Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
A sliding patio door is an excellent addition to any home. They're easy to operate and help provide an expansive view. But, just like any other household door, they're prone to wear and tear that needs repair or replacement.
Clean and lubricate regularly your sliding patio doors to keep them in good condition. Lubricating with graphite or silicon spray will let them slide smoothly and extend their lifespan.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door does not roll easily, you may need to lubricate it. If the rollers are worn or damaged, they should be replaced. Replacing your patio door rollers will enable your doors to operate smoothly and reduce the amount of force required to open or close them.
If your patio door was constructed prior to 2000, you may have to take off the bottom of the frame to access the rollers. If this is the situation, use a wood block and a rubber mallet to break the frame and then pull it out. Be sure to save the roller screws to use when reinstalling your new rollers.
Sliding glass doors are important security points in most homes and should be secured in a secure manner. The worn or damaged rollers can make the door difficult to open or close and also 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 protected from unwanted guests.
After you have removed the bottom and top rails, it is recommended to clean the entire area of the track using an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will eliminate any grime and make it easier to remove the doors from the track. You will be able to see drainage holes in the bottom of the track, but they often get clogged with dirt. If your track appears to be prone to accumulating a lot of dirt, you may be interested in installing an u-shaped stainless steel piece that snaps onto the track and creates an extra channel for water to flow through. You can get these from CR Laurence and other retailers that specialize in sliding door replacement parts.
When you are reinstalling the doors, be sure to put the bottom panel in first and then swing the top one into the place. You should be able test the doors once they are back in their original positions to ensure that they move smoothly and do not require excessive force to open or shut. If they still feel rough, you can readjust the new rollers to give them more clearance.
Weather Stripping Replacement
The weather strip seals on your sliding doors slowly become worn, permitting drafts and moisture to enter. This increases the cost of energy. Replacing them is a straightforward project that takes only few minutes and will be repaid in lower heating expenses in no time.
There are many different materials for sliding door weather stripping, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. It is important to select a material that will stand up to friction and weather changes temperatures, extreme temperature fluctuations and foot traffic, without interfering with the door's operation. Foam and felt are inexpensive, but susceptible to weather, and are visible in the frame. Vinyl is more expensive, however it lasts for a long time. Metals are strong, but may not look appropriate in the modern home. Rubber or plastic may erode with time and will require replacement on a regular basis.
To install new weather stripping, first remove the door from its casing. To do this, locate the headstop on the top of the door - typically a thin strip of metal or plastic that is held in place by screws. Remove the screw caps, and then use a flathead to pry off the headstop from the bottom of your door. Take off the weather stripping as well as any residue left behind using scraper or a putty knife.
You'll need a good amount of force to lift the door out of its frame Don't try to do this by one person. Have a friend hold the door while you take it off.
Locate the channels that hold your weather stripping. Repair My Windows And Doors should be covered with plugs that match the color of your doors. Remove the plugs, then pull them up on the weather stripping to remove it from its channel.
There are a myriad of weather stripping that are available, but the best for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This type of weather seal comes with a Mylar centered in the brush material. It is extremely durable. It is suitable for almost all climates, and can be able to withstand the pressure of walking. The back of the stripping is composed of a flexible, tough material that can endure the pressure of sliding patio door.
Door Alignment
Sliding patio doors are a wonderful option for any home. But, as with everything else, they may require adjustment from time to time to ensure they function at their best. Over time, the parts of these doors will wear out or fall out of alignment, which can result in problems such as getting stuck, crashing into frames or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can prevent these issues, thereby saving you time and money.
One of the most common causes for sliding door misalignment is the damage to tracks or rollers from unexpected jolts or excessive force. A quick repair using the right tools can fix this issue, keeping your patio door in good shape for years to come.
The misalignment could be caused by fluctuations in humidity and temperature or weatherstripping wear, as well as poor installation. The latter can result in parts shifting and becoming loose over time which causes 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 track for your patio door. A small amount of spray-lubricant can easily be bought at any hardware retailer and application frequently with a small brush can keep the track running smoothly.
Another common cause for misalignment of sliding patio doors is that the latch hook does not match the strike plate on the jamb. To correct this begin by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism, and give you full visibility and access to it. Then, locate the adjustment screw that controls the latch hook, and then gently move it in any direction to adjust the length of the hook. A properly adjusted latch hook will ensure that the latch is able to hit and connects to the strike plate with no hindrance or resistance.
After you've made the required adjustments, check your door to make sure it slides and locks properly. Repeat the procedure if there are problems that persist until your sliding patio doors is functional. You will save a lot of cash by not having to hire professionals to make costly repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, screws on sliding door frames may loosen. This causes the frame to move a small amount. By regularly tightening and checking these screws, you can stop your doors from becoming stuck or blocked. A screen that is sagging can be fixed by a little clamping. However hinges that are loose may need to be replaced.
It is possible to replace the patio's sliding feature without having to replace the frame, however, you must first evaluate the condition of the existing frame. This method is more cost-effective than a complete replacement of the frame and can help address particular needs like better insulation or a new design.
A full frame replacement is the complete removal of the existing hinged doors, window and frame from the wall opening. This allows the new patio to be installed, and it can offer more flexibility in terms of design size, dimension and materials.
Sliding glass door are designed to offer a stunning view of your backyard. However, they can show signs of wear as time passes. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or get stuck, you may have to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good condition it might suffice to replace the doors.
Be sure that your workspace is free of obstructions, and that you've laid down a dropcloth. Then, place the sliding door on a flat work surface and remove any removable grilles or shades from the frame. Utilizing a screwdriver, remove the plugs that cover the roller adjustment screws on the bottom of the frame (they are usually covered with caps). After you've removed them then, you can unwind the bottom of the sliding door and take it off the track.
Once the frame is exposed, you can replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your sliding door track has deteriorated or is damaged, you should replace it instead of repairing it. You can either buy a DIY kit or employ a professional to install it. In either case, you must follow the instructions of the manufacturer for the proper installation.