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 as intended.
These simple steps can help extend the lifespan of your doors, and also reduce costly repairs. In some instances the expertise of a professional may be required for more severe damage.
Clear the Tracks
If the sliding patio door gets stuck in its tracks, it may be difficult to open and close. This is usually an easy issue to fix. In the majority of cases, simply lubricating the door is all that's needed to get it moving.
Cleaning the tracks regularly and sliding patio doors can help stop the buildup of dirt that can hinder track operation. It is important to vacuum or brush the tracks and sill every week to remove larger pieces of dirt. Then, use an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth with mild soap and warm water to wipe them down and wash them thoroughly. You can scrub stubborn staining using a small toothbrush, but be careful to avoid damaging or scratching the tracks. Make sure to wash all the nooks, crannies and corners of the tracks and sill.
After the sill and tracks are clean, they need to be scrubbed with a lint-free cloth and then dried with paper towels. If you have white vinegar handy it can be used to remove stains that are stubborn on the tracks and sill. To do upvc patio door repairs apply a small amount of vinegar onto a soft cloth and then rub the area in which the stain is. If the stain persists, you can try scrubbing them with a small toothbrush or an old toothbrush, and then rinse with water.
Keep your sliding patio door tracks and doors clean to prolong their lifespan and improve their efficiency. It is a good idea to clean them as often that you would your windows. Also, make sure to inspect the weather strip on your patio doors on a regular basis and replace it as soon as it is damaged or worn. This is a crucial step to reduce energy costs while maintaining the comfort of your home. If you notice drafts or a noticeable increase in your cooling or heating bills, it might be time to consider purchasing new patio doors with better insulation and weather stripping.
Lubricate the Locks
To ensure smooth operation, the lock mechanism must be lubricated. This can also extend the life of the lock itself because it won't suffer excessive wear and wear and tear. You can apply graphite lock grease or light machine oil. Using the correct lubricant will aid in preventing the buildup of gunk which could cause the delicate pins inside the lock to break.
Graphite is an excellent lubricant for the lock's cylinder, as it doesn't remove dirt or wash away. This dry lubricant can be found at most hardware stores. It is available in a squeeze-bottle that allows you blow the powder directly into the lock. After that, just insert your key and work it around and back to distribute the graphite over the internal parts of the lock.
Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock's cylinder. This will give you a quick blast of lubrication, however it could be too strong for certain locks. If the cylinder is stuck it is possible to try moving the key through and out several times to distribute the WD-40 across all internal components.
Teflon based lubricants can also be used. These lubricants are very robust and can withstand high temperatures, making them the perfect choice for a lock. They also resist water and can help prevent rust, which can affect other types of lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors are a bit stiff to open or close, it's likely that the locking mechanism isn't aligned with the frame of the door. If you're unable fix this problem by yourself, it's best to seek out a professional locksmith. They'll be able to inspect your lock and determine what's causing it to be difficult and stiff to operate. They can also install new springs and rollers to bring back the functionality of your patio door. If necessary, they'll help you select the right locks to replace those that are damaged. You'll never have to think about losing your keys, or the possibility of 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. If the door is stuck because of one or more of these reasons fixing it is simple. If the issue persists and you feel drafts or you notice an increase in heating and cooling costs, it may be time for you to replace 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 using a Phillips screwdriver, pull them gently upwards by removing the screws that hold them in their place.
After the screws have been removed, it is easy to remove and replace the rollers with new ones if you need to. The wheels used in most patio door systems are generally made of steel and may rust over time. Plastic wheels are used on most newer doors, and they last much longer than the metal ones. If your wheels have rusted and are worn out, you'll need to replace all the rollers and tracks.
If the rollers are working well, you should be able to correct the alignment using the adjustment screws at the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver that you used to remove the rollers will work). These screws will tighten or loosen the track to make sure it is positioned correctly. When you've got the adjustment correct, your door should be fully in contact with the track and there shouldn't be any gaps.
After the adjustment is completed after which you can lubricate the rollers as well as the track using a silicone-based spray lubricant. Apply a generous amount oil to the rollers and track. Then, slide the door forward and backwards a few times in order to spread it. Once the lubricant is dry, you should be free to open and shut your patio door without problems. If you are still having trouble then contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They can help you find the right replacement parts and guide you on how to install them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are an excellent way to let natural light into your home and offer stunning views of the natural world. They can also pose a security risk, as a broken glass pane could let an intruder easily gain entry to your home. Replacement of the glass on these doors is essential to ensure they are secure and functioning properly.
It may seem impossible to replace a patio door's glass in the event that the glass has cracked. With the right instructions, replacing a window on the patio door is fairly simple. You can complete this without removing the door from its frame. To get started, first take off the trim around the glass, which is referred to as the mull. Place a putty knife between the trim and door, and then use a 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 all broken glass. Wipe down the frame. Tape any cracks that appear on the frame to strengthen it. You can then begin reassembling the door. Make sure to take measurements of (and note the thickness) the original glass before you begin. This will ensure that you get and install the right glass replacement.
After reassembling your frame, apply a clear silicone caulk around the opening. This will stop water or air from seeping into the gap and damaging the new glass. After the caulk has dried, slide the new window into position. Then, use the glazing points as a way to hold it. Once the glass has been secured, replace the stops using brad nails. Then use nail tools to press them in.
Patio doors do not only offer an amazing view they also increase the energy efficiency of your home by reducing the heat and cold transfer from the inside to the outside. They also provide an additional layer of protection from storms and other elements that could harm your windows and cause leaks.