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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors offer homeowners natural sunlight and fresh air, and they boost the value of a home. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors function will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about problems they encounter. Here are some common repairs for patio doors:. Rollers that aren't aligned properly Sometimes an outdoor sliding door gets stuck and it's not simple to get the thing to open once more. The majority of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. The majority of the time dirt on the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this instance you'll need to wash the track and apply a light coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers move easily. In addition, misalignment can be caused because of wear or damage in the hinges that join the door panels which house a portion of the rollers, springs that are either extension or torsion and cables, which lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn, can alter the alignment of rollers and lead to resistance and other issues, such as a heavier feeling door or a rise in energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional can help ensure that all the components are in sync to keep your patio door operating smoothly. Set up a crow’s foot at one end, and use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of the track and divide by two to determine the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much faster and easier than measuring each individual rail with a level, or carpenter's level. Another option for checking the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, which is a flat plate on the door jamb at bottom of the frame that stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require assistance in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. After removing the head stop remove the head track adjustments screws by backing them up with a screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly and aligning each adjustment screw with the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with a Hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks A sliding patio door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They can also be prone to misalignment and other issues that require professional repair services. To extend sliding glass patio door repair of your patio doors, it's important to identify and address these problems as soon as possible. One of the most common causes for sliding patio doors to fail is filthy tracks. Over time, dirt and other debris such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can get trapped in the narrow spaces between your sliding door tracks and cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid problems like this it is recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks at least once each month. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaner or with warm soapy tap water once you've removed any loose debris. If you notice areas of the track are more difficult to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these small areas. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must keep them lubricated to prevent sliding doors from squeezing or becoming difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors, it is recommended to apply silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to increase glide. Another common issue that can impact your sliding patio door is draft or air leak. This could occur when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door is worn or is damaged. This can lead to an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it as required. With regular use your patio door will go through normal wear and tear over time. These issues are not usually an indication of a serious issue. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and ensure that it is functioning properly. Get in touch with a professional as soon as you notice any problems to avoid costly repairs in the future. Warped or cracked glass A patio door that's cracked or warped is a real eye-sore and can pose security risks. It could also allow in unwanted critters and make your home's temperature fluctuate dramatically. These issues are easy to fix when caught early. A quick glance at the glass will assist you in determining what kind of repairs are needed. Usually, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. They are more difficult to fix than normal cracks in the surface. A professional may need to re-lead this panel. This would require removal of the glass and replacing any broken pieces. This is why a professional will need accurate documentation of the piece in its original form to ensure that the new glass to the original. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. It can be bought from hardware stores or the home improvement section in many stores. A professional will typically employ the soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. Once the plastic has cooled it is then removed by the professional any excess. If the crack in the glass isn't too big, there might be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product at any hardware retailer. It is essential to dry the crack completely before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to speed up this process. Weatherstripping damaged A weather stripping that is worn out not only looks bad and can pose a security risk it also lets outside air and heat to escape. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping could save you money and make your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method), scissors, pliers, utility knife, and some gloves or goggles that are protective. Then, remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece, then lifting it up with any screws for attachment in the event that they are needed. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers and a prybar. Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine the right size weather stripping you need. Make sure you leave extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the correct size you can apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If you wish you would like to use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall. Finally, apply some wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. It's best to use oil-based paints but latex will also work. Finally, be sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. This will prevent future problems like sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. You will save money while enjoying the great outdoors while doing it. Happy fixing your home!