10 Things You've Learned From Kindergarden To Help You Get Started With Sliding Patio Door Repair
Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement Sliding patio doors make a fantastic addition to any home. They're easy to operate and provide a wide view. As with all doors in the house, they're susceptible to wear that requires repair or replacement. Clean and lubricate regularly your sliding patio doors to keep them in good working order. Lubricating them with graphite or silicone allows them to glide smoothly, thus prolonging their life span. Roller Replacement If your sliding patio door doesn't roll easily, you may have to grease it. But, if the rollers are worn out or damaged, they need to be replaced. Replace your patio door rollers to ensure that your doors function smoothly. Additionally, you will require less pressure to open or close them. If your patio door was manufactured before 2000, you may have to take off the bottom part of the frame to gain access to the rollers. If this is the case, use a wood block and a rubber mallet to tap the assembly free, then pull it out. Be sure to save the screws to reinstall your new rollers. Glass sliding doors are a significant security feature in many homes and must be secured properly. In addition to making it difficult to open and close your door, damaged or worn-out roller wheels can cause gaps that could be exploited by intruders. Replacement of your patio door rollers ensures that your home is secure from unwanted guests. After removal of the top and bottom rails it is a good idea to wipe all parts of track with an alcohol soaked cloth. This will remove any dirt and make getting rid of the doors from the tracks much simpler. The drainage holes in the bottom track should be visible, but they are often clogged by dirt. If your track appears to be prone to collecting dirt, you might think about installing an stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps onto the track and provides an extra channel for water to flow through. These are available from CR Laurence and other retailers that specialize in replacement sliding door parts. When you are reinstalling the doors, be sure to place the bottom panel in first and then swing the top one into the place. You should be able to test the doors once they are back in their original positions to ensure that they operate smoothly and don't require any excessive force to open or close. If they feel rough, you can always adjust the new rollers to give them more clearance. Weather Stripping Replacement The weather strip seals on your sliding doors become worn, permitting drafts and moisture to get in. This increases your energy bills. It's a quick and easy project that can save you money on heating bills. There are a variety of types of materials that can be used for sliding door weather stripping, each with their own benefits and disadvantages. You should select the right material that can stand up to friction and weather changes temperatures, extreme temperature fluctuations and foot traffic without hindering the door's function. Foam and felt, for example are not expensive, but they are susceptible to weather and visible in the frame; vinyl is more expensive but will last for many years and is durable, but may look out of place in a contemporary home; and plastic or rubber may degrade over time and require frequent replacement. To install new weather strips, you must remove the door from the casing. To do this, find the headstop at the top of the door. It's typically a thin strip of plastic or metal that's held in place by screws. Remove the screw caps, then use a screwdriver that is flat to remove the headstop from the door's bottom. Take off the weather stripping and any debris left behind by using a putty knife or scraper. Do not attempt to remove the door from its track with only one person. You will need to use plenty of force. Rather, have a helper keep the door in place while you take it off its frame. Once the doors are shut then locate the channels that hold the weather stripping. Repair My Windows And Doors that are in line with the color of your doors are best placed in these channels. Pull the weatherstripping up to make it distinct from the channel. Remove the plugs. Fin Seal is the most effective kind of weather stripping for sliding patio doors. This type of weather seal has a Mylar centering in the brush material and is extremely durable. It can be used in all climates, and can withstand the pressure of walking. The back of the stripping is made of a flexible, hard material that is able to withstand the rigors a sliding patio doors. Door Alignment Sliding patio door are a wonderful option for any home. However, like all other things, they will require adjustment every now and then in order to function at their best. Over time, the components of these doors will wear out or become out of alignment, resulting in problems such as sticking, bumping into frames or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can prevent these problems, saving you both time and money. The most frequent cause of sliding door misalignment is damage to the tracks or rollers caused by sudden jolts or excessive force. This issue can be resolved quickly by using the correct tools. Your patio door will continue to slide smoothly for a long time. The misalignment could also be caused by changes in temperature and humidity or weatherstripping wear, as well as poor installation. The latter can result in parts moving and loosening over time, causing the door to move but not close or latch correctly. Over time, these shifts can cause air drafts and even allow water to be leaking into the home. It is important to clean and lubricate your sliding patio door track regularly in order to prevent these issues. A small amount of spray-lubricant can be easily purchased from any hardware store, and applying it regularly with a small brush will keep the track running smooth. Another reason for misalignment of sliding patio doors is that the latch hook isn't aligned with the strike plate on jamb. To correct this start by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism, and give you complete access to it. Find the screw that adjusts this latch hook, and gently turn it either way to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch will ensure that it is engaged and strikes the strike plate without resistance or hindrance. Check your door after you have made the necessary adjustments to ensure it is able to slide and locks properly. Repeat the process if there are still any issues until your sliding patio door is working properly. You can save money by not paying a professional to fix costly issues. Frame Replacement Over time, the screws on sliding door frames may loosen, allowing the frame to move slightly. Checking and tightening the screws will prevent your doors from sagging or getting jammed. A sliding screen door can be fixed with a bit of clamping, whereas a loose hinge might require a replacement. Replacing a sliding patio door without replacing the frame is feasible but requires careful analysis of the condition of the current frame. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire frame. It also can address specific needs like improved insulation. A full frame replacement involves the complete removal of hinged doors frames, windows and doors from the wall opening. This allows a new sliding patio door to be built and can provide more options in terms of style size, dimensions and materials. Sliding glass doors are designed to offer a stunning view from your backyard. However, they may show signs of wear over time. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or stuck it may be necessary to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good condition, it may be enough to replace the doors. Before you begin, make sure your work area is free of obstructions. Also, lay down a drop cloth. Then, lay the sliding door flat on a surface and remove the removable grilles or shades. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the plugs that are covering the screws that adjust the rollers at the bottom of the frame (they're usually covered with caps). Once these screws are removed then you can unlatch and remove the bottom of the door away from the track. Once the frame is exposed it is possible to replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your track for sliding doors is damaged or worn out it is best to replace it completely than repairing the existing one. You can purchase a kit to do the DIY project or let a professional do it for you. In either case, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper installation.