Patio Door Frame Repair
A patio door that functions well can enhance the look of your home. To keep it in top working condition requires regular maintenance and adjustments.
Begin with a careful examination of the track and rollers to remove any obstructions hindering smooth sliding. Remove the stop molding from the frame (have someone else support it using a chair or ladder should it be necessary) to reach the rollers.
Damaged Glass
Sliding glass doors offer an outdoor view and let plenty of natural light into your home. They also help to reduce drafts and increase efficiency in energy use. Unfortunately, glass for patio doors can be damaged by the harsh New York weather or vandalism. It is crucial to repair the broken glass pane as quickly as you can in order to avoid further damage.
With the proper tools, you are able to replace your patio door glass yourself. You'll require a pair of gloves as well as a hammer, pry bar and a putty knife along with glass replacement and caulk. Begin by taking the door out of the frame and putting it on a flat surface, such as workbench. Next, use the tool and hammer to remove any trim around the glass frame.
After removing the trim you'll have to measure the frame in order to order the replacement glass. Once you have the measurements you can place the new glass inside your sliding door and seal the perimeter of the frame to seal it.
If you have an glass window with an insulated coating that is foggy, it may mean that the seals on the glass aren't working properly. This is a problem that is common with double-paned windows. It's not easy to fix if you don't replace the entire window. A professional Glazier will be able offer you a new sealed unit that is made to fit the existing window opening.
One of the most overlooked elements of a sliding glass patio doors is the rollers and tracks. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the track, preventing the door from moving smoothly. Cleaning the track and wheels can help bring back smooth movement and make your patio door easier to open and close. You should also regularly replace the weather stripping of your sliding door. By preventing air leaks, replacing worn weather strips could save you money on cooling and heating costs.
Broken Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping around sliding doors is an important seal that prevents cold air from entering the frame in the winter months and warm air from leaving in summer. In time the weather strip could become damaged or brittle, and cause gaps in the door's seal. These gaps could let conditioned air from your home to escape and outside air into your home, increasing your energy costs and decreasing your comfort.
The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is relatively simple and can be done in spring, when the weather is warming up. Remove the weather stripping with a flathead screwdriver, then pull the staples and any staples out by using a putty blade. Replace the weatherstripping with a new strip on the sliding panel frame. Make sure that the weatherstripping is overlapping the fixed panel to ensure that they are interlocked. On the jamb side, apply a tube of neutral cure silicone caulk of commercial quality.
Another issue that can affect your patio door is loose handles and locks. They are crucial components to ensure security and convenience If the handles or locks become brittle, difficult operate or damaged, it is important to repair or replace them as soon as possible to avoid injury or theft. A skilled technician can help you resolve these issues.
You should also inspect the frame on a regular basis for any splits or damages. If you fix these problems before they become more serious, your door will continue to function properly and last longer.
Sliding patio doors are quite robust and require minimal maintenance, but just like any other appliance or home system they aren't resistant to wear and tear. It's important to make an appointment as soon as your patio door shows signs of wear. A Cinch Home Services warranty can assist with the cost of repairs, allowing you to relax at ease knowing that your household appliances and systems are protected. To learn more, request a quote online today! Call 866-4FELDCO and speak to a Customer Delight Representative. We'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and assist you in determining the most suitable solution for your home.
Dirty Rollers
The sliding door rollers are the mechanism that allows the door to slide. Over time, they can become dirty or damaged and cause the door to squeak or be difficult to open. Rollers that are dirty can be replaced easily by a little maintenance.
Start by cleaning the tracks and rollers. Clean any debris off the track using a stiff brush, vacuum cleaner or jet wash. Once the tracks and rollers are clean, apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and track to prevent future problems. Choose a lubricant based on silicone that is not sticky, instead of a grease-based one. The grease will attract dirt which will cause the problem to get worse.
If your sliding patio doors are squeaking, the rollers might need to replaced. The best method to determine this is by removing the door and inspecting the rollers. If the rollers are damaged or cracked, they should be replaced as soon as possible. Hardware stores can supply replacement rollers. Before reinstalling the door, it's a good idea to lay a drop cloth on the floor and remove the two plugs that cover the screws that adjust the rollers at the bottom of the track. It is also an excellent idea to have someone help hold the door to ensure it doesn't fall off the frame while you work on it.
After you have replaced the rollers, have a trusted friend assist you in reinstalling the door. Follow the same procedure that you followed when you took it off. After the door is reinstalled then adjust the rollers using a screwdriver. Adjust them until they are firmly in contact with the track and don't move when you slide the door back and back and forth. Then, apply patio door repairs of the silicone lubricant to the top and bottom of the track and rollers and slide the door back and forth several times to spread it around and then check your work. The door should be simple to open and close. Maintaining your sliding patio doors in good working order will ensure they function properly for a long time.
Shimming
Sliding patio door can be an attractive addition to any home. They can also add a spacious feel to the room. However, like other components of a door, they can experience wear and tear over time and require periodic repair to ensure that they operate properly and maintain their attractive appearance. Most common problems are broken frames, loose frames glasses or wheels that aren't aligned. They can be fixed easily. For more serious issues, a specialist is recommended.
Gaps around a frame can lead to drafts and lower energy efficiency, especially when the gap is close to an exterior door sill. To avoid this it is important to shim the doorframe whenever needed.
Shims bridge the gaps between wood framing and are an essential tool for many home improvement projects. They are used in everything from installing cabinets, trim, and toilets, to raising the floor and leveling the toilets. A well-placed shim can help pull a sagging (out-of-level) doorframe back to square and plumb within its frame, preventing the need for more expensive repairs down the road.
Often, shims will be needed to center the prehung door within its rough opening. Use a hammer and wedge shims in the area in the space between the frame, drywall or rough wall material. Start by shredding the hinge side of the frame, and then shift to the lock side and work your way around the perimeter. As you shim the frame, you should examine it for level and plumbness. This will ensure that it fits snugly within its rough wall opening.
Apply an extensive layer of caulk on the threshold and shims prior installing the new door. This will prevent water from getting into the framing, which can cause decay. Once the caulk has dried and the threshold is installed, you can install a threshold made of galvanized metal or high-density polyethylene to help keep moisture from damaging. In addition to the caulk on the sub-sill, it's recommended to install a self-adhesive flashing strip beneath the door sill.
If the weatherstripping is damaged or torn, it should be immediately replaced to prevent leaks and increase energy efficiency. If the weatherstripping has been put in place by nails, use a utility blade to separate the old weatherstripping from the wall, if it's been attached. After taking down the old weatherstripping use a silicone-based lubricant on the rollers, tracks and other moving parts to prevent them from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to slide.