A Trip Back In Time The Conversations People Had About Patio Doors Repairs 20 Years Ago

Sliding Patio Doors Repairs Your sliding patio doors will bring in natural light to your home, and will increase its energy efficiency. Over time, they may start to show signs that require some maintenance. Most sliding patio door problems are fairly simple to fix. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:. Dirty or Damaged Tracks One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily usage can accumulate on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or to break down completely. This buildup can be reduced by incorporating regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks during your regular chores. Start by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products, such as dish soap, to clean them. A little vinegar added to your cleaning product can help in removing stubborn dirt and grease staining. If your sliding door isn't able to move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be an indication of more serious damage that requires professional repair or replacement. There are a few basic fixes you can do before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements. Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help to trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you can extend their lifespan considerably. Misaligned Rollers Sometimes, a patio can become misaligned. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to a bent roller or track. In this instance, you can realign the rollers by removing them with the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. Be cautious when working with these parts, as they are fragile. If your doors remain stuck and stick, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant as petroleum-based ones can draw dirt more quickly. It is also important to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant. After you've cleaned your rollers, you can put them back in place them with the adjustment screws. It is recommended to apply the same lubricant that you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels before reinstalling them. You can then check your door to see whether it is now sliding smoothly. If the problem persists it may be necessary to uninstall your door and inspect the tracks and rollers for more significant problems. If the wheels or tracks are bent in a way it could be necessary to replace them. It is best to engage an expert to install the tracks or rollers in this situation. Warped Glass Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing in natural sunlight and the outdoors into a room, but they are also susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Warping, cracking and fading are just a few of the most common problems. Warping happens when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading typically occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements. If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open, it could indicate that the tracks and rollers aren't working properly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or an absence of lubrication. This issue can be fixed by cleaning the tracks and rollers and removing obstructions. Another reason your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. This could be caused by the alignment of the track or wear and tear but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by using the adjustment screws located on the bottom of the track. Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor alignment of the door. This can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping, and realigning your doors. Loose Handle If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it could be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This is due to an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position. patio door glass replacement cost uk www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk may be caused by the handle becoming detached from the spindle which connects it to the interior or handles outside. This is typically the result of a combination of factors, including excessive use wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the problem is not addressed quickly, it could eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely. The best way to fix this problem is by first finding the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). It's a good idea keep these screws safe to ensure that you don't lose them. After removing the handles, the next step will be to take off the spindle. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle using a hammer until it is removed from its place within the door. The new handle is then installed by inserting the spindle inside the handle hole inside and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws and then check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism functions correctly. Faulty weatherstripping A damaged or cracked weatherstripping could let water and air get through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to allowing water, it can create drafts and also increase your cooling or heating costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require professional help. You can take off the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples using the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it off with a putty blade and then taking it off the door. After that, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping that is secured by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase the comfort. If your sliding patio doors are no longer functioning as they should, it's crucial to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid any further damage and ensure they remain functional for a long time to come. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best choice. The most frequent issues with sliding patio doors include filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. These issues can be solved by regular cleaning and maintenance like applying lubrication and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. However, if these methods don't work, it's best to seek professional advice to make sure that your patio door is working exactly as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to verify the warranty information to confirm that it is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.