How to Repair Patio Doors

A sliding patio door can enhance the aesthetics of a home and offers convenience and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance in order to perform as they were intended to.

Doing these simple tasks will extend the life of your doors and reduce costly repairs. In certain situations the expertise of a professional could be required to repair more extensive damage.

Clear the Tracks

If the sliding patio door gets stuck in its tracks, it could be difficult to open and close. Fortunately, this is an easy issue to resolve. In most instances, the door requires lubrication to get it moving again.

Regularly cleaning your sliding patio doors repair near me doors and their tracks can reduce the accumulation of dirt that can impede the operation of the tracks. It's important to vacuum or brush the tracks and sill every week to get rid of larger pieces of dirt. Then you can use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and warm water to clean them down and rinse them thoroughly. You can scrub off stubborn staining using a small toothbrush, but be careful not to scratch or damage the tracks. Be sure to reach all the crevices and nooks of the tracks and sill including the corners and tight spaces.

After the tracks and sill have been cleaned, they need to be cleaned with an unlint-free cloth and dried with a paper towel. If you have white vinegar in your house it can be used to remove stubborn stains on the tracks and sill. Apply a small amount of vinegar to a clean, soft cloth and rub the area where the stain is. If the stains are persistent, try scrubbing using a small toothbrush or a small brush.

Keep your sliding glass patio doors repair patio door tracks and doors clean to prolong their lifespan and increase their efficiency. It's a good idea to clean them at the same time like you would your windows. Be sure to check the weather strip that surrounds doors to the patio regularly and replace it if it's damaged or worn. This is an essential step to reduce energy costs while ensuring the indoor comfort. If you notice drafts or a noticeable increase in your heating or cooling costs, it could be time to consider investing in new patio doors that have improved insulation and weather stripping.

Lubricate the Locks

The mechanism of the lock must be lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This will also extend the life of the lock, as it will not be prone to wear and tear. Light machine oil is the best however, you could also use a graphite lock lubricant. Using the correct lubricant will aid in preventing the buildup of gunk that can cause the delicate pins in the lock to be damaged.

Graphite powder is a great way to lubricate the lock cylinder because it doesn't sludge away or attract dirt. The dry lubricant is readily available at most hardware stores. It comes in a squeeze-bottle that allows you blow the powder directly into the lock. Insert your key, and then move it back and forth to distribute the graphite throughout the lock.

You can also try spraying WD-40 directly into the lock cylinder. This will provide an instant burst lubrication but may be too strong for certain locks. If the cylinder is not working, you can try working the key through and out several times to spread the WD-40 across all the internal components.

Teflon-based lubricants are a different option. These lubricants can withstand high temperatures and are extremely durable, which makes them an excellent option for locking. They're also water-resistant, which means they can help to prevent the rust that may affect other lubricants.

If your sliding patio doors are somewhat stiff to open or close, it's probably because the locking mechanism isn't aligned properly with the frame of the door. If you're unable to fix the issue by yourself, it's best to contact an expert locksmith. They can take a closer look at your lock to see the reason it's stiff or difficult to operate. They can also install new springs and rollers to bring back the functionality of your patio door repairs near me door. They'll also assist you in choosing the best locks to replace your old ones with, if required. You won't have to worry over losing your keys, or the possibility of broken locks on your door.

Adjust the Rollers

The tracks or rollers that are not aligned properly can cause patio doors to become difficult to open and close. The solution for stuck doors is easy if one or more of the above problems are present. However, if the issue persists and you feel drafts or are seeing an increase in your cooling and heating bills, it could 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 key component in a sliding door track and, if damaged or worn, they could cause the door to become stuck. To remove the rollers, using a Phillips screwdriver, pry them gently up by removing screw that holds them into their place.

You can easily remove the screws and replace the rollers as needed. Most patio door systems use steel wheels, which can rust with time. The majority of newer doors come with plastic wheels that last a lot longer than the steel ones do. If your wheels have become rusted and are worn-out, you'll need to replace all the rollers and tracks.

If your rollers are ok You can usually adjust the alignment using the adjustment screws at the bottom of the track (the screwdriver you used to remove them will work well). By turning these screws, you can either tighten or loosen the track to place it correctly. When you've got the adjustment right, your door will be in full contact with the track, and there shouldn't be any gaps.

After the adjustment, spray lubricant that contains silicone on the tracks and rollers. Apply a generous amount of oil to the rollers and track. Then, slide the door forward and backwards 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 it getting stuck or making any noises. If you're still having issues, call your Milgard dealer for assistance. They will help you locate the right replacement parts and demonstrate how to install them.

Replace the Glass

Patio doors are an excellent option to let in sunlight and stunning views of the outdoors. They can also be a security risk, as damaged glass can let an intruder easily gain entry to your home. It is important to replace the glass on these door panels to ensure they are functional and secure.

If your patio door glass has broken, it might look like an extremely difficult task to replace the glass. With the right instructions replacing a window on a patio door is actually quite easy. You can complete this task without taking the door from its frame. To begin, remove the trim around your glass, also referred to as the mull. Slide a putty blade between the trim and the door and then use a small hammer and pry-bar. Wear gloves and long sleeves to prevent damaging the trim.

After you have removed the old glass remove it and vacuum the area to remove any broken glass. Clean the frame. Tape any cracks that appear on the frame to help strengthen it. Then, you can start rebuilding the door. Before you begin, make sure to take measurements of the exact dimensions (and thickness) of the glass that was originally installed. This will ensure that you buy and install the correct glass replacement.

After reassembling the frame, apply some clear silicone caulk around the edges of the opening. This will stop air or water from leaking into the gap, damaging the new glass. Once the caulk is dry then slide the new window into place. Then use the glazing points to secure it. Once the glass is secure, replace the stops and then tack in the brad nails using the nail punch.

Patio doors not only provide a beautiful view but they increase the efficiency of your home by reducing transfer of cold and heat from the inside to the outside. They can also add an extra level of protection against storms and other elements that could damage your windows and cause leaks.