Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors make a fantastic addition to any home. They're easy to operate and provide a wide view. However, like all doors in the house, they're subject to wear and tear that will require repair or replacement.
Regularly clean and lubricate your sliding patio doors regularly to keep them in good condition. Lubricating them with graphite or silicone allows them to slide smoothly, extending their lifespan.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door does not roll easily, you may need to grease it. But, if the rollers are worn or damaged, they need to be replaced. Replacing your patio door's rollers will allow your doors to function smoothly and lessen the amount of force required to open or close them.
If your patio door is older, it may be necessary to take off the bottom part of the frame to get access to the rollers. If this is the case, use a wood block and rubber mallet to tap the assembly free, then pull it out. Make sure you save the roller screws to use when reinstalling your new rollers.
Sliding glass doors are crucial security features in many homes and need to be secured in a secure manner. Old or damaged roller wheels can make your door hard to open or close and can create gaps around the door that intruders 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 top and bottom rails, it is an ideal idea to wipe down all parts 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 on the bottom track should be clearly visible however they are often blocked by dirt. If your track seems to be prone to accumulating a lot of dirt, you may be interested in installing an u-shaped stainless steel piece that snaps over the track and creates an additional channel for water to flow through. You can get these from CR Laurence and other retailers who specialize in sliding door replacement parts.
When you are reinstalling the doors, make sure you place the bottom panel in first and then swing the top into place. You should be able to test the doors after they have returned to their original positions to ensure that they move smoothly and do not require excessive force to open or close. If the doors feel rough, you can adjust the rollers for more clearance.
Weather Strip Replacement
Your sliding door's weather strip seals slowly wear away, letting in moisture and drafts that can raise your energy costs. Replacing them is an easy project that takes only few minutes and will be paid for in lower heating bills in a matter of minutes.
There are many different types of materials that can be used for sliding door weather stripping, each with their advantages and drawbacks. You'll need to select a material which will stand up to friction, temperature changes, weather changes and foot traffic, without interfering with the operation of the sliding door. Foam and felt, for instance are not expensive, but they are susceptible to weather and visible inside the frame while vinyl is more expensive but will last for a long time; metals are durable but may look out of an upscale home. Plastic or rubber may degrade over time and require regular replacement.
To install patio doors repairs near me stripping, you must first take the door out of its casing. To do this, find the headstop at the top of the door - typically a small piece of metal or plastic held in place by screws. Remove the screw caps, then use a flathead screwdriver to pull the headstop free from the door's bottom. Remove the old weatherstripping as well as any residue with scraper or a putty blade.
Don't try to remove the door off its track by yourself. You will need to use a lot of force. Rather, have a helper to hold the door steady as you take it off its frame.
Find the channels that hold your weather stripping. Plugs that match your doors' color should be placed in these channels. Pull up on the weatherstripping to separate it from the channel. Take the plugs off.
There are a variety of weather stripping and the best one for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This kind of weather seal comes with a Mylar that is centered within the brush material and is extremely durable. It is suitable for all climates, and can withstand the pressure of walking. The back of the weather stripping is also constructed of a strong and flexible material to better withstand the pressures of sliding patio doors.
Door Alignment
Patio doors that slide open are a great feature for any home, but just like other things, they will benefit from an occasional adjustment to work their best. Over time, the components of these doors will wear out or become out of alignment, which can result in issues such as sticking, bumping into frames or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can stop these issues, saving you both time and money.
The most common reason for sliding door misalignment stems from damage to the rollers or tracks caused by sudden jolts and excessive force. This problem can be solved quickly with the right tools. Your patio door will glide smoothly for a long time.
Other causes for misalignment include fluctuations in temperature or humidity, weatherstripping wear and tear and a poor installation. Parts may shift and become loose as time passes. This could cause the door to move, and not latch or close properly. The resulting shifts can cause air drafts and even water leakage into your home.
To prevent these problems, it is important to regularly clean and lubricate your sliding track for your patio door. You can buy a small amount of lubricant spray-on at any hardware retailer. Applying it frequently using bristles of a small size can help keep your track operating smoothly.
Another reason that can cause misalignment of sliding patio doors is that the latch hook does not match the strike plate on the jamb. To fix this, you must open the door and expose the latch mechanism. This will allow you to see it and have full access. Then, locate the adjusting screw that controls the latch hook, and gently turn it in either direction to adjust the length of the hook. A properly adjusted latch hook will ensure that the latch strikes and is able to engage with the strike plate without hindrance or resistance.
After you've made all the necessary adjustments, check your door to ensure it locks and slides properly. If there are any remaining issues, continue the process until your sliding patio door is fully functioning. You will save money by not paying a professional to do expensive repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, screws on sliding door frames can loosen and allow the frame to move. Checking and tightening the screws will keep your doors from sticking or becoming stuck. A sliding screen is fixable with some clamping. However, a loose hinge may require replacement.
Replacing a sliding patio door without replacing the frame is possible but requires careful evaluation of the condition of the current frame. This is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire frame and can meet specific requirements like improved insulation.
A complete frame replacement requires the complete removal of hinged doors frames, windows and doors from the wall opening. This allows a brand new sliding patio door to be put in and will allow for more flexibility in style size, material and design.
Sliding glass doors are made to give you a beautiful view of your backyard, however in time, they start showing signs of wear and wear and tear. If your sliding doors are jammed or are difficult to open, you might need to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good shape replacing the doors might be enough.
Make sure that the workspace is free of any obstructions, and that you've laid down a dropcloth. Then, place the sliding door flat on the work surface and remove the grilles or shades that are removable. Make use of a screwdriver to take off the plugs that cover the roller adjustment screws on the bottom of the sliding frame (they are often covered with caps). After you've removed them screws, you can remove the bottom of the sliding door and remove it from the track.
After the frame has been exposed, you can replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your track for sliding doors is damaged or old, it's best to replace it completely than repairing an existing track. You can either buy a DIY kit or engage a professional to complete it. In either case, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for the proper installation.