How to Repair Patio Doors
Sliding patio door enhances the look of a home and offers comfort and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance to perform as they were intended to.
Performing these simple tasks can help extend the lifespan of your doors, and also reduce costly repairs. In some cases, the expertise of a professional may be required to repair more severe damage.
Clear the Tracks
If a sliding patio door becomes stuck in its tracks, it may be difficult to open and close. This is usually a simple problem to fix. In the majority of instances, the door needs to be lubricated to allow it to move.
Regularly cleaning your sliding patio doors and tracks can reduce the accumulation of dirt, which can hinder track operation. Every week, vacuum or brush your sill and tracks to remove dirt particles larger than. Then employ a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and warm water to wipe them down and rinse them thoroughly. You can also scrub the stubborn staining on the tracks using a small brush, but make sure not to scratch or damage them. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the tracks and sill as well as corners and tight spaces.
After the sill and tracks have been cleaned, they should be cleaned with a lint free cloth and dried with a paper towel. If you have white wine vinegar available you can use it to get rid of stubborn stains. To do this, apply a small amount of vinegar to a soft cloth, and then rub the area in which the stain is. If the stain remains, try scrubbing using a small toothbrush or a small brush.
Maintaining your sliding patio doors and tracks clean will help them last longer and make them operate more smoothly. It's a good idea to clean them with the same frequency like you would your windows. Be sure to inspect the weather strip on doors to the patio regularly and replace it if it's worn or damaged. This is a crucial step in reducing your energy bills and ensuring comfort indoors. If you are experiencing drafts, or an increase in your heating and cooling costs, it could be time to replace your patio doors that are more efficient in insulation.
Lubricate the Locks
The lock mechanism must be kept lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This can also extend the life of the lock itself, as it won't be subjected to excessive wear and wear and tear. You can apply graphite lock grease or light machine oil. The proper lubricant can prevent gunk buildup that can harm the pins inside the lock.
Graphite powder is a great method to lubricate the lock cylinder as it doesn't sludge away or draw dirt. The dry lubricant is readily available at most hardware stores. It is available in a squeeze-bottle that allows you blow the powder directly into the lock. Insert your key, and then move it back and forth to distribute the graphite throughout the lock.
You could also try spraying WD-40 directly into the lock's cylinder. This will give you an instant blast of lubrication, however it could be too strong for certain locks. If the cylinder is really stuck, try moving your key inside and out of the lock several times to spread the WD-40 over all of the internal components that require it.
Teflon-based lubricants are another option. These lubricants can withstand high temperatures and are extremely durable, making them a great option for locking. They're also water-resistant, which means they'll help you avoid the rust that can sometimes affect other types of lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors are somewhat stiff to open and close, it's that the locking mechanism isn't aligned properly with the frame of the door. If you're unable fix the issue by yourself, it's best to call in an expert locksmith. They can inspection of your lock to see what's making it stiff or difficult to use, and they can also install new springs and rollers to make your patio door more functional. They'll even help you choose the best locks to replace the old ones with, if required. You won't have to worry again about losing your keys, or having a broken lock on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
Misaligned rollers or tracks can cause patio doors to become difficult to open and close. The solution to a stuck door can be easy if one or more of the above problems are present. However should RepairMyWindowsAndDoors persist and you feel drafts or are seeing an increase in your heating and cooling bills it may be time to replace your doors.
The next step is to check the rollers. The rollers are an essential element in sliding door tracks, and if they are damaged or worn, they could cause the door to stick. To remove the rollers, gently pull them out by taking off the screw that is holding them in place using the aid of a Phillips head screwdriver.
You can easily take off the screws and replace the rollers if necessary. Most patio door systems use steel wheels, which may be rusty with time. Plastic wheels are utilized on the majority of doors that are newer, and last longer than the metal ones. If your wheels are dated and rusted, you will likely have to replace the entire assembly of track and rollers.
If your rollers function normally, you can adjust the alignment by using the adjustment screws located at the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver you used to remove the rollers can also work). The adjustment screws that you turn will either tighten or loosen the track to place it in the correct way. If you've got the adjustment correct, the door will be in contact with the track all the way around and there should not be any gaps.
After the adjustment, spray lubricant containing silicone on the tracks and rollers. Apply a good coat of lubricant and slide the door back and forth several times to spread it out. When the lubricant has dried and the door is open, you should be able to open and shut your patio door with no issues. If you're experiencing issues, contact your Milgard dealer for assistance. They can show you how to replace the part and help you find them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors can be ideal for bringing natural light into your home and provide breathtaking views of the natural world. However, they can also be an issue for security as a cracked window could easily allow intruders to gain entry into your home. Replacement of the glass on these doors is important to ensure that they are safe and operating properly.
It can be difficult to replace a patio door's glass when the glass is broken. However, with the right instructions, replacing a window in your patio is actually very easy. You can complete this task without taking the door from its frame. To begin, take off the trim around your glass, also referred to as the mull. Slide a putty knife between the trim and the door, and then use a small plier bar and hammer to gently lift it off. Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid damaging the trim.
After removing the old glass remove it and vacuum the area to remove all broken glass. Wipe down the frame. If there are cracks in the frame, you can tape them to strengthen it. You can then begin reassembling the door. Before you do this, be sure to take measurements of the exact dimensions (and the thickness) of the glass that was originally installed. This will help you get and install the proper replacement piece of glass.
After reassembling the frame apply a clear silicone caulk to the edges of the opening. This will stop water or air from leaking into the gap, which could damage the new glass. Once the caulk has dried, slide the new window into position. Then, use the glazing points to hold it. Once the glass is secured, replace the stops with brad nails and then use the nail punch to push them into.
In addition to offering an amazing view of the outside, patio doors increase your home's energy efficiency by reducing the heat and cold transfer between the indoors and the outdoors. They can also add an additional layer of protection from storms and other elements that could harm your windows and create leaks.