How to Repair Patio Doors
A sliding patio door improves the appearance of a house and offers comfort and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance to function as designed.
Performing these simple tasks can help extend the lifespan of your doors and reduce costly repairs. In some instances the expertise of a professional might be required to repair more severe damage.
Clear the Tracks
A sliding patio door could be difficult to close or open in the event that it has become stuck in the tracks. This is usually an easy problem to solve. In most cases, it's just lubricating the door needed to get it moving.
Regularly cleaning your sliding patio doors and tracks can limit the buildup of dirt that can impede track operation. Every week, vacuum or brush your sill and tracks to remove larger dirt particles. Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap, warm water and a mild detergent to clean the tracks and thoroughly wash them. You can scrub the staining using a small toothbrush, but be careful to not scratch or damage the tracks. Make sure to wash all the nooks, crannies and corners of the sill and tracks.
When the sill and tracks are clean, they need to be wiped down with a lint-free cloth and then dried using paper towels. If you have white wine vinegar on hand, it can be used to remove stubborn stains. Apply a small amount of vinegar to a soft, clean cloth and rub the area that has the stain. If the stain is persistent, try scrubbing with a small toothbrush or a small brush.
Keep your sliding patio door tracks and doors clean to prolong their lifespan and make them more efficient. It is a good idea to clean them as often as you do your windows. Also, make sure to inspect the weather strip on your patio doors regularly and replace it promptly if it is damaged or worn. This is an essential step in reducing the cost of energy while maintaining indoor comfort. If you are experiencing drafts or an increase in your cooling or heating costs, it may be time to consider investing in new patio doors that have improved insulation and weather stripping.
Lubricate the Locks
The mechanism of the lock must be lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This will also prolong the longevity of the lock because it won't be subjected to excessive wear and tears. You can use graphite lock grease or light machine oil. Using the right lubricant will help to avoid gunk buildup that can cause the delicate pins inside the lock to break.
Graphite powder is a great way to lubricate the lock cylinder since it doesn't sludge away or draw dirt. It is available as a dry lubricant at most hardware stores in a squeeze bottle that permits you to blow the powder into the lock without touching it. After that, just insert your key and move 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 an instant blast of lubrication, however it could be too strong for some locks. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is stuck you can try putting the key in and out a few times to distribute the WD-40 across all the internal parts.
Teflon-based lubricants are a different option. These lubricants can withstand extreme temperatures and are extremely durable, making them an excellent choice for a lock. They're also water-resistant, so they'll help you avoid the rust that can sometimes affect other types of lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors are slightly stiff to open or close, it's likely because the locking mechanism isn't aligned correctly with the frame of the door. It's best to call locksmiths if you're unable to solve the issue yourself. They can look at the lock to determine what's causing it to be stiff or difficult to operate, and they can also install new rollers and springs to bring back the functionality of your patio door. They can also help you select the appropriate locks to replace your old ones with, if needed. You'll never have to worry over losing your keys, or getting a broken lock on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
The difficulty of opening and closing a patio door could be caused by misaligned or faulty rollers, tracks or latches. The solution for a stuck door can be easy if one or more of the above problems are present. If the problem persists, and you feel drafts, or notice an increase in your heating and cooling bills It could be the time to change your doors.
If the latch and tracks are in good condition The next thing to check is the rollers. The rollers are an important element of a sliding track. when they're worn or damaged they could cause the doors to become stuck. To remove the rollers, gently pull them up by taking off the screw that is holding them in place using the help of a Phillips head screwdriver.
After the screws have been removed, you can extract and replace the rollers with new ones, if required. The wheels used in most patio door systems are usually steel, and they can be rusty as time passes. Plastic wheels are utilized on the majority of doors that are newer, and they last much longer than metal ones. If your wheels are rusted and are worn-out, you'll need to replace all tracks and rollers.
If your rollers are working You can usually adjust the alignment using the adjustment screws on the bottom of the track (the screwdriver you used to remove them can work well). These screws adjust track tension or loosen it to get it positioned correctly. If you've got the adjust right, the door should be in contact with the track all the way around and there aren't any gaps.
Once the adjustment is done after which you can lubricate the rollers as well as the track with a silicone-based spray lubricant. Apply a good coat of lubricant, then slide the door back and forth several times to spread it. Once the lubricant is dry, you should be free to open and shut your patio door without any issues. If you're still having issues, contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They will show you how to fix the problem and assist you in locating the problem.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are an excellent option to fill your home with natural light and breathtaking views of the outside. They also pose an issue for security, as glass panes that are broken could allow an intruder to easily break into your home. It is important to replace the glass on these door panels to ensure they are functioning and secure.
If your patio door glass has shattered, it may appear to be a difficult project to replace the pane. With the right instructions replacing windows on the patio door is quite easy. This task can be done without removing the patio door from its frame. To begin, remove the trim around the glass, also known as the mull. Use a putty blade to slide between the trim and the door and then use the small pry-bar and hammer. Be careful not to break or bend the trim, and make sure you wear gloves and long sleeves.
After the old glass is removed clean and sweep the area to remove any pieces of broken glass and then wipe down the frame. Apply tape to any cracks on the frame to help strengthen it. Then, you can start rebuilding the door. Make sure to measure (and note the thickness) the original glass prior to starting. This will ensure that you buy and install the proper glass replacement.
After reassembling the frame, apply a clear silicone caulk around the edges of the opening. This will prevent air or water from getting into the gap and damaging the new glass. After the caulk has dried and the window is positioned, slide it into place. Then use the glazing points as a way to hold it. After the glass has been secured, replace the stops and then tack into the brad nails with the nail punch.
Patio doors not only provide stunning views they also increase the energy efficiency of your home by reducing transfer of heat and cold from the inside to the outside. They can also provide an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements that could cause damage to your windows and cause leaks.