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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors offer homeowners natural fresh air and light and enhance the value of a house. But over time, they could create issues that must be addressed immediately. Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners better communicate with contractors about the issues they experience. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:. Rollers that aren't aligned properly It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. Most of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural problem is present. Most often dirt on the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to misalign. In this situation, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coat of lubricant so that the rollers move easily. It can also be caused by wear or damage to the hinges connecting the doors that house a portion of these rollers, springs (whether extensions or torsion) as well as cables that lift the door. When worn or damaged, these components can affect the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance and other problems such as the door being heavier or having higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are in sync to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly. Install a crow's feet at one end and use the tramming stick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, and divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. It is however, faster and more efficient than using a carpenter's or level to measure each rail. Another option to check the alignment of the rollers is to remove the head stop, a flat plate on the door jamb at bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. This requires the removal of any grilles or shades that can be removed and, when the door is heavy, obtaining help with this step. Once the head stop has been removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by pushing them out using an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with the access hole for it and tapping it in using a Hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks Patio doors that slide open can serve as magnets for debris, dirt and other outside elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that could require professional repair services. To prolong the lifespan of your patio doors, it's crucial to recognize and fix these problems in the earliest time possible. Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can get trapped within the narrow spaces of your door's track which can cause the door to snag or become difficult to open. To avoid these issues, it's recommended to sweep and clean your patio door tracks once each month. After you've removed all of the debris that has accumulated and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny areas. It is also important to grease the tracks regularly to avoid sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to your bottom track on a regular basis. You can also use paraffin wax to enhance the glide. A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is worn or has been damaged. This can lead to an opening between your patio door and the frame. This lets air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it when needed. Over time, your patio door may experience normal wear. These issues aren't usually indicative of a major problem. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door and keep it functioning properly. Call a professional as quickly when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs in the future. Glass that is warped or cracked A patio door that is cracked or warped could be a major eye-sore and can pose security risks. It could also allow in unwanted critters and make your home temperature fluctuate wildly. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix when they are caught early. First, a quick glance at the glass will determine the type of repair is required. Generally, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to repair than simple chipping on the surface. A professional may need to re-lead the panel. This will mean removal of the glass and replacing any broken pieces. To make sure that the new glass to the old, a professional requires exact documentation of the appearance of the piece at the time. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. You can buy this at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will use an soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. After the plastic has cooled down and the professional has removed any excess. If the crack isn't too large it might be possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. This kind of product is available at any hardware store. It is important to dry the crack thoroughly prior to applying sealant. patio door repairs will ensure that the repair is successful. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or other fan. Weatherstripping damaged A worn-out weather stripping not only looks ugly and can pose a security risk, but also allows the outside air and heat out. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home. First, ensure you have all the tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on your chosen repair method) tools, pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and some gloves or protective goggles. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through an end piece and pulling up with any screws attached, if appropriate. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a plier. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the distance around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you will need. Be sure to leave an extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the ideal size, place the backing and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame with a small nail or hammer. Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any divots or holes. Allow the filler to dry completely prior to applying any paint. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint on the filler, but latex paint will work too. Also, ensure that you clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will prevent future problems like sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy-efficient. You'll save money and enjoy the outdoors while doing so. Happy fixing your home!