5 Laws That Anyone Working In Repair Patio Doors Should Be Aware Of
How to Repair Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors enhance the look of your home and provide convenience and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance in order to function as designed.
These simple steps will aid in prolonging the lifespan of your doors and reduce costly repairs. In some instances an expert's assistance could be required to repair more extensive damage.
Clear the Tracks
A sliding patio door can be difficult to open or close if it has become stuck in the tracks. Fortunately, this is an easy issue to resolve. In most instances, the door requires lubrication to allow it to move.
Cleaning the tracks on a regular basis and sliding patio doors can help stop the buildup of dirt that can interfere with the operation of the tracks. Every week, vacuum or brush your tracks and sill to remove dirt particles larger than. Then you can use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and warm water to clean them down and wash them thoroughly. You can scrub stubborn stains with a small brush, but you must be careful to not scratch or damage the tracks. Make sure you clean all the crevices, nooks and corners of the sill and tracks.
After the tracks and sill have been cleaned, they should be wiped clean with a lint free cloth and dried using a paper towel. If you have white vinegar handy it can be used to remove stubborn stains on the sill and tracks. To do this simply apply a small amount of vinegar to an absorbent cloth and then rub the area where the stain is located. If the stain remains, you can try scrubbing them with a small brush or an old toothbrush, and then rinse them off.
Keep your sliding doors and tracks clean to prolong their lifespan and improve their efficiency. It's a good idea to clean them with the same frequency like you would your windows. Be sure to inspect the weather strip around the patio doors frequently and replace it if worn or damaged. This is an important step in reducing your energy bills and ensuring comfort indoors. If you are experiencing drafts, or a rise in your cooling and heating bills, then it may be time to invest new patio doors that have improved insulation.
Lubricate the Locks
To ensure smooth operation the lock mechanism needs to be fluidized. This will also extend the lifespan of the lock because it won't be prone to wear and tears. You can use graphite lock grease or light machine oil. The proper lubricant can to prevent the buildup of gunk that can cause damage to the pins of the lock.
Graphite is an excellent lubricant for the lock cylinder because it does not remove dirt or wash away. It is available as a dry lubricant in a majority of hardware stores in a squeeze bottle that allows you to blow the powder into the lock without having to touch it. Then, simply insert your key and move it back and forth to distribute the graphite around the internal parts of the lock.
You can also try spraying WD-40 directly into the lock's the cylinder. This will provide instant lubrication but may be too strong for certain locks. If the cylinder is stuck, try moving your key inside and out of the lock a few times to spread the WD-40 over all the internal parts that need it.
Teflon-based lubricants are another alternative. These lubricants are very robust and can withstand high temperatures which makes them the ideal option for locking. They're also water resistant, so they'll help prevent the rust that can sometimes affect other types of lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors are a bit stiff to open and close, it's probably because the locking mechanism isn't aligned with the door's frame. If you're unable to fix this problem by yourself, it's best to call in a professional locksmith. They will take a closer look at the lock to determine the reason it's stiff or difficult to operate. They can also install new rollers and springs to make your patio door more functional. If needed, they'll help you select the right locks to replace the ones that are damaged. You'll never have to worry again about losing your keys or getting broken locks on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
Incorrectly aligned tracks or rollers can cause patio doors to become difficult to open and close. The fix for stuck doors is simple if any of the above problems are present. If the problem continues to persist, and you are experiencing drafts or see an increase in your cooling and heating costs It could be time to replace your doors.
The next step is check the rollers. The rollers are an essential component of a sliding track and when they're worn or damaged they can cause the doors to slam. To remove the rollers with a Phillips screwdriver, pull them gently upwards by removing the screws that hold them in place.
Once the screws are removed, you can extract and replace the rollers with new ones if needed. Most patio door systems use steel wheels, which can be rusty with time. Plastic wheels are utilized on the majority of doors that are newer, and last longer than the metal ones. If your wheels have rusted and are worn out, you'll need to replace all tracks and rollers.
If your rollers work well, you should be able to correct the alignment with the adjustment screws on the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver you used to remove the rollers will work). By turning these screws, you can either tighten or loosen the track in order to position it in the correct way. When you've got the adjustment right, your door will be in complete contact with the track and there shouldn't be any gaps.
After the adjustment, spray lubricant that contains silicone on the rollers and tracks. Apply a generous amount of grease to the rollers as well as the track. Then, move the door forward and backwards a few times in order to spread the lubricant. After the lubricant is dry and you are able to open and close your patio door without any 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 show you how to install them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are a fantastic option to fill your home with natural light and stunning views of the outside. However, they can also be an issue for security as a cracked window could easily allow intruders to break into your home. double glazed patio door repairs is essential to replace the glass on these doors to ensure they remain functioning and secure.
If the glass on your patio door has cracked, it could look like an extremely difficult task to replace the glass. However, with the right directions replacing a glass window on your patio is actually quite easy. You can complete this without removing the door from its frame. To begin, remove the trim around your glass, also known as the mull. Slide a putty knife between the trim and the door, then employ a small pry bar and hammer for easing it off. 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 eliminate any broken pieces glass and then wipe down the frame. Duct tape any cracks on the frame to strengthen it. Then, you can begin assembling the door. Before you do this, be certain to measure the exact dimensions (and the thickness) of the original glass. This will help you ensure that the replacement glass is the correct size and thickness.
After reassembling the frame apply some clear silicone caulk to the edges of the opening. This will stop water or air from entering the gap, damaging the new glass. When the caulk has dried then slide the new glass into position, and then use the glazing points to secure it in the position. Once the glass is secure by the stops, you can replace them and tap into the brad nails with the nail punch.
Patio doors not only provide stunning views but they increase the efficiency of your home by reducing the transfer of heat and cold from the inside to the outside. They can also provide an additional layer of security against storms and other elements that could harm your windows or cause leaks.