Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors are an excellent addition to any home. They're easy to operate and offer a wide view. As with all doors in the house, they're susceptible to wear and tear that needs replacement or repair.
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 slide smoothly, thus prolonging their life span.
Roller Replacement
If you find your sliding patio door isn't rolling easily, it could need lubrication. However, if the rollers are worn or damaged, they need to be replaced. Replacing your patio door rollers will enable your doors to function smoothly and lessen the amount of force required to open or close them.
If your patio door is an older model It may be necessary to remove the bottom part of the frame to get access to the rollers. If this is the situation you can use a wooden block and rubber mallet to tap the assembly free, then pull it out. Make sure you save the roller screws for reinstalling your new rollers.
Sliding glass door are a significant security feature in many homes and should be secured properly. Old or damaged roller wheels can make your door hard to open or close and also create gaps around the door that burglars can take advantage of. Replacing your patio door rollers will ensure that your home is secure from uninvited guests.
After you have removed the top and bottom rails It is an ideal idea to clean all the areas of the track with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will remove any grime which makes it easier to remove the doors from the track. You should be able to see drainage holes in the bottom track, but these often become blocked by dirt. If you find that your track is susceptible to collecting dirt, consider installing a stainless steel u-shaped piece which snaps over the track to provide an additional channel to allow water flow. These are available at CR Laurence, as well as other retailers who specialize in sliding door parts.
When you install the doors, make sure you put the bottom panel in first before putting the top one into the place. When the doors are back in place, you should be able test they slide freely and don't require any excessive force to open or close them. If you feel that the doors are rough, you can adjust the new rollers for more clearance.
Weather Stripping Replacement
The weather strip seals on your sliding doors slowly become worn, allowing drafts and moisture to enter. This can increase your energy costs. It's an easy and simple project that will help you save money on heating expenses.
There are a variety of materials for sliding door weather stripping, each with their advantages and drawbacks. It is important to select a material which will stand up to friction, temperature changes as well as weather changes and foot traffic, without interfering in the operation of the sliding door. Foam and felt, for instance, are inexpensive but vulnerable to weather and visible in the frame while vinyl is more expensive but will last for a long time while metals are strong but could look out of the frame of a modern home. Plastic or rubber can erode over time and require regular replacement.
To install new weather strips, you must remove the door from the casing. Find the headstop on the top of the door - it's usually a small piece of plastic or metal that is secured by screws. Remove the screw caps and then use a screwdriver with a flat head to remove the headstop from the bottom of the door. Remove the old weatherstripping and any residue with scraper or a putty blade.
You'll need a good amount of force to lift the door out of its track Don't try to do this by one person. Instead, you should have a second person hold the door steady while you remove it from its frame.
When the doors are closed Find the channels that hold the weather stripping. Plugs that match your doors' color should be placed in these channels. Take Repair My Windows And Doors off, then pull up on the weather stripping to disconnect it from the channel.
Fin Seal is the most effective type of weather stripping that is suitable for sliding patio doors. This type of weather seal has a Mylar that is centered within the brush material, and is extremely durable. It is suitable for almost all climates, and can withstand the pressure of walking. The back of the weather stripping is also constructed from a tough, flexible material to better withstand the pressures of sliding patio doors.
Door Alignment
Sliding patio doors are a wonderful feature of any home, but as with everything else, they could require a few adjustments to ensure they function at their best. With time, sliding patio doors can become worn out or out of alignment. This can cause problems like sticking, bumping against frames, or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can stop these issues and save you money and time.
One of the most common reasons for sliding door misalignment is the damage to rollers or tracks from unexpected jolts, or excessive force. A quick repair with the right tools can fix this issue, keeping your patio door in good shape for many years to come.
The misalignment could be caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity or weatherstripping wear, as well as inadequate installation. This can lead to parts moving and loosening over time, causing the door to move but not latch or close properly. These changes over time could result in air drafts and water leakage into the house.
It is essential to clean and lubricate the sliding patio door track on a regular basis to avoid these problems. A small amount of spray-lubricant can be easily purchased from any hardware retailer, and applying it regularly with a small brush can help keep the track running smoothly.
Another common cause for misalignment of sliding patio doors is the latch hook that does not match the strike plate on jamb. To fix this, you must open the door and expose the latch mechanism. This will allow you to inspect it and gain full access. Find the adjustment screw for the latch hook and then gently turn it in either direction to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch hook will ensure that the latch strikes and is able to engage with the strike plate without resistance or obstruction.
After you've made all the necessary adjustments, check your door to ensure that it is sliding and locks correctly. If there are any issues, repeat the process until your sliding patio door is fully functioning. You'll save money by not paying a professional to do expensive repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, the screws on sliding door frames may loosen and allow the frame to move slightly. Regularly checking and tightening these screws will keep your doors from sticking or becoming jammed. A sagging screen door could be fixed with a some clamping, but hinges that are loose could require an upgrade.
It is possible to repair a sliding patio without having to replace the frame but you must first assess the condition of your current frame. This is a cheaper option than replacing the entire frame. It also can meet specific requirements, such as improved insulation.
A full frame replacement is the complete removal of the current hinged doors, window and frame from the wall opening. This allows for a new sliding patio door to be built and offers more flexibility in design size, material and design.
Sliding glass doors are made to give you a beautiful view of your backyard, but over time they can start showing signs of wear and tear. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or are stuck it may be necessary to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good shape, replacing just the doors could be enough.
Before you begin, ensure that your work space is free of obstructions and you've laid down a drop cloth. The next step is to lay the sliding door on a flat surface and remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the frame. Then make use of a screwdriver remove the plugs that are covering the screws for adjustment of the roller at the bottom of the sliding door frame (they're typically covered by caps). Once these screws are removed then you can unlatch and pull the bottom of the door away from the track.
After the frame has been exposed it is possible to replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your track for sliding doors has become old or damaged and needs to be replaced, it is best to replace it rather than repair it. You can either buy a DIY kit or engage a professional to complete it. In either case, you must follow the directions of the manufacturer for the proper installation.