How to Repair Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors improve the aesthetics of a home and offer convenience and energy efficiency. However, they require regular maintenance to function according to the specifications.
These simple tasks will aid in prolonging the longevity of your doors and help you avoid costly repairs. In some cases the skills of a professional may be required for more severe damage.
Clear the Tracks
A sliding patio door may be difficult to close or open when it is stuck in the tracks. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix. In the majority of cases, just lubricating the door is all required to get it moving.
Cleaning the tracks regularly and sliding patio doors can help prevent dirt buildup that can cause problems with track operation. Every week, vacuum or brush your sill and tracks to remove larger dirt particles. Use a soft sponge cloth with mild soap along with warm water and a mild detergent to clean the tracks and thoroughly wash them. You can also scrub the stubborn staining on the tracks using a small brush, but be cautious not to scratch or harm them. Be sure to reach all the crevices and nooks of the tracks and sill, including corners and tight spaces.
After the tracks and sill have been cleaned, they need to be cleaned with a cloth that is free of lint and dried using a paper towel. If you have white vinegar in your house, it can be used to remove stubborn stains on the sill and tracks. To do this, apply a small amount of vinegar to an absorbent cloth and then rub the area that has the stain. If the stain is persistent try rubbing with a small toothbrush or a small brush.
Maintaining your sliding patio doors and their tracks clean will help them last longer and make them function more efficiently. It's a good idea to clean them with the same frequency as you do your windows. Also, make sure to inspect the weather strip that surrounds your patio doors regularly and replace it immediately if it becomes worn or damaged. This is a crucial step in reducing your energy bills and maintaining indoor comfort. If you are experiencing drafts, or a rise in your heating and cooling costs, it could be time to replace your patio doors that have improved insulation.
Lubricate the Locks
To ensure smooth operation the lock mechanism needs to be lubricated. This will also prolong the lifespan of the lock, as it won't be subject to excessive wear and tear. Light machine oil is ideal however, you can also make use of a graphite lock lubricant. The proper lubricant can prevent gunk buildup that can harm the pins inside the lock.
Graphite powder is an excellent method to lubricate the lock cylinder because it does not wash away or attract dirt. You can find this dry lubricant in most hardware stores in squeeze bottles that allow you to blow the powder into the lock without having to touch it. Insert your key and then move it back and forth to spread the graphite throughout the lock.
You can also try spraying WD-40 directly into the lock the cylinder. This will provide you with an instant burst lubrication however it may be too strong for some locks. If the cylinder is stuck, you can try working the key in and out a few times to distribute the WD-40 on all the internal components.
Teflon-based lubricants can be another option. These lubricants are very durable and can resist high temperatures which makes them the perfect choice for a lock. They are also water-resistant and can help to prevent rust which can be detrimental to other types of lubricants.
If you find that your sliding patio door is a bit difficult to open or close it could be due to the locking mechanism not being properly aligned with the frame. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith if you are unable to solve the issue on your own. They can take a closer inspection of your lock to determine what's causing it to be stiff or difficult to use, and they can also install new rollers and springs to bring back the functionality of your patio door. If necessary, they can help you select the right locks to replace the ones that are damaged. So, you don't have to worry about losing your keys or having broken locks ever again!
Adjust the Rollers
The tracks or rollers that are not aligned properly can cause patio doors to become difficult to open and close. The solution for stuck doors can be simple if any of the above issues are present. If the problem persists, and you are experiencing drafts or see an increase in your heating and cooling bills it could be the right time to replace your doors.
If the latch and tracks are clean, the next thing to check 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 slam. To remove the rollers using a Phillips screwdriver, pull them gently upwards by removing the screws that hold them in their place.
After the screws have been removed, it is easy to remove the rollers and replace them with new ones if you need to. Most patio door systems use steel wheels that can get rusty over time. The majority of newer doors come with plastic wheels, which last a lot longer than the metal ones do. If your wheels are dated and rusted, you will probably need to replace the entire assembly of track and rollers.
If your rollers are ok you can usually correct the alignment with the adjustment screws at the bottom of the track (the screwdriver you used to remove them works well). The adjustment screws that you turn will either tighten or loosen the track to position it correctly. If you've got the adjust 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 rollers and tracks. Apply my response of lubricant and then slide the door back and forth a few times to spread it out. When the lubricant has dried and the door is open, you should be able to open and close your patio door without issues. If you're still having issues, contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They will show you how to replace the part and assist you in finding the problem.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors can be ideal for bringing natural light into your home and offer stunning views of the natural world. However, they can also be an issue for security because a damaged window could easily allow intruders to break into your home. Replacement of the glass on these doors is important to ensure that they are safe and in good working order.
It might seem difficult to replace a patio door's pane in the event that the glass has cracked. With the right guidance, replacing a window on a patio door is actually fairly simple. You can complete this task without removing the door from the frame. To get started, first remove the trim around the glass, referred to as the mull. Slide a putty blade between the trim and door and then apply a small pry-bar and hammer. Be careful not to bend or break the trim, and ensure you wear gloves and long sleeves.
Once the old glass is removed, sweep and vacuum the area to remove any remaining pieces of broken glass. After that, wipe clean the frame. If there are cracks in the frame, you can join them to strengthen it. Then, you are able to begin rebuilding the door. Before you begin, make certain to measure the exact dimensions (and thickness) of the glass that was originally installed. This will help ensure that you get and install the right replacement piece of glass.
After reassembling the frame, apply a clear silicone sealant around the opening. This will stop air or water from leaking into the gap and damaging the new glass. Once the caulk is dry then slide the new glass into position and then use the glazing points to secure it in place. Once the glass is secured to the stop, replace them using brad nails. Then use the nail punch to push them into.
Patio doors not only provide a beautiful view but they improve the energy efficiency of your home by reducing heat and cold transfer from the inside to the outside. They can also add an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements that could damage your windows and cause leaks.