How to Repair Patio Doors
A sliding patio door improves the aesthetics of a home and offers convenience and energy efficiency. However, they require regular maintenance to function as intended.
These simple tasks will help you extend the lifespan of your doors and also reduce the cost of repairs. In some cases an expert's assistance may be necessary 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 a simple problem to fix. In most cases, the door simply needs to be lubricated to make it move again.
Regularly cleaning the tracks and sliding patio doors can help to keep dirt from accumulating that could interfere with track operation. Every week, vacuum or brush your sill and tracks to get rid of larger dirt particles. Make use of a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap along with warm water and a gentle detergent to clean them thoroughly and thoroughly wash them. You can scrub the staining using a small brush, but be sure to avoid damaging or scratching the tracks. Make sure you reach all the corners and crevices of the tracks and sill including the tight spaces and corners.
After the sill and tracks have been cleaned, they must be wiped clean with an unlint-free cloth and dried using a paper towel. If you have white wine vinegar available you can use it for stubborn stains. To do this simply apply a small amount of the vinegar to a soft cloth and then rub the area where the stain is located. If the stains persist, you can try scrubbing them with a small brush or an old toothbrush and then rinse with water.
Keep your sliding patio door tracks and doors clean to prolong their life and make them more efficient. Clean them as often as you clean your windows. Be sure to inspect the weather strip on patio doors regularly and replace it if it is damaged or worn. This is an important step to reducing energy costs and maintaining indoor comfort. 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 must be lubricated. This will also extend the lifespan of the lock since it won't be prone to wear and tear. Light machine oil is the best however, you can also use a graphite lock lubricant. The right lubricant will help to prevent the buildup of gunk that can cause damage to the pins of the lock.
Graphite powder is a great way to lubricate the lock cylinder since it doesn't sludge away or attract dirt. door specialists london can find this dry lubricant in a majority of hardware stores in a squeeze bottle that permits you to blow the powder into the lock without having to touch it. Insert your key, then move it forward and back to distribute the graphite throughout the lock.
You can also spray WD-40 directly into the lock the cylinder. This will give you an instant blast of lubrication, however it could be too strong for some locks. If the cylinder is stuck, try working your key into and out of the lock numerous times to spread the WD-40 over all the internal components that require it.
Teflon based Lubricants made of Teflon can also be used. These lubricants can withstand extreme temperatures and are extremely durable, which makes them an excellent option for locking. They also resist water and can prevent rust, which can be detrimental to other types lubricants.
If you notice that your sliding patio door is a bit difficult to open or close it could be caused by the locking mechanism not aligned properly with the frame. It's recommended to call an expert locksmith if you are unable to fix the problem yourself. They will take a closer inspection of your lock to see what's causing it to be stiff or difficult to operate. They can also install new springs and rollers to restore your patio door's functionality. They can also help you select the best locks to replace your old ones with, if required. You don't need to worry about losing your keys or having a broken locks once more!
Adjust the Rollers
Misaligned rollers or tracks can cause patio doors to become difficult to open and close. The fix for stuck doors can be easy if one or more of the above problems are present. If the problem persists, and you feel drafts, or you notice an increase in cooling and heating costs it could be the right the time to replace your doors.
The next step is to check the rollers. The rollers are a crucial component of a sliding track, and in the event that they're damaged or worn they could cause the doors to stick. To remove the rollers using a Phillips screwdriver, pull them gently up by removing screw that holds them into place.
You can easily take off the screws and replace the rollers if necessary. Most patio door systems use steel wheels, which can get rusty over time. Most newer doors have plastic wheels that last longer than the metal ones do. If your wheels are rusted and are worn-out, you'll need to replace the entire track and rollers.
If your rollers work normally, you can make adjustments to the alignment with the adjustment screws on the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver that you used to remove the rollers will also work). The adjustment screws that you turn will either tighten or loosen the track to position it properly. 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 has been completed then lubricate the rollers and track using a silicone-based spray lubricant. Apply a generous coat of lubricant, then slide the door back and forth several times to spread it out. After the lubricant is dry and you are able to open and shut your patio door with no problems. If you're still having issues, call your Milgard 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 let in natural light and breathtaking views of the outdoors. However, they can also be an issue for security as a broken window pane could easily allow intruders to break into your home. It is important to replace the glass on these doors to ensure they are functional and secure.
If the glass on your patio door has shattered, it may look like an extremely difficult task to replace the glass. But with the proper instructions replacing a glass window on your patio is actually quite simple. This task can be done without taking the patio door off 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 apply a small hammer and pry-bar. Wear gloves and long sleeves to prevent damaging the trim.
After the old glass has been removed Clean and sweep the area to remove any pieces of broken glass. After that, wipe clean the frame. Duct tape any cracks on the frame to strengthen it. Then, you can begin to reassemble the door. Be sure to take measurements of (and note the thickness) the glass prior to beginning. This will help ensure that you get and install the proper replacement piece of glass.
After reassembling the frame, apply a clear silicone caulk over the opening. This will stop water or air from seeping into the gap and damaging the glass. After the caulk has dried then slide the new window into place. Then, use the glazing points as a way to secure it. Once the glass has been secured to the stop, replace them with brad nails and then use the nail punch to push them in.
In addition to providing a beautiful view of the outside, patio doors improve the efficiency of your home's energy use by reducing heat and cold transfer between indoors and outdoors. They also offer an additional layer of security against storms and other elements which could damage your windows or create leaks.