How to Repair Patio Doors
A sliding patio door improves the look of a home and also provides comfort and energy efficiency. However they require regular maintenance to function according to the specifications.
These simple tasks will assist you in extending the life of your doors, and also reduce the cost of repairs. In some instances, the skills of a professional may be required to repair more severe damage.
Clear the Tracks
A sliding patio door may be difficult to close or open if it has become stuck in the tracks. This is usually a simple issue to fix. In the majority of cases, simply lubricating the door is all needed to move it.
Regularly cleaning the tracks and sliding patio doors can help to keep dirt from accumulating that could interfere with track operation. It is essential to sweep or brush the sill and tracks every week to remove larger pieces of dirt. Then you can use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and warm water to clean them down and rinse them thoroughly. You can scrub the stains with a small toothbrush, but be careful to avoid damaging or scratching the tracks. Be sure to reach all the crevices and nooks of the tracks and sill including the corners and tight spaces.
After the sill and tracks have been cleaned, they need to be wiped with a lint free cloth and dried using a paper towel. If you have white wine vinegar on hand it can be used for stubborn stains. Apply a small amount of vinegar to a clean, soft cloth and rub the area with the stain. If the stain is persistent Try rubbing them with a small toothbrush or a small brush.
Keep your sliding patio door tracks and doors clean to prolong their lifespan and improve their efficiency. It's a good idea to clean them as often that you would your windows. Be sure to check the weather strip that surrounds patio doors regularly and replace it if it's damaged or worn. This is a crucial step to reduce the cost of energy while maintaining indoor comfort. If you are experiencing drafts, or an increase in your heating and cooling bills, then it may be time to replace your patio doors that are more efficient in insulation.
Lubricate the Locks
The mechanism of the lock must be kept lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This can also prolong the lifespan of the lock as it will not be prone to wear and tears. You can use graphite lock grease or light machine oil. Using the correct lubricant will help prevent the buildup of gunk which could cause the delicate pins in the lock to become damaged.
Graphite powder is an excellent way to lubricate the lock cylinder as it does not wash away or draw dirt. This dry lubricant can be found in most hardware stores. It is available in a squeeze bottle that lets you blow the powder directly into the lock. Insert your key and then move it back and forth to spread the graphite across the lock.
You can also try spraying WD-40 directly into the lock cylinder. This will provide you with instant lubrication but may be too strong for certain locks. If the cylinder is really stuck, try working your key into and out of the lock several 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 are very durable and can resist high temperatures, making them the perfect choice for a lock. They also resist water and can help prevent rust, which can be detrimental to other types of lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors are somewhat difficult to open or close, it's probably because the locking mechanism isn't aligned with the frame of the door. It's recommended to call an expert locksmith if you are unable to solve the issue yourself. They will take a closer look at the lock to determine the reason it's stiff or difficult to use, and they can also install new rollers and springs to make your patio door more functional. They can also help you select the right locks to replace your old ones with, if needed. You won't have to worry again about losing your keys or getting a broken lock on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
A difficult time opening and closing a patio door can be caused by misaligned rollers or tracks, or latches. If the door is sticking due to one or more of these issues the solution is simple. However, if the issue persists and you are feeling drafts or seeing increases in your cooling and heating costs, it might be time to consider replacing your doors.
If the tracks and latch are in good condition The next thing to examine is the rollers. The rollers are a crucial element of sliding door tracks, and if they are damaged or worn, they could cause the door to become stuck. To remove the rollers using a Phillips screwdriver, push them up gently by removing the screws that hold them in place.
After the screws have been removed, you can easily remove and replace the rollers with new ones, if required. The majority of patio door systems utilize steel wheels, which may get rusty over time. Plastic wheels are found on the majority of newer doors and last longer than metal ones. If your wheels have become rusted and are worn out, you'll need to replace all the rollers and tracks.
If your rollers are ok You can usually correct the alignment with the adjustment screws on the bottom of the track (the screwdriver you used to remove them can work well). By turning these screws, you can either tighten or loosen the track to place it correctly. When you've got the adjustment correct, your door should be in complete contact with the track, and there shouldn't be any gaps.
After the adjustment, spray lubricant containing silicone on the tracks and rollers. Apply a thick coat of lubricant and slide the door back and forth a few times to spread it out. Once the lubricant is dry and you are able to shut and open your patio door without any problems. If you are still having trouble, contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They can show you how to fix the problem and assist you in finding the problem.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are a great way to provide your home with sunlight and breathtaking views of the outdoors. They also pose an security risk, since a broken glass pane could let an intruder easily get into your home. It is essential to replace the glass on these doors to ensure they remain in good working order and secure.
It may seem impossible to replace a patio door's pane if the glass has broken. But with the proper directions replacing a glass window on your patio is actually quite easy. You can complete this task without removing the door from the frame. To begin, you must remove the trim around the glass, also referred to as the mull. Slide a putty blade between the trim and the door and then apply a small hammer and pry-bar. Be careful not to bend or break the trim, and ensure you wear gloves and long-sleeved clothes.
Once the old glass is removed, sweep and vacuum the area to remove any remaining pieces of broken glass and then wipe down the frame. If there are patio doors repairs in the frame, join them to strengthen the frame. Then, you can begin assembling the door. Before you do this, be sure to measure the exact dimensions (and the thickness) of the glass that was originally installed. This will ensure that you buy and install the proper glass replacement.
After reassembling the frame, apply some clear silicone caulk around the edges of the opening. This will stop air or water from leaking into the gap, damaging the glass. When the caulk has dried, slide the new glass into position, and then use the glazing points to secure it in the place. After the glass has been secured to the stop, replace it and tap into the brad nails with the nail punch.
Patio doors not only provide a beautiful view but they increase the efficiency of your home by reducing transfer of heat and cold from the inside to the outside. They also offer an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements that could cause damage to your windows or cause leaks.