Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors are a great addition for any home. They are easy to operate and offer an expansive view. Like any other household door they are prone to wear and tear, which requires repair or replacement.
Keep your sliding patio doors in working order by cleaning and lubricating them frequently. Lubricating them using graphite or silicon spray will allow them to slide smoothly and extend their lifespan.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door isn't rolling easily, you may need to grease it. However, if the rollers are worn out or damaged, they should be replaced. Replace the rollers on your patio door to ensure that your doors run smoothly. Additionally, you will require less pressure to open or close them.
If your patio door was manufactured prior to 2000, you may need to remove the bottom part of the frame to get access to the rollers. If this is the case, use a wood block and a mallet made of rubber to tap the door free, then pull it out. Save the roller screws to install your new rollers.
Sliding glass door are a key security factor in many homes, and should be properly protected. Repair My Windows And Doors that are damaged or worn out can make your door hard to open or close and also create gaps around the door that burglars can exploit. By replacing the rollers on your patio door, you can ensure that your home will be secured from unwanted visitors.
After taking off the bottom and top rails it is a great idea to clean the entire length of the track with an alcohol soaked cloth. This will get rid of any dirt and make removing the doors from the tracks much simpler. You will see drainage holes in the bottom track, but these often become blocked by dirt. If you notice that your track is susceptible to collecting dirt, consider installing a stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps onto the track to create an additional channel for water flow. You can purchase these from CR Laurence and other retailers that specialize in sliding door replacement parts.
When you install the doors, be sure to put the bottom panel in first, and then move the top one into the position. You should be able test the doors once they are back in their original position to ensure that they move smoothly and don't require any excessive force to open or close. If the doors still feel rough, you can adjust the rollers to give more clearance.
Weather Stripping Replacement
The weather strip of your sliding door's seals are slowly worn away, letting in drafts and moisture, which can increase your energy costs. Replacing them is a simple project that takes few minutes and will pay for itself in reduced heating expenses in no time.
There are a myriad of materials available for sliding door weather stripping, each having their advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select one that is able to be able to withstand the effects of friction, temperature fluctuations, weather changes and pedestrian traffic, but not interfere in the sliding door's operation. Foam and felt, for example aren't expensive but are prone to weather and visible in the frame while vinyl is more expensive but lasts for years and is durable, however they may not look in an upscale home. Plastic or rubber can erode over time and need regular replacement.
To install new weather strips, remove the door from the casing. To do this, find the headstop on the top of the door - typically a small piece of plastic or metal that's fixed by screws. Take off the screws and then use a screwdriver with a flat head to pull the headstop free from the bottom of the door. Remove the old weatherstripping and any remaining residue using scraper or a putty blade.
Do not attempt to remove the door from its track with only one person. You'll have to apply lots of force. Rather, have a helper to hold the door steady as you take it out of its frame.
After the doors are shut then locate the channels that hold the weather stripping. Plugs that match the color of your doors should be placed in these channels. Pull up on the weatherstripping to make it distinct from the channel. Remove the plugs.
Fin Seal is the best type of weather stripping for sliding patio doors. This kind of weather stripping features a Mylar fin that is centered in the pile (brush material) and is very durable, suitable for nearly all climates and can stand well against foot traffic. The back of the weather stripping is also made from a hard, flexible material to better resist the rigors of a sliding patio door.
Door Alignment
Sliding patio doors are a great feature for any home, but like other things, they will benefit from a periodic adjustment to make sure they are working at their best. As time passes, sliding patio doors will be worn out or misaligned. This can lead to issues such as sticking, bumping against frames, or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can help prevent these issues, thereby saving you money and time.
One of the main causes of sliding door misalignment is damage to tracks or rollers from unexpected jolts, or excessive force. A quick repair using the right tools can fix this problem, keeping your patio door sliding smoothly for many years to come.
It can be caused by fluctuations in humidity and temperature as well as weatherstripping wear and poor installation. Parts can shift and become loose over time. This could cause the door to move and then not latch or close properly. Over time, these movements could create air drafts, or even let water leak into the house.
It is essential to clean and lubricate the sliding patio door track on a regular basis in order to prevent these issues. You can purchase a small amount of lubricant spray-on at any hardware store. Applying it frequently using bristles that are small will help keep your track in good condition.
Another reason that can cause misalignment of sliding patio doors is that the latch hook isn't aligned with the strike plate on jamb. To fix this, you must open the door and reveal the latch mechanism. This will allow you to inspect it in full view and gain access. Find the adjustment screw for the latch hook and then gently turn it either way to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch will ensure that the latch engages and hits the strike plate without obstruction or resistance.
Check your door after you've made the necessary adjustments to ensure that it slides and locks correctly. If there are any issues, repeat the process until your sliding patio door is functioning properly. By following these easy steps you will save yourself a lot of money by not having to hire professionals to carry out costly repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, the screws on sliding door frames may loosen, allowing the frame to move a bit. Checking and tightening the screws will keep your doors from getting stuck or becoming jammed. A sagging screen door could be corrected with a little some clamping, but hinges that are loose may require replacing it.
Replacing a sliding patio door, without replacing the frame is possible but requires careful analysis of the condition of the existing frame. This method is more cost-effective than a full frame replacement and can address particular needs like better insulation or a new design.
A complete frame replacement is the complete removal of the current hinged doors, window and frame from the wall opening. This allows a new sliding patio door to be installed and can provide more flexibility in design size, dimensions and materials.
Sliding glass doors are designed to provide you with a stunning view of your backyard, but over time they can begin to show signs of wear and tear. If your sliding doors are stuck or difficult to open, you may require replacing the track or wheels. If the frame is in good condition it could suffice to replace the doors.
Be sure that your work area is clear of obstructions, and that you've laid down a dropcloth. Then, lay the sliding door flat on a work surface and remove the removable grilles or shades. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the plugs that cover the screws that adjust the rollers at the bottom of the frame (they're usually covered with caps). Once you've removed the plugs then, you can unwind the bottom of the sliding door and take it off the track.
Once the frame has been exposed it is possible to replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your sliding door track is old or damaged it is best to replace it completely than repairing an existing track. You can buy a kit for a DIY project or let an expert do it for you. In either case, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure proper installation.