How to Repair Patio Doors
A sliding patio door improves the look of a home and also provides comfort and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance in order to function as intended.
Doing these simple tasks can extend the life of your doors and reduce costly repairs. In certain situations the expertise of a professional might be required for more severe damage.
Clear the Tracks
If a sliding patio door becomes stuck in its tracks, it could be difficult to open and close. Fortunately, this is an easy issue to resolve. In the majority of cases, the door simply requires lubrication to get it moving again.
Cleaning regularly your sliding patio doors and tracks can limit the buildup of dirt, which can hinder track operation. It's important to sweep or brush the sill and tracks each week to get rid of larger pieces of dirt. Then, use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and warm water to clean them down and rinse them thoroughly. You can also scrub stubborn streaks of dirt off the tracks with a small brush, but be careful not to scratch or damage them. Make sure you clean all the nooks, crannies and corners of the tracks and sill.
After the sill and tracks have been cleaned, they should be wiped clean with an unlint-free cloth and dried using a paper towel. If you have white wine vinegar on hand it can be used for stubborn stains. To do this simply apply a small amount of vinegar onto a soft cloth, and then rub the area where the stain is located. If the stain remains Try rubbing them using a small toothbrush or a small brush.
Keep your sliding patio doors and tracks clean will help them last longer and aid in making them operate more smoothly. It is recommended to clean them every time you clean your windows. In addition, be sure to inspect the weather strip around your patio doors on a regular basis and replace it immediately if it is damaged or worn. This is a vital step to reduce energy costs while ensuring the indoor comfort. If you notice drafts or an increase in your cooling or heating costs, it could be time to invest in new patio doors with improved insulation and weather stripping.
Lubricate the Locks
To ensure smooth operation the lock mechanism should be maintained by lubrication. This can also prolong the longevity of the lock since it won't be subjected to excessive wear and tear. Light machine oil is ideal however, you could also apply a graphite lubricant to your lock. The proper lubricant can stop the buildup of gunk that could damage the pins in the lock.
Graphite is a fantastic oil for the lock cylinder, since it does not wash away or attract dirt. This dry lubricant can be found at most hardware stores. It is available in a squeeze-bottle that allows you blow the powder directly into the lock. Simply insert your key and work it back and forth to distribute the graphite around the internal parts of the lock.
You can also spray WD-40 directly into the lock the cylinder. This will provide an instant blast of lubrication, however it may be too strong for some 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 the internal parts that require it.
Teflon based oils can also be utilized. These lubricants can withstand high temperatures and are extremely durable, which makes them a great choice for a lock. They're also water resistant, so they'll help you avoid the rust that can affect other types of lubricants.
If you notice that your sliding patio door is difficult to close or open, the problem may be caused by the locking mechanism not being properly aligned with the frame. If you're not able to fix this problem on your own, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. They will take a closer look at your lock to discover the reason it's stiff or difficult to operate. They can also install new rollers and springs to bring back the functionality of your patio door. They'll also assist you in choosing the appropriate locks to replace your old locks with, if needed. This means you don't have to be worried about losing your keys or having broken locks once more!
Adjust the Rollers
A difficult time opening and closing a patio door may be caused by misaligned rollers or tracks, or latches. The solution for stuck doors can be simple if any of the issues mentioned above are present. However, if the issue persists and you're experiencing drafts or notice an increase in your cooling and heating bills it may be time to replace your doors.
If the tracks and latch are clean, the next thing to check is the rollers. The rollers are a crucial component in sliding door tracks and if they're damaged or worn they can cause the door to slam. To remove the rollers, using a Phillips screwdriver, push them gently upwards by removing the screw that holds them into place.
Once the screws are removed, you can easily remove and replace the rollers with new ones if you need to. The majority of patio door systems utilize steel wheels, which may get rusty over time. Most modern doors feature plastic wheels that last longer than the metal ones do. If your wheels are dated and rusted, you will likely need to replace the entire assembly of track and rollers.
If your rollers are working you can usually adjust the alignment using the adjustment screws located on the bottom of the track (the screwdriver you used to remove them works well). Turning RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will either tighten or loosen the track in order to position it correctly. If you've got the adjustment right, the door should be in contact with the track all the way around, and there aren't any gaps.
After the adjustment, spray lubricant that contains silicone on the tracks and rollers. Apply a generous amount of grease to the rollers as well as the track. Then, slide the door back and forth a few times in order to spread the lubricant. Once the lubricant has dried, you should be able to open and close your patio door without getting stuck or making any noises. If you are still having trouble, contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They can show you how to replace the part and help you find the problem.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are an excellent option to let in natural light and stunning views of the outside. They can also be a security risk, as a broken glass pane could let an intruder easily break into your home. It is important to replace the glass on these doors in order to keep them functioning and secure.
It may seem impossible to replace a patio door pane when the glass is broken. But, if you follow the right directions replacing a glass window on your patio is actually very easy. The job can be completed without taking the patio door off its 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 avoid damaging the trim.
After you have removed the old glass clean the area to remove all broken glass. Clean the frame. If there are any cracks in the frame, duct tape them to strengthen the frame. Then, you are able to begin building 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 allow you to ensure that the replacement glass is of the proper size and thickness.
After reassembling your frame apply a clear silicone caulk over the opening. This will stop water or air from seeping into the gap and damaging the new glass. When the caulk has dried and the glass is slid into position and then use the glazing points to hold it in place. Once the glass is secured, replace the stops and tap into the brad nails with the nail punch.
Patio doors do not only offer stunning views, but they can increase the efficiency of your home by reducing the transfer of cold and heat from the inside to the outside. They can also add an additional layer of protection from storms and other elements that could harm windows and cause leaks.