Patio Door Frame Repair
A patio door that works well can improve the look of your home. It requires regular maintenance and adjustments to keep it in a good working condition.
Begin with a careful examination of the track and rollers in order to remove any debris that might be obstructing smooth sliding. Remove the stop molding from the frame (have someone help it with an elevated ladder or chair should it be necessary) to gain access to the rollers.
Damaged Glass
Sliding glass doors provide an outdoor view and ample natural light in your home. They also increase energy efficiency and can help to prevent drafts. Unfortunately, the glass of your patio door can get damaged from harsh New York weather or vandalism. It is essential to repair the broken glass pane as quickly as you can in order to avoid further damage.
Fortunately, replacing the glass on your patio door is a project that you can tackle yourself, armed with the right tools. You'll require a pair of gloves and a hammer, pry bar, and a putty knife, as well as replacement glass and caulk. Begin by taking the door out of the frame and putting it on a flat surface, such as an work bench. Then, use a pry bar and hammer to remove any trim around the glass from the frame.
After the trim is removed, you'll have to measure the frame to order your replacement glass. Once you have the measurements, you are able to install the glass and seal the frame with caulk.
If your glass that is insulated is foggy and the seals could be failing. This is a problem that is common with double-paned windows. It isn't easy to repair if you don't replace the entire window. A professional glazier can provide you with a brand new sealed glass unit that is made to fit your existing window opening.
One of the most neglected elements of the sliding glass patio door is the rollers and tracks. Over time, dirt, debris and rust may build up on the track and prevent the door from moving smoothly. Cleaning the track and the wheels of your door can help restore smooth movement and make it easier to open and close your patio door. It is also recommended to replace the weather stripping on your sliding door. Replacing weather stripping that is worn can save you money on heating and cooling bills by stopping air leaks and keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
Broken Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping that surrounds your sliding doors creates an important seal to the frame, stopping cold air from escaping in the winter months and warm air from escape in summer. As time passes the weather strip can become brittle or damaged and create gaps in the door's seal. These gaps could let conditioned air escape your home, and allow outside air to get in, increasing your energy costs and reduce the comfort of your living space.
The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is fairly simple and can be done in the spring, when the weather is warming up. Remove the weather stripping using a flathead screwdriver, then pull it and any staples out using a putty knife. Then, replace the new weatherstripping on the frame of the sliding panel - ensure you use a strip that covers the fixed panel's weatherstripping to ensure that they are interlocking. On the jamb side apply a tube of commercial-grade neutral cure silicone caulk.
Another issue that can affect your patio door is loose locks and handles. These are essential parts to ensure security and user-friendliness, but if the handles or locks become loose, difficult to operate, or damaged, it is important to repair or replace them right away to prevent theft or injury. A trained technician can assist you in resolving these problems.
In addition to these basic problems, you should examine the frame for splits or damage regularly. If you address these issues before they become more serious the door will continue to perform as it should and last longer.
The sliding patio door systems are very robust and require only minimal maintenance. However, just like any other appliance or system in your home, they aren't resistant to wear and tear. If your patio door is showing signs of wear, it's important to schedule a repair when you can. A Cinch Home Services warranty can help cover the cost of some repairs that will allow you to rest in the knowledge that your home appliances and systems are covered. To learn more, request a quote online today! Call 866-4FELDCO to speak with a Customer Delight Representative. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find the most suitable solution for your home.
Dirty Rollers
The sliding door rollers are the mechanism that allow the door to slide. Over time they can be damaged and dirty which causes the door to sound squeaky. Dirty rollers can be fixed easily by a little maintenance.
Begin by cleaning the tracks and rollers. Use a stiff handbrush or vacuum cleaner, or a jet wash to clean any debris that may be blocking the track. After cleaning the track and the rollers, apply a silicone based grease. This will stop future problems. Be sliding patio door lock repair to use an oil-based silicone lubricant that does not stick as opposed to grease-based lubricants, which will attract dirt and make the problem worse.
If your sliding patio door is squeaking, you may need to replace the rollers. The best way to determine this is by removing the door and examining the rollers. If the rollers are damaged or cracked, they should be replaced as soon as possible. You can find replacement rollers at an hardware store. It is a good practice to remove the two plugs that cover the roller adjustment screws on the bottom of track before reinstalling the doors. It is also an excellent idea to have someone else hold the door in place so it doesn't fall off the frame while working on it.
After replacing the rollers, ask a friend to assist you in reinstalling the door. Follow the same steps that you followed when you took it off. When the door is in place, use a screwdriver to adjust the rollers. Adjust them until they are in contact with the track and do not move as you slide the door. Apply a generous amount silicone lubricant on both the top and bottom of the track and rollers. Then move the door back and forth several times to spread the lubricant around and to verify your work. The door should be simple to open and close. Maintaining your sliding patio doors in good shape will ensure that they work properly for many years.
Shimming
Sliding patio door can be an attractive addition to any home. They can also provide an airy feel to the room. However, like other components of a door, they can experience wear and tear over time and require periodic maintenance to ensure that they operate correctly and maintain their excellent appearance. Most common problems are broken frames, loose frames glasses, or wheels that are not aligned properly. These can all be fixed with ease. Professional help is advised for more serious issues.
Gaps around a frame can cause drafts and reduce energy efficiency, particularly when the gap is close to an exterior door sill. To help prevent this, it's important to shim the doorframe as needed.
Shims are used to fill in gaps between wood framing members. They are a key tool for many home improvement projects, ranging from installing cabinets and trim, to leveling floors and toilets. A shim placed correctly will bring a doorframe that is canted (out of level) back to the level of its frame. This will avoid the need for further repairs.
When a new prehung door is put in place and framed, shims are usually required to ensure that the frame is centered in its opening in the wall. Use a hammer to insert shims where you see open space between the frame and the drywall or another rough wall material. Shimming should begin on the hinge's edge and work your way around the perimeter. Continue to check the frame for level and plumb as you shim it, so that it sits snugly in its wall opening.
Before the new door is installed Install a thick coat of caulk to the threshold and shims. This will stop water from leaking into the framing, which can cause rot. Once the caulk has dried and the threshold is installed, you can install a threshold made from galvanized metal or high-density polyethylene to help protect against moisture damage. In addition to the caulk that is applied to the sub-sill, it's an excellent idea to install a self adhesive flashing strip underneath the door sill.
If the weatherstripping on your sliding patio door is damaged or cracked, it needs to be replaced immediately to stop leaks and promote better energy efficiency. If the weatherstripping is put in place by nails, use a utility blade to remove the old weatherstripping from your wall if it's been nailed. After removing the old weatherstripping, apply a silicone-based lubricant onto the tracks, rollers, and other moving parts to keep them from becoming stuck or difficult to slide.