15 Things You Don't Know About Patio Door Repair
Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are attractive and convenient way to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces. They might need to be repaired periodically for common issues. These include misalignment, damaged weatherstripping, faulty handles and locks foggy or broken glass and drafts.
Foggy glass can be an indication that the seal is compromised, which could lead to leaks of moisture and air. This can decrease energy efficiency and lead to higher utility bills.
Misalignment
All sliding patio doors will become worn out over time. They lose their original form and become difficult to open or close. Fortunately that all of these issues can be easily fixed by adjusting your door and restoring it to its original size.
The sliding patio doors depend on rollers for smooth sliding across the tracks, and when they're misaligned it can cause them to stick and possibly damage your track system and glass panels. This can be caused by excessive use of the door, improper maintenance and cleaning, or simply due to the aging process of. You can prevent this by regular inspection of your patio door and taking action if it appears to be out of alignment.
A common sign that your patio door is out of alignment is when the operating panel has become difficult to close or open, especially when you're trying to lock it. The most frequent cause is that the rollers on your patio door have lost grip and aren't sliding smoothly across the track. This can be easily fixed by loosening the adjusting screws which are usually located on the bottom corners of your door. You can then rotate them clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the door's height.
It's also possible that your patio door is not in alignment due to an unbalanced frame, which could be difficult to identify and requires professional intervention. In this case, you may need to install a wood shim over the door jamb where it joins the operating panel.
It is also common for double French patio doors to become uneven over time, which can make them harder to lock and permit drafts into your home. This is usually due to the weight of the doors, which causes them to move differently on the opposite side of the opening, so it's important to inspect your French doors frequently and tighten any loose fasteners as soon when you notice them, to avoid any further damage or draughts.
Weatherstripping damaged
The gaps caused by damaged or worn-out weatherstripping may let drafts through your patio door. This could affect your home's comfort and energy efficiency. You can fix or replace the weatherstripping to eliminate drafts and improve the insulation around your doors.
Rollers that are not aligned
Rollers that are damaged or loose can slow the sliding motion of your patio door. Regular cleaning and lubrication will ensure the smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
A layer of dirt or dust on the tracks can result in bumping or a stick when you open and close your patio door. Cleaning and lubricating the tracks and rollers can solve this problem.
Broken Glass
French patio doors are made of large glass panels that provide ample light and beautiful views. If the glass develops chips or cracks, it could affect the strength and stability of the door. It is recommended to repair it as soon as is possible.
Handles are faulty Handles
The operation of your patio door can be affected by worn or loose handles. The tightening of loose handles or replacing them could improve functionality and provide solid grip to the handlebar.
Weatherstripping that is damaged or missing
Weatherstripping that is worn or damaged can cause gaps within your home, allowing drafts to pass through. Replacing or replacing the weatherstripping can enhance the efficiency of your energy and also reduce noise.
You can inspect the weatherstripping by looking for indications of damage, such as visible wear, missing chunks, or a swelling appearance. If the weatherstripping has worn out, you must replace it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
You can also apply high-quality caulk around your door frames and cracks. This is an easy solution that can be completed quickly and is less expensive than replacing existing weatherstripping. Inspect your door's weatherstripping regularly and fix any issues as soon as you notice them to avoid costly repairs in the future. In addition to improving energy efficiency, properly maintaining your doors and windows can help stop pests, moisture, and rot and maintain the beauty of your home. A professional can assess the condition of your door and recommend the best option for maintenance or replacement.
Glass that is hazy or broken
If you spot cracks or chips on your patio door glass, it's time to replace it. Broken or stained patio doors aren't just an eyesore, but they can also become security risks because they allow intruders to break into. It is essential to fix your patio doors as fast as you can when you find any damage.
Repair My Windows And Doors to determine whether or not your glass requires to be replaced is to examine the appearance and condition of your door frame. Our professionals can often repair chips and cracks without having to replace the entire glass. Then you can apply caulk or flex-seal tape to fill the cracks and seal any gaps.
If your patio doors are smoky up, they're likely constructed from double or triple-paned windows that are insulated. This is a clear indication that the window panes are losing their inert gas that keeps them warm in cold weather has moved on out. The loss of gas in the windows could cause windows to be less energy efficient than they were previously which is one of the main reasons people choose to replace their patio doors rather than fixing them.
It's also possible that your windows are producing excessive moisture in the first place. Installing a dehumidifier in the space in which your patio doors are can help keep humidity levels down. This can make your home more comfortable, and lower the likelihood of having to replace your patio doors.
Wear protective equipment such as gloves and shoes when removing broken glass to avoid causing cuts. To avoid injuries from shards, you must remove your pets and children from the area while it's being cleaned.
After you've removed the broken glass, it's time to clean the area of work and prepare to install the new patio door. It is recommended to seal the joints first using flex-seal or caulk. This will stop any further moisture from entering the joints. Then, you can add an insulate inside the sliding door to absorb any future condensation.
Drafts
The sliding patio door is one of the largest glass pieces in the house. They are often used, which can lead to drafts and air leakage. Drafts can be caused by many things, such as a inadequate or improper maintenance, wear and tear and the aging process. A professional can identify the problem and fix it, restoring the comfort of the home and boosting energy efficiency.
Over time, the seal around your patio door will expand and contract according to changing weather conditions. This can result in drafts or leaks of air, which can cause discomfort for your family and friends as well as consume energy. Regularly cleaning your doors, the lubrication of moving parts and replacing worn-out parts is the best way to avoid drafts and air leaks. If you spot a leak, perform the "Draft Test" which will tell you whether the issue is caused by an un-sealed door. Stand with an open flame or match near your patio door. If the flame moves when the draft happens, your patio doors may not be properly sealing. Replace them immediately.
Another common cause of a draft is worn or damaged weather stripping. It can be repaired by removing the old weather stripping and replacing it with new, high quality weather strips that create a more secure seal to lessen drafts.
Finally, if your sliding patio door's locking mechanism has become damaged, it is important to contact an expert for repairs. A faulty lock can pose security risk, as well as increase your energy bills due to heat loss through the doorway. A skilled technician can quickly replace the lock that is a simple fix. This will not only increase your safety and security but also boost the value of your house and improve curb appeal. It is crucial to weigh your own skills and time availability against the expense of a professional service prior to trying to repair your patio door yourself.