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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors give homeowners sunlight and fresh, clean air. They also enhance the value of a home. However, with time, they may cause issues that must be addressed immediately. Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor about the issues they face. Here are some common patio door repairs:. Rollers that are not aligned Sometimes an outdoor sliding door will get stuck and it's difficult to get it open again. However in the absence of a underlying structural issue, the majority of doors that aren't cooperating can be fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which could cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to become misaligned. In this case, clean the track thoroughly and apply a thin layer of lubricant so that the rollers are able to glide smoothly. The misalignment could also be due to damage or wear in the hinges connecting the door panels, which house some of the rollers, springs that are either extension or torsion; and cables, which raise the door. When worn or damaged, these components can affect roller alignment, causing resistance as well as other issues such as a heavier door or higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these parts are in good working order to keep your patio doors operating smoothly. To verify the alignment between rollers to determine alignment, set up an eagle's foot at one end of the track and employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance that each travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as exact as using a pi tape to measure the length directly. However, it's quicker and more efficient than using a carpenter's or level to determine the rail's diameter. You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. DIY patio door repair is an elongated plate that is located in the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may need help taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. After removing the head stop remove the head track adjusters screws by securing them with the screwdriver. After reinstalling the assembly, align each screw for adjustment to its access hole, then tapping it with the hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks A sliding patio door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also prone to misalignment and other issues that require professional repair. To extend the lifespan of your patio doors, it's important to identify and address these problems in the earliest time possible. One of the most common causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time dirt and other debris such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, could get trapped in the narrow spaces between your sliding door tracks which can cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum your patio door tracks every month, at minimum, to avoid problems like this. After you've removed all of the debris that is loose and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that some parts of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny areas. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must lubricate them regularly to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also apply paraffin wax to improve the glide. Another common issue that can impact your sliding patio door is draft or air leak. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is damaged or worn out. This can cause gaps between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it when required. Over time your patio door could experience normal wear. However, these issues are typically not indicators of a serious issue. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door and ensure that it is operating properly. Contact a professional as soon when you spot any issues to avoid future costly repairs. Glass that is cracked or warped A damaged or cracked patio door is an visual ailment and a potential security risk. It also allows in unwanted animals and cause your home's temperature change dramatically. These issues are easy to fix when discovered early. A quick glance at the glass can help you determine what type of repairs are required. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional may need to reconnect this panel. This will require removing the glass, cleaning it, and replacing the broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass with the old one, a professional requires exact documentation of the appearance of the piece at the time. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. You can buy this at a hardware store, or in the home improvement section. A professional will employ the soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it to the crack. After the plastic has cooled down, the professional can remove any excess. If the glass crack is not too large, there could be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of sealant at any hardware store. It is important to thoroughly dry the crack prior to applying sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. A hair dryer or other fan can be used to speed up this process. Damaged weatherstripping A damaged weather stripping is not only unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows outside air to enter and cold or hot air to escape. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping will save you money and keep your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. You will need an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive or caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you select) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility knife, protective goggles or gloves, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through one end piece, then pulling it up along with any screws for attachment if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers and a plier. Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you require. Make sure you leave a little extra length so you can adjust the fit later. Once you have the correct size then apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If you wish you would like to use a small nail to secure the frame in place. Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely prior to applying any paint. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint can also be used. Lastly, make sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will help prevent future issues like sticking. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they remain practical, attractive and energy efficient. By doing so you will be able to enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save some money in the process! Enjoy your home renovation projects!