Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio door are a great addition for any home. They're simple to operate and provide a wide-open view. Like all doors in the home, they're susceptible to wear that requires repair or replacement.
Keep your sliding patio doors in working order by cleaning and lubricating them frequently. Lubricating them using graphite or silicone spray will allow them to glide smoothly and extend their use.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door isn't rolling easily, it may simply require lubrication. If the rollers have become damaged or worn out, you will need to replace them. Replacing your patio door rollers will let your doors operate smoothly and reduce the amount of force required to open or close them.
If your patio door is older it might be necessary to take off the bottom portion of the frame to get access to the rollers. If this is the case, use a wood block and a rubber mallet to break the frame, then pull it out. Make sure you save the roller screws to use when reinstalling your new rollers.
Glass sliding doors are a major security point in many homes and must be protected properly. Roller wheels that are damaged or worn out can make your door difficult to push open or closed and can create gaps around the door that intruders could exploit. By replacing the rollers on your patio door, you can ensure that your home will be safe from unwanted visitors.
After removing the rails at the top and bottom, it is an ideal idea to clean all the areas of the track with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will remove any grime, making it easier to remove the doors from the track. The drainage holes in the bottom track should be visible, but they are often blocked by dirt. If you notice that your track is susceptible to accumulating dirt, you might consider installing a stainless-steel u-shaped part which snaps over the track to provide an additional channel for water flow. These are available from CR Laurence and other retailers who specialize in sliding door replacement parts.
Make more tips here to install the first panel, and then the top panel. You should be able test the doors after they are back in their original position to make sure they are smooth and do not require excessive force to open or shut. If the doors feel rough, you can adjust the new rollers to allow for more clearance.
Weather Strip Replacement
Your sliding door's weather strip seals wear down slowly, letting in drafts and moisture that raise your energy costs. It's a quick and easy project that can help you save money on heating costs.
There are a myriad of types of materials that can be used for sliding door weather stripping, each with its distinct advantages and drawbacks. You'll want to choose a material that will stand up to friction, weather changes, temperature extremes and foot traffic, without hindering the door's function. 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 many years and is durable, but could look out of place in a contemporary home; while plastic or rubber can erode over time and need frequent replacement.
To install new weather strips, you must remove the door from the casing. Locate the headstop on the top of the door - it's usually a small piece of plastic or metal that is secured with screws. Take off the screws, then use a screwdriver with a flat head to pull the headstop free from the bottom of the door. Remove the old weatherstripping and any remaining debris using the help of a scraper or putty blade.
Don't try to pull the door off its tracks with only one person. You will need to use lots of force. Have a friend hold the door as you remove it.
After the doors are closed then locate the channels that support the weather stripping. They should be covered with plugs that match the color of your doors. Remove the plugs, and then pull up on the weather stripping to disconnect it from the channel.
There are many types of weather stripping that are available however the most suitable for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This type of weather stripping has a Mylar fin centered in the pile (brush material) and is very robust, suitable for almost all climates and can stand well to foot traffic. The back of the weather stripping is constructed of a strong flexible material that can better withstand the demands of a sliding patio door.
Door Alignment
Sliding patio doors are a great feature for any home, but just like other things, they will require a few adjustments to make sure they are working at their best. As time passes, sliding patio doors will become worn out or misaligned. This can cause issues such as sticking, bumping against frames, and not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments will stop these issues and save you time and money.
The most common cause of sliding door misalignment stems from damage to the tracks or rollers caused by sudden jolts or excessive force. This issue can be resolved quickly with the right tools. Your patio door will slide smoothly for many years.
It can be caused by fluctuations in humidity and temperature or weatherstripping wear, as well as inadequate installation. Parts can shift and loosen as time passes. This can cause the door to move and it may not close or latch correctly. Over time, these movements could create air drafts, or even let water be leaking into the home.
To prevent these problems to avoid these issues, it is essential to clean and lubricate your patio door track. A small amount of spray lubricant could be easily purchased from any hardware retailer, and applying it often with a small amount of brush can help keep the track running smoothly.
Another reason for sliding patio door misalignment is that the latch hook is not synchronizing with the strike plate that is on the jamb. To fix this, you must open the door and reveal the latch mechanism. This allows you to view it and gain full access. Then, locate the adjustment screw that controls this latch hook and gently turn it in either direction to adjust the length of the hook. A properly adjusted latch will ensure that the latch will engage and hit the strike plate without any resistance or obstruction.
After you've made all the necessary adjustments, test the door to make sure it is sliding and locks correctly. Repeat the process if there are problems that persist until your sliding patio doors is working properly. With these simple steps, you can save yourself a significant amount of money by not having to hire professionals to perform expensive repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, screws in sliding door frames can loosen. This allows the frame to move little. By regularly checking and tightening these screws will prevent your doors from getting stuck or becoming jammed. A screen that is sagging can be fixed by some clamping. However hinges that are loose could require replacement.
It is possible to replace the patio's sliding feature without having to replace the frame but you must first assess the condition of the current frame. This approach is more cost-effective than a complete replacement of the frame and can be a solution to specific requirements like improved insulation or a new aesthetic.
A complete 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 allows for more flexibility in terms of design size, dimensions and materials.
Sliding glass doors are made to offer a stunning view from your backyard. However, they do begin to show signs of wear and tear as time passes. If your sliding doors are stuck or are difficult to open, you may require replacing the wheels or track. If the frame is in good condition, replacing just the doors may be sufficient.
Make sure that the workspace is free of any obstructions, and that you've laid down a dropcloth. The next step is to lay the sliding door on a flat surface and remove any grilles or shades from the frame. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the plugs that cover the roller adjustment screws at the bottom of the sliding door frame (they're typically covered with caps). Once you've removed the plugs, you can loosen the bottom of the sliding door and pull it away from the track.
Once the frame is exposed, you can replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your sliding door track is damaged or old you should replace it instead of repairing it. You can either purchase a DIY kit or employ a professional to install it. In either case, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper installation.