How to Repair Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors improve a home's aesthetics and provide convenience and energy efficiency. However they require regular maintenance in order to function as intended.
Doing these simple tasks can help extend the lifespan of your doors and minimize costly repairs. In some cases 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 can be difficult to open and close. Fortunately, this is a simple problem to solve. In the majority of cases, just simply lubricating the door is all needed to get it moving.
Regularly cleaning the tracks and sliding patio doors can help prevent dirt buildup that can cause problems with the track's operation. Every week, clean or scrub your sill and tracks to get rid of larger dirt particles. Then you can use an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth with mild soap and warm water to clean them clean and wash them thoroughly. You can also scrub stubborn staining on the tracks using a small brush, but make sure not to scratch or damage the tracks. Make sure you clean all the nooks, crannies and corners of the tracks and sill.
When the sill and tracks are clean, they need to be scrubbed using a lint-free cloth, and then dried using paper towels. If you have white wine vinegar available it can be used to get rid of staining that is difficult to remove. Apply a small amount to a soft, clean cloth and rub the area that has the stain. If the stain remains, try scrubbing with a small brush or a small brush.
Keep your sliding patio doors and tracks clean will make them last longer and make them operate more smoothly. You should clean them as often as you clean your windows. Be sure to check the weather strip around doors to the patio regularly and replace it if it's damaged or worn out. This is a crucial step in reducing your energy bills and maintaining indoor comfort. If you notice drafts, or a rise in your heating and cooling bills, it might be time to consider investing in new patio doors that are more efficient in insulation.
Lubricate the Locks
The lock mechanism needs to be lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This will also prolong the life of the lock, because it won't be subjected to unnecessary wear and tears. Light machine oil is ideal however, you could also make use of a graphite lock lubricant. The right lubricant can aid in preventing the buildup of gunk, which can cause the delicate pins in the lock to be damaged.
Graphite is an excellent lubricant for the lock's cylinder because it does not get soiled or attract dirt. This dry lubricant can be found in most hardware stores. It comes in a squeeze bottle that lets you blow the powder directly into the lock. Insert your key, then move it back and forth to spread the graphite across the lock.
Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock's cylinder. Continuing will give you an instant burst lubrication but it could be too strong for certain locks. If the cylinder is stuck, try moving your key inside and out of the lock a few times to spread the WD-40 over all of the internal parts that need it.
Teflon-based lubricants are another alternative. These lubricants are highly robust and are able to withstand high temperatures, making them the perfect option for locking. They're also water-resistant, so they'll help you avoid the rust that can affect other lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors are slightly difficult to open or close, it's likely that the locking mechanism isn't aligned properly with the frame of the door. If you're unable to fix this problem by yourself, it's best to seek out an expert locksmith. They can look at your lock to determine what's making it stiff or difficult to use, and they can also install new springs and rollers to bring back the functionality of your patio door. If necessary, they'll assist you in selecting the best locks to replace those that are damaged. You won't have to worry over losing your keys, or having broken locks on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
Misaligned rollers or tracks can cause patio doors to become difficult to open and close. If your door is squeaking due to one or more of these issues, the fix can be simple. However If the issue continues to persist and you're experiencing drafts or seeing increases in your heating and cooling costs, it might be time to think about replacing your doors.
If the tracks and latch are in good condition The next thing to check is the rollers. The rollers are an essential component of a sliding track, and when they're worn or damaged they could cause the doors to stick. To remove the rollers, gently pry them up by taking off the screw that is holding them in place using a Phillips head screwdriver.
Once the screws are removed, it is easy to extract and replace the rollers with new ones, if required. The majority of patio door systems utilize steel wheels, which can be rusty with time. Most modern doors feature plastic wheels that last a lot longer than the steel ones do. If your wheels have rusted and are worn out, you'll have to replace all tracks and rollers.
If your rollers work well, you should be able to adjust the alignment by using the adjustment screws located at the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver that you used to remove the rollers will also work). The adjustment screws that you turn will either tighten or loosen the track in order to position it properly. If you've got the adjust correct, the door should be in contact with the track all the way around and there should not be any gaps.
After the adjustment, spray lubricant with silicone on the tracks and rollers. Apply a thick coat of lubricant, then slide the door back and forth a few times to spread it. After the lubricant is dry and dried, you should be able to open and close your patio door without it becoming stuck or making any noises. If you still have trouble, contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They will help you locate the correct replacement parts and show you how to install them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are a fantastic option to provide your home with sunlight and stunning views of the outside. However, they can also be an issue for security as a broken window pane could allow burglars to break into your home. Replacement of the glass on these doors is essential to ensure they are safe and in good working order.
If the glass on your patio door has shattered, it may appear to be a difficult task to replace the glass. With the right instructions replacing windows on a patio door is actually fairly simple. You can complete this without removing the frame from the door. To begin, take off the trim around the glass, which is referred to as the mull. Use a putty blade to slide between the trim and door and then use a small pry-bar and hammer. Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid damaging the trim.
After you have removed the old glass, vacuum and sweep the area to get rid of all broken glass. Clean the frame. Apply tape to any cracks on the frame to help strengthen it. Then, you can begin to reassemble the door. Be sure to take measurements of (and note the thickness) the glass prior to beginning. This will help ensure that you purchase and install the proper replacement piece of glass.
After reassembling the frame apply a clear silicone caulk around the edges of the opening. This will stop air or water from getting into the gap and damaging the new glass. After the caulk has dried and the glass is slid into position and then use the glazing points to hold it in the position. After the glass is secured to the stop, replace them with brad nails and then use the nail punch to push them in.
In addition to providing a beautiful view of the outside, patio doors enhance the efficiency of your home's energy usage by reducing cold and heat transfer between indoors and outside. They can also provide an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements that could damage your windows and cause leaks.