7 Secrets About Patio Door Repair That Nobody Can Tell You
Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are an attractive and convenient way to connect your outdoor and indoor spaces. However, sliding door repair may require periodic maintenance to address common problems. Misalignment, damaged seals or handles, defective locks and seals glass that is foggy or cracked and drafts are a few examples.
Foggy glass is a sign of a compromised seal, which can cause air and moisture leaks. This can reduce energy efficiency and raise the cost of your utility bills.
Misalignment
All sliding patio doors will wear out over time. They lose their original shape and become difficult to open or close. Fortunately that all of these issues can be easily fixed by adjusting the door and restoring its proper fit.
The sliding patio doors rely on rollers for smooth sliding across the tracks, and when they're not aligned properly, it could cause them to stick and possibly damage your track system and glass panels. This can be due to excessive use, insufficient maintenance and cleaning, or even aging. You can prevent this by regular inspection of your patio door and taking action if it appears to be out of alignment.
The most common indication that your patio door isn't in alignment is if the operating panel is difficult to close or open particularly when you try to secure it. This can be caused by a number of different issues, but the most common is that the rollers have lost their traction and aren't sliding along the track as effortlessly. This can be easily fixed by loosening the screws that adjust the door, that are usually found on the bottom corners of your door. You can then turn them clockwise or anticlockwise to adjust the door's height.
It is also possible that your patio door is not in alignment due to shifting in the frame, which is tricky to diagnose and require professional intervention. In this case you might need to put a wood shim on the door jamb, where it meets the operating panel.
It's also typical for the double French patio doors to become uneven with time. This makes it difficult to lock them, and also allow draughts to enter your home. This is usually caused by the weight of doors causing them to settle differently on each side of the opening. It is essential to check and tighten your French doors as soon as you notice any loose fasteners to prevent further damage.
Damaged Weatherstripping
A damaged or worn-out weatherstripping seal can create gaps around your patio door, which allow drafts to get in. This could affect your home's energy efficiency and comfort. You can fix or replace the weatherstripping in order to eliminate drafts and improve the insulation around your doors.
Misaligned Rollers
Your patio door could be hampered by loose or damaged rollers. Regular cleaning and lubrication will ensure the smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
If you have an accumulation of dust or dirt on the tracks, it may cause your patio door to feel as if it is bumping or sticking when you open or close it. This issue can be fixed by cleaning and lubricating your tracks and rollers.
Broken Glass
French patio doors are made of large glass panels that let in plenty of light and breathtaking views. However, if the glass develops cracks or chips it could compromise the integrity of the door. It should be fixed immediately.
Poorly designed Handles
The performance of your patio door could be affected by worn or loose handles. Tightening or replacing loose handles can enhance functionality and ensure a firm grip on the handlebar.
Weatherstripping damaged or missing
Weatherstripping that is damaged or missing could cause gaps in your home, allowing drafts to pass through. Replacing or fixing the weatherstripping will increase energy efficiency and reduce noise.
Look for visible damages, such as missing pieces or a swollen look. If the weatherstripping has worn out, you should replace it by following the instructions of the manufacturer.
You can also use a high-quality caulk to fill in cracks or gaps around your doors and frames. This is a straightforward solution that costs less than replacing your current weatherstripping and can be done in a matter of. Check your door's seal regularly and fix any issues to avoid costly repairs later on. Maintaining your doors and window can increase energy efficiency and help prevent mold, pests and moisture. It also helps maintain the beauty of your house. A professional can assess the condition of your door and suggest the best option for maintenance or replacement.
Foggy or Broken Glass
If you notice cracks or chips in the glass of your patio door, it's time to replace it. Broken or stained patio doors are not only an eyesore, they could also pose an issue for security by allowing intruders to break through. This is why it's important to fix your patio door as soon as you discover any damage.
Examining the appearance and condition of your door's frame is the best way to determine if your glass needs replacing. Our professionals are able to repair chips and cracks without having to replace the entire glass. Then, you can apply caulk or flex-seal tape to fill cracks and close any gaps.
If your patio doors are constructed of double or triple-pane insulated windows You should be aware when they start to become cloudy. This is a clear indication that your window panes are leaky and the inert gas that keeps them warm during cold winter months has shifted out. The loss of inert gas could make windows less energy efficient. This is one of the reasons why people opt to replace patio doors instead of repair them.
It's also possible that your windows are producing too much moisture in the first place. Dehumidifiers can help to keep humidity levels down in the room that houses your patio doors. This can make your home more comfortable, and lower the likelihood that you'll need to replace your patio doors.
Wear protective equipment such as gloves and shoes while removing broken glass to avoid cuts. To prevent injuries to yourself and others, it is recommended to remove your pets and children from the area while it's being cleaned.
Once you've taken out the broken glass, it's time to clean up the work area and get ready to install the new patio door. It is recommended to seal the joints first with caulk or flex-seal. This will stop any future moisture from leaking into the joints. Afterwards, you can add an insulator to the inside of your sliding door glass to absorb any condensation that might appear in the future.
Drafts
The sliding patio door is one of the largest glass pieces of a home. They are used a lot, which can lead to drafts and air leakage. Drafts can be caused by many things, like a insufficient or inadequate maintenance or wear and tear as well as age. A professional can spot the issue and correct it, restoring comfort in the home and increasing energy efficiency.
Over time, the seal around your patio door will expand and contract according to changing weather conditions. This can lead to drafts or leaks of air that can be uncomfortable for your family members and you, as well as waste energy. Regularly cleaning your doors, lubricating moving components and replacing worn-out parts is the best method to avoid drafts and air leaks. If you notice leaks, conduct the "Draft Test", which will determine if the problem is caused by an un-sealed door. Take a lighter or match in front of your patio door. If the flame moves as the draft happens, your patio doors may not be properly sealing. Replace them as soon as you can.
Another reason for a draft is worn or damaged weather stripping. It is easily repaired by getting rid of the old stripping, and then installing new, superior quality weather stripping that will provide better sealing to minimize drafts and improve your energy efficiency.
If the locking mechanism of your sliding patio door has been damaged, you must contact a professional to repair it. A damaged patio door lock can increase your energy bills and also present the risk of security. A professional with experience can replace the lock quickly, which is a simple fix. This will not only enhance your security and safety, but also add to the value of your home and boost curb appeal. Before attempting to repair your patio door yourself it is essential to consider your own abilities and availability of time in comparison with the cost of professional service.