Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
A sliding patio door is a great addition for any home. They're simple to operate and provide an expansive view. However, like all household door, they're prone to wear and tear that will require repair or replacement.
Clean and lubricate regularly your sliding patio doors to keep them in good condition. Lubricating them with silicone spray or graphite will allow them to slide smoothly and prolong their usage.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door isn't rolling easily, you may need to grease it. If the rollers have become worn or damaged then you'll need to replace them. Replace the rollers on your patio door to ensure that your doors run smoothly. Additionally, you will require less force to open or close them.
If your patio door was built prior to 2000, you might need to remove the bottom part of the frame in order to get access to the rollers. If this is the case you can use a wooden block and rubber mallet to tap the door free and then remove it. Save the roller screws for reinstalling your new rollers.
Sliding glass doors are crucial security points in most homes and must be secured properly. Old or damaged roller wheels can make your door hard to open or close and can create gaps around the door that burglars can take advantage of. By replacing the rollers on your patio door, you can ensure that your home will be secured from unwanted visitors.
After removing the bottom and top rails, it is a good idea to clean the entire area of the track with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will eliminate any grime and make it easier to remove the doors from the track. The drainage holes in the bottom track should be obvious however they are often blocked by dirt. If you discover that your track is prone to accumulating dirt, you might consider installing a stainless-steel u-shaped part which snaps over the track to create an additional channel to let water flow. You can purchase these from CR Laurence and other retailers who specialize in sliding door replacement parts.
When you install the doors, remember to put the bottom panel into first and then swing the top in the place. After the doors are in place, you'll be able to test that they are able to move freely and do not require any excessive force to open or close them. If they still feel rough, you could readjust the new rollers to allow them to move more freely.
Weather Strip Replacement
The weather strip seals on your sliding doors slowly wear out, which allows drafts and moisture be able to. This increases your energy costs. Replacing them is a simple project that takes some minutes and will be paid for in lower heating expenses in no time.
Sliding door weather stripping is available in a wide variety of materials, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. You should select one that can stand up to friction, weather changes as well as extreme temperatures and foot traffic, without hindering the door's function. Foam and felt, for example, are inexpensive but vulnerable to weather and visible within the frame; vinyl is more expensive but will last for many years while metals are strong but could look out of place in a contemporary home; while plastic or rubber will degrade over time and require regular replacement.
To install new weather stripping, you must first remove the door from its casing. To do this, look for the headstop at the top of the door - typically a small piece of metal or plastic that is fixed by screws. Remove the screw caps and then use a screwdriver with a flat head to remove the headstop from the door's bottom. Remove the weather stripping and any debris left behind by using scraper or a putty knife.
Do not attempt to pull the door from its track by yourself. You'll have to use a lot of force. Instead, you should have a second person to hold the door steady as you take it off its frame.
Find the channels that are holding your weather stripping. They should be covered with plugs that match the colour of your doors. Take the plugs off, then pull the weather stripping to remove it from its channel.
Fin Seal is the best type of weather stripping for sliding patio doors. This type of weather stripping has a Mylar fin that is centered in the pile (brush material) and is very durable, suitable for nearly all climates and stands well against foot traffic. The back of the stripping is made of a flexible, hard material that can endure the pressure of sliding patio door.
Door Alignment
Sliding patio doors are a great feature for any home, but like anything else, they can require a few adjustments to make sure they are working at their best. Over time, these sliding patio doors may be worn out or misaligned. This can cause problems like sticking, bumping against frames, or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments will prevent these problems which will save you money and time.
One of the main reasons for sliding door misalignment is the damage to rollers or tracks from unexpected jolts, or excessive force. This issue can be fixed quickly by using the correct tools. Your patio door will slide smoothly for a long time.
Other causes for misalignment include variations in temperature or humidity or weatherstripping wear and tear and a poor installation. Parts may shift and become loose as time passes. This can cause the door to move, and not latch or close correctly. The resulting shifts can cause air drafts and even water leakage into the home.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your sliding patio door track regularly in order to prevent these problems. You can purchase a small amount of spray-on lubricant at any hardware retailer. Applying it regularly with bristles that are small can help keep your track operating smoothly.
Another reason for misalignment of sliding patio doors is the latch hook not synchronizing with the strike plate that is on the jamb. To fix this start by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism and give you full visibility and access to it. Next, locate the adjusting screw that controls this latch hook and gently move it in any direction to adjust the length of the hook. A properly adjusted latch will ensure that it engages and hits the strike plate without any resistance or hindrance.
After you've made all the necessary adjustments, test your door to ensure it slides and locks properly. Repeat the process if there are still any issues until your sliding patio door is fully functional. By following these easy steps, you can save yourself a significant amount of money by not having to hire professionals to carry out costly repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, screws on sliding door frames may loosen. This can allow the frame to move a small amount. By regularly checking and tightening patio door repair will prevent your doors from sagging or becoming stuck. A sagging screen door could be fixed with a some clamping, but hinges that are loose could require replacing it.
Replacing a sliding patio door without replacing the frame is possible but requires careful evaluation of the condition of the existing frame. This is a cheaper option than replacing the entire frame. It also can meet specific requirements like improved insulation.
A complete frame replacement involves the complete removal of the existing hinged doors, windows and frame from the wall opening. This allows a brand new sliding patio door to be installed and offers more flexibility in style, size and material choices.
Sliding glass doors are designed to provide a beautiful view of your backyard. However, they do show signs of wear over time. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or are stuck, you may have to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good condition replacing the doors might be enough.
Make sure that your work area is clear of obstructions and that you have laid down a dropcloth. Then, place the sliding door flat on a surface and take off the grilles or shades that are removable. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the plugs covering the roller adjustment screws at the bottom of the frame (they're often covered with caps). Once these screws are removed then you can loosen them and pull the door's bottom from the track.
Once the frame is exposed and the frame is exposed, you can replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your sliding door track has become old or damaged, you should replace it instead of repairing it. You can either purchase a DIY kit or engage a professional to complete it. In either case, make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure the proper installation.