair it. You can purchase a kit for the DIY project or let a professional do it for you. In either case, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper installation.