How To Outsmart Your Boss On Repair Patio Doors
How to Repair Patio Doors
A sliding patio door can enhance the appearance of a house and also provides comfort and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance in order to function as designed.
These simple steps can help extend the lifespan of your doors, and also reduce costly repairs. In certain situations the expertise of a professional may be necessary for more extensive damage.
Clear the Tracks
If a sliding patio door gets stuck in its tracks, it could be difficult to open and close. This is typically a simple problem to solve. In most instances, the door needs to be lubricated to allow it to move.
Cleaning the tracks on a regular basis and sliding patio doors can help to keep dirt from accumulating that could cause problems with the operation of the tracks. Every week, you should vacuum or scrub your sill and tracks to remove larger dirt particles. Use a soft sponge cloth with mild soap and warm water, as well as a mild detergent to clean them and thoroughly rinse them. You can scrub the staining using a small toothbrush, but be careful to avoid damaging or scratching the tracks. Make sure you reach all the crevices and nooks of the sill and tracks including the corners and tight spaces.
After the tracks and sill have been cleaned, they need to be wiped clean with a cloth that is free of lint and dried with a paper towel. If you have white vinegar on hand, it can be used to remove stubborn stains on the tracks and sill. Apply a small amount on an unclean, soft cloth and rub the area with the stain. If the stain remains then try rubbing them with a small toothbrush or an old toothbrush and then rinse them off.
Keeping your sliding patio doors and their tracks clean will make them last longer and make to run more smoothly. It's a good idea to clean them as often like you would your windows. Be sure to check the weather strip around doors to the patio regularly and replace it if it is damaged or worn out. This is a crucial step to reduce the cost of energy while maintaining the indoor comfort. If you are experiencing drafts or an increase in your heating or cooling costs, it could be time to consider purchasing new patio doors with better insulation and weather stripping.
Lubricate the Locks
The lock mechanism must be lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This will also extend the longevity of the lock as it will not be subjected to unnecessary wear and tears. You can apply graphite lock grease or light machine oil. The right lubricant will help stop the buildup of gunk that could damage the pins in the lock.
Graphite is an excellent oil for the lock cylinder, since it doesn't remove dirt or wash away. You can purchase this dry lubricant at most hardware stores in a squeeze bottle that permits you to blow the powder into the lock without having to touch it. Insert your key and then move it forward and back to spread the graphite across the lock.
Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock cylinder. This will give you a quick blast of lubrication, however it might be too powerful for certain locks. If the cylinder seems to be stuck, try moving your key into 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 made of Teflon can also be used. These lubricants are very robust and are able to withstand high temperatures which makes them the perfect choice for a lock. They are also water-resistant and can help prevent rust, which can sometimes affect other types lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors seem somewhat stiff to open and close, it's probably because the locking mechanism isn't aligned correctly with the door's frame. If you're not able to fix the issue by yourself, it's best to call in a professional locksmith. They will take a closer look at your lock to discover the reason it's stiff or difficult to use, and they can also install new springs and rollers to bring back the functionality of your patio door. If needed, they'll assist you in choosing the appropriate locks to replace those that are damaged. You'll never have to think about losing your keys or the possibility of broken locks on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
A difficult time opening and closing a patio door can be due to misaligned rollers, tracks or latches. If the door is stuck due to one or more of these reasons, the fix can be simple. If the problem continues to persist, and you feel drafts, or see an increase in your heating and cooling costs, it may be time for you to replace your doors.
If the latch and tracks are clean The next thing to look at is the rollers. The rollers are an important component of a sliding track and when they're worn or damaged, they can cause the doors to stick. To remove the rollers, gently pull them out by taking out the screw that holds them in place using the help of a Phillips head screwdriver.
You can easily remove the screws and replace the rollers if needed. The wheels that are used in the majority of patio door systems are typically steel, and they can get rusty with time. The majority of newer doors come with plastic wheels, which last a lot longer than the steel ones do. If your wheels are old and rusted, you will likely have to replace the entire set of track and rollers.
If your rollers function, you can usually make adjustments to the alignment with the adjustment screws on the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver that you used to remove the rollers will also work). By turning these screws, you can either tighten or loosen the track to place it in the correct way. When you've got the adjustment right, your door will be fully in contact with the track and there shouldn’t be any gaps.
After the adjustment, spray lubricant with silicone on the rollers and tracks. Apply a large amount of grease to the rollers as well as the track. Then, slide the door forward and backwards several times to spread the lubricant. When the lubricant has dried, you should be free to open and close your patio door with no issues. If you still have trouble then contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They will assist you in finding the correct replacement parts and guide you on how to install them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are a great option to let in natural light and breathtaking views of the outdoors. They can also pose an security risk, since damaged glass can let an intruder easily gain entry to your home. Replacement of the glass on these doors is important to ensure that they are safe and operating properly.
If the glass on your patio door has broken, it might look like an extremely difficult task to replace the glass. With the right guidance, replacing a window on the patio door is fairly simple. It is possible to complete this task without removing the door from the frame. To begin, take off the trim around the glass, referred to as the mull. Use a putty blade to slide between the trim and the door, and then use the small pry-bar and hammer. Wear gloves and long sleeves to prevent damaging the trim.
After removing the old glass, vacuum and sweep the area to remove all broken glass. Wipe down the frame. Tape any cracks that appear on the frame to help strengthen it. Then, you can begin to reassemble the door. Before doing so, be sure to take measurements of the exact dimensions (and thickness) of the original glass. This will help ensure that you buy and install the proper replacement piece of glass.
After reassembling the frame, apply some clear silicone caulk to the edges of the opening. upvc patio door repairs will stop water or air from leaking into the gap, damaging the new glass. After the caulk has dried and the window is positioned, slide it into place. Then use the glazing points as a way to hold it. Once the glass is secured, replace the stops with brad nails and then use the nail punch to push them in.
Patio doors do not only offer an amazing view they also increase the energy efficiency of your home by reducing transfer of cold and heat from the inside to the outside. They can also add an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements that could harm your windows and cause leaks.