Patio Door Frame Repair
A patio door that functions well can improve the look of your home. To keep it in top working condition requires regular maintenance and adjustments.
Begin by looking over the track and the rollers for debris that could be preventing smooth sliding. Remove the stop molding to gain access to the rollers.
Glass that is damaged
Sliding glass doors give you a view of the outdoors and ample natural light in your home. They also help to reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency. Unfortunately the glass in patio doors can be damaged by harsh New York weather conditions or vandalism. It's important to fix the broken glass pane as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage.
With the proper tools, you are able to replace the glass on your patio door yourself. You will need a set of gloves, a hammer, a pry bar and putty knife, as well as glass replacement and caulk. Begin by removing the door from its frame and laying it flat on a surface such as a workbench. Make use of the hammer to pull out any trim around the window.
After removing the trim, you'll need to measure the frame to purchase the replacement glass. Once you have the measurements, you can install the new glass and seal the frame with caulk.
If you have an glass-insulated window that appears unclear, it could indicate that the seals on the glass are not working. This is a frequent issue in double-pane windows. It can be quite difficult to fix without replacing the entire window. A professional glazier will be able to provide you with a brand new sealed unit that is made to fit into the existing window opening.
One of the most overlooked elements of a sliding glass patio doors is the rollers and tracks. Over time, dirt, debris and rust may accumulate in the track and stop the door from moving smoothly. Cleaning the tracks and wheels of your door can help restore smooth movement, making it easier to open and shut your patio door. It's important to check and replace weather stripping on your sliding door. Replacing damaged weather stripping could help you save the cost of cooling and heating bills by preventing air leaks and keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
Broken Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping around sliding doors is an important seal that prevents cold air from entering the frame during winter, and warm air from escaping in summer. As time passes the weather strip could be damaged or brittle and develop gaps in the seal. These gaps can allow conditioned air from your home to escape and allow outside air into your home, thereby increasing your energy bills and reducing your comfort.
It is simple to replace weatherstripping in spring, when the weather warms up. Take off the weather stripping with a flathead screwdriver, then pull it and any staples out using a putty knife. Replace the weatherstripping with a brand new strip on the frame of the sliding panel. Make sure that the weatherstripping covers the fixed panel so that the two interlock. On the jamb, apply a tube silicone caulk that is neutral cure.
A loose lock or handle is another common problem. These are essential components that ensure accessibility and security If they become loose, hard to operate or damaged they should be repaired or replaced promptly to prevent damage or theft. A trained technician can help you resolve these problems.
It is also recommended to check the frame regularly for damage or splits. Repairing these issues before they become worse will ensure that your door functions properly and increase its longevity.
Patio doors that slide open are robust and require minimal maintenance, but just like any other home appliance or system they aren't resistant to wear and tear. If your patio door is showing signs of wear, it's crucial to schedule a repair service when you can. A Cinch Home Services warranty can assist in the cost of certain repairs, allowing you to relax in the knowledge that your home appliances and systems are covered. To learn more, request a quote online today! Call 866-4FELDCO and speak to one of our Customer Delight representatives. We'll be glad to answer your questions and assist you in determining the best solution for your home.
Dirty Rollers
The sliding door rollers permit the door to slide. In time, they may become dirty or damaged and cause the door to squeak or be difficult to open. The problem of dirty rollers is a common issue that can be easily resolved with a little maintenance work.
Begin by cleaning the rollers and tracks. Use a stiff handbrush, vacuum cleaner, and/or a jet wash to remove any debris that may be blocking the track. After cleaning the track and the rollers, apply a silicone based oil. This will stop any future issues. Choose a lubricant based on silicone that is not sticky, instead of grease-based ones. The grease will attract dirt and can make the problem worse.
If your sliding patio door is creaking you may need to replace the rollers. This can be determined by removing the sliding patio door and inspecting the rollers. Replace the rollers as soon as they're worn or cracked. You can find replacement rollers at an hardware store. Before reinstalling the door it's a good idea to lay a drop cloth on the floor and unscrew the two plugs covering the roller adjustment screws at the bottom of the track. It's a good idea get someone else to hold the door in place so that it won't fall out of the frame as you work.
After replacing the rollers, ask a friend to help you reinstall your door. Follow the same steps as you did when you took it off. When the door is in its place, use a screwdriver to adjust the rollers. Adjust them until they are in contact with the track and don't move when you slide the door. Then, apply a liberal amount of the silicone lubricant onto the top and bottom of the rollers and track, and then slide the door back and forth several times to spread it out and check your work. The door should now be easy to open and close. Making sure your sliding patio door is in good working order will ensure it functions properly for many years to come.
Shimming
Sliding patio doors are an attractive feature in any home and give a spacious appearance to the space. Like other components of a door, they can experience wear and tear over time and require regular maintenance to ensure that they operate correctly and maintain their good appearance. Most common problems are broken or loose frames, glasses, or wheels that are not aligned properly. They can be fixed easily. For more serious issues, a professional is highly recommended.
Fragments that aren't properly welded can result in drafts and lower the efficiency of energy in a home, especially in the vicinity of a door sill. To help prevent this, it's important to adjust the door's frame whenever needed.
Shims are used to bridge the gaps between wood framing members and are a common tool in many home improvement projects, from installing trim and cabinetry to leveling floors and toilets. A shim placed correctly will bring a doorframe that is canted (out of level) back to the level of its frame. This will avoid the need for future repairs.
When a new door is put in place and framed, shims are usually required to align the frame with its rough wall opening. Utilize a hammer and wedge to shims to place the frame in the space between the frame, drywall or rough wall material. Shimming should start on the hinge's edge, then work your way around the perimeter. While you shim the frame, make sure to ensure that it is level and plumb. This will ensure that it fits snugly into its rough opening in the wall.
Before the new door is put in place Install a thick coat of caulk to the threshold and shims. This will prevent water from getting into the framing and possibly creating decay. After the caulk is dry it is time to install a threshold constructed from galvanized steel or high-density polyethylene to keep moisture from damaging. In replace patio doors to the caulk on the sub-sill, it's recommended to install a self adhesive flashing strip under the door sill.
If the weatherstripping has cracked or torn, it should be replaced immediately to prevent leaks and increase energy efficiency. If the weatherstripping is fixed in place, remove the old weatherstripping by placing a utility knife under the trim to separate it from the wall. After taking off the old weatherstripping apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers, tracks, and other moving parts to keep them from becoming stuck or difficult to slide.