How to Repair Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors improve the aesthetics of a home and offer convenience and energy efficiency. However they require regular maintenance to perform as intended.
Performing these simple tasks can extend the life of your doors and reduce costly repairs. In some instances an expert's assistance might be required for more severe damage.
Clear the Tracks
If a sliding patio door becomes stuck in its tracks, it may be difficult to open and close. Fortunately, this is usually an easy problem to fix. In most cases, it's just lubricating the door that's needed to move it.
Cleaning your patio's sliding doors and their tracks can help prevent the accumulation of dirt, which can hinder track operation. It is essential to sweep or brush the tracks and sill every week to get rid of larger pieces of dirt. Make use of a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap along with warm water and a mild detergent to clean the tracks and thoroughly wash them. You can also scrub off stubborn streaks of dirt off the tracks with a small brush, but be cautious not to scratch or harm the tracks. Be sure to get into all the crevices and nooks of the sill and tracks as well as narrow spaces and corners.
After the tracks and sill have been cleaned, they need to be wiped with an unlint-free cloth and dried with paper towel. If you have white wine vinegar in your house you can use it to remove stubborn stains. To do so, apply a small amount vinegar to an absorbent cloth and then rub the area in which the stain is. If the stain remains try rubbing with a small toothbrush or a small brush.
Keep your sliding patio doors and their tracks clean will help them last longer and aid in making to run more smoothly. Clean them as often as you clean your windows. Make sure you check the weather strip on the patio doors frequently and replace it if it's damaged or worn. This is a crucial step towards reducing energy costs and maintaining indoor comfort. If you notice drafts or a significant increase in your cooling or heating bills, it might be time to invest in new patio doors with improved insulation and weather stripping.
Lubricate the Locks
The lock mechanism needs to be lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This will also extend the lifespan of the lock because it won't be subjected to unnecessary wear and wear and tear. You can apply graphite lock grease or light machine oil. The right lubricant will help to prevent the buildup of gunk that can cause damage to the pins of the lock.
Graphite powder is a great way to lubricate the lock cylinder as it doesn't sludge away or draw dirt. This dry lubricant can be found in a majority of hardware stores. It is available in a squeeze bottle that lets you blow the powder directly into the lock. Simply insert your key and work it back and forth to spread the graphite throughout the internal parts of the lock.
Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock cylinder. This will provide instant lubrication but may be too strong for certain locks. If the cylinder is stuck, try working your key into and out of the lock a few times to spread the WD-40 over all the internal parts that require it.
Teflon based oils can also be utilized. These lubricants are very robust and are able to withstand high temperatures which makes them the perfect choice for a lock. They're also water resistant, so they can help to prevent the rust that may affect other types of lubricants.
If you find that your sliding patio door is difficult to open or close, the problem may be due to the locking mechanism not being aligned correctly with the frame. It's best to call a locksmith if you can't fix the problem yourself. They will take a closer look at your lock to see what's making it stiff or difficult to operate, and they can also install new rollers and springs to bring back the functionality of your patio door. If needed, they'll assist you in selecting the best locks to replace those that are damaged. You'll never have to think again about losing your keys or getting broken locks on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
Difficulty opening and closing a patio door could be due to misaligned rollers, tracks or latches. The solution to stuck doors can be simple if one or more of the above issues are present. If the problem persists, and you feel drafts, or notice an increase in your cooling and heating costs it could be the right time to replace your doors.
If the latch and tracks are clean The next thing to check is the rollers. The rollers are an important element of a sliding track, and if they're damaged or worn they can cause the doors to become stuck. To remove the rollers with a Phillips screwdriver, push them up gently by removing the screw that holds them into the position.
After repairmywindowsanddoors have been removed, you can remove the rollers and replace them with new ones if needed. The wheels used in the majority of patio door systems are typically steel and can rust as time passes. Plastic wheels are utilized on the majority of newer doors and last longer than metal ones. If your wheels are worn out and rusty, you'll likely have to replace the entire system of track and rollers.
If your rollers function normally, you can correct the alignment with the adjustment screws on the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver that you used to remove the rollers will also work). Turning these adjustment screws will either tighten or loosen the track in order to position it in the correct way. If you've got the adjust correct, the door should be in contact with the track all the way around and there shouldn't be any gaps.
After the adjustment is completed, lubricate the rollers and track by using a silicone-based spray lubricant. Apply a generous amount of oil to the rollers and track. Then, move the door forward and backwards several times to spread it. When the lubricant has dried, you should be free to shut and open your patio door without problems. If you're having problems, contact your Milgard dealer for assistance. They can guide you on how to fix the problem and assist you in finding them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are a great way to provide your home with sunlight and stunning views of the outside. However, they can also be a security concern as a cracked window could allow burglars to gain entry into your home. It is essential to replace the glass on these doors in order to keep them in good working order and secure.
If the glass on your patio door has cracked, it could look like an extremely difficult project to replace the pane. But, if you follow the right instructions replacing a glass window on your patio is actually quite simple. You can even do this without removing the frame from the door. To begin, take off the trim around the glass, also referred to as the mull. Slide a putty knife between the trim and the door, then use a small pry bar and hammer to gently lift it off. Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid damaging the trim.
Once the old glass is removed clean and sweep the area to remove any remaining pieces of broken glass and then wipe down the frame. If there are any cracks within the frame, duct tape them to strengthen the frame. Then, you can start rebuilding the door. Before doing so, be sure to measure the exact dimensions (and thickness) of the glass that was originally installed. This will allow you to ensure that the replacement glass is the correct size and thickness.
After reassembling the frame, apply a clear silicone caulk around the opening. This will stop air or water from entering the gap, damaging the new glass. When the caulk has dried and the glass is slid into place and then use the glazing points to hold it in the position. Once the glass is secure, replace the stops and tap in the brad nails using the nail punch.
Patio doors not only provide a beautiful view they increase the efficiency of your home by reducing transfer of heat and cold from the inside to the outside. They can also provide an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements that could harm your windows and create leaks.