15 Things Your Boss Would Like You To Know You'd Known About Sliding Patio Door Repair
Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement Sliding patio doors make a fantastic addition to any home. They're simple to operate and offer a wide view. As with all doors in the house, they're prone to wear that requires repair or replacement. Make sure you regularly clean and lubricate your sliding patio doors to keep them in good condition. Lubricating them using graphite or silicone spray allows them to slide smoothly, thus prolonging their life span. Roller Replacement If your sliding patio door isn't rolling easily, you may have to lubricate it. But, if the rollers have worn out or damaged, they must be replaced. Replace your patio door rollers to make your doors operate smoothly. You will also need less force to open or close them. If your patio door is older, it may be necessary to remove the bottom portion of the frame to get access to the rollers. If this is the situation then use a block of wood and a mallet made of rubber to break the frame and then pull it out. Save the roller screws to reinstall your new rollers. Sliding glass doors are a major security point in many homes, and should be protected properly. The worn or damaged rollers can make the door difficult to push open or closed and also create gaps around the door that burglars can take advantage of. Replacing your patio door rollers will ensure that your home is secure from unwanted guests. After removing the bottom and top rails, it is recommended to clean all the areas of the track using an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will remove any grime which makes it easier to remove the doors from the track. The drainage holes on the bottom track should be clearly visible but they are usually clogged by dirt. If your track appears to be prone of collecting dirt, you may think about installing a stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps onto the track and provides an extra channel for water to flow through. You can purchase these from CR Laurence and other retailers that specialize in sliding door replacement parts. When you reinstall the doors, remember to put the bottom panel into first before putting the top into the place. You should be able test the doors once they are back in their original position to ensure they are smooth and don't require any excessive force to open or shut. If they feel rough, you can always readjust the new rollers to allow them to move more freely. Weather Stripping Replacement The weather strip of your sliding door's seals slowly wear away opening up moisture and drafts that can raise your energy bills. It's an easy and simple task that can save you money on heating costs. Sliding door weather stripping is available in a assortment of materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. You should select the right material that can be able to withstand friction, weather changes as well as extreme temperatures and foot traffic without interfering with the door's operation. Foam and felt are inexpensive, but susceptible to weather and visible in the frame. Vinyl is more expensive, but lasts for years. Metals are durable, but may not look appropriate in modern homes. Plastic or rubber can be damaged over time and will require replacement on a regular basis. To install new weather strips, take the door from the casing. Find the headstop on the top of the door – it's usually a small piece of plastic or metal that is held in place with screws. Remove the screw caps, and then use a flathead tool to pry out the headstop from the bottom of your door. Take off the weather stripping as well as any residue left behind by using a putty knife or scraper. You'll need a good amount of force to pull the door off of its frame Don't try to do this by one person. A friend should hold the door while you remove it. Locate the channels that hold your weather stripping. They should be covered by plugs that match the colour of your doors. Pull the weatherstripping up to remove it from the channel. Take the plugs off. Fin Seal is the best type of weather stripping for sliding patio doors. This kind of weather stripping features a Mylar fin centered in the pile (brush material) and is very durable, suitable for nearly all climates, and is able to stand well to foot traffic. The back of the weather stripping is also constructed of a strong flexible material that can better resist the rigors of a sliding patio door. Door Alignment Sliding patio doors are a great feature for any home, but just like anything else, they can benefit from an occasional adjustment to make sure they are working at their best. Over patio door repair , the components of these doors will wear out or become out of alignment, resulting in problems such as hitting frames, sticking or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments will stop these issues, saving you both money and time. One of the most common causes of sliding door misalignment is the damage to tracks or rollers from unexpected jolts or excessive force. A quick repair using the right tools can solve this problem, keeping your patio door in good shape for many years to come. Other causes of misalignment include changes in humidity or temperature as well as wear and tear on the weatherstripping and inadequate installation. The latter can lead to parts shifting and becoming loose over time and causing the door to move, but not latch properly or close. As time passes, these shifts can cause air drafts and even let water leak into the house. It is crucial to clean and lubricate the sliding patio door track regularly in order to prevent these issues. You can purchase a small amount of lubricant spray-on at any hardware store. Applying it frequently using a small bristle will help keep your track running smoothly. Another reason for misalignment of sliding patio doors is that the latch hook is not aligned with the strike plate on the jamb. To fix this issue begin by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism and give you full access to it. Then, locate the adjusting screw that controls this latch hook, and gently move it in any direction to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch will ensure that the latch is engaged and strikes the strike plate with no resistance or hindrance. Once you've made the necessary adjustments, test your door to ensure that it locks and slides properly. If there are any issues, continue the process until your sliding patio door is functioning properly. With these simple steps you will save yourself lots of money by not hiring professionals to perform expensive repairs. Frame Replacement Over time, the screws in sliding door frames may loosen. This can allow the frame to move little. By regularly tightening and checking these screws, you will be able to keep your doors from becoming stuck or blocked. A sagging screen can be fixed by a little clamping. However hinges that are loose could require replacement. It is possible to replace a sliding patio without having to replace the frame however, you must first evaluate the condition of the current frame. This is a cost-effective option than replacing the entire frame and can meet specific requirements, such as improved insulation. A complete frame replacement requires the complete removal of all hinged doors frames, windows and hinges from the wall opening. This allows for a new sliding patio door to be built and will allow for more flexibility in design, size and material choices. Sliding glass door are designed to provide a beautiful view from your backyard. However, they do begin to show signs of wear and tear as time passes. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or are stuck you may need to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good condition, replacing just the doors may be sufficient. Before you begin, ensure that your work space is free of obstructions and you've laid down a drop cloth. Then, place the sliding door on a flat work surface and remove any removable grilles or shades from the frame. Use a screwdriver and take off the plugs that cover the roller adjustment screws on the bottom of the sliding frame (they are often covered with caps). Once you've removed these then, you can unwind the bottom of the sliding door and take it off the track. After the frame is exposed, you can replace both the track and sliding door wheels. If your track for sliding doors is damaged or old, it's best to replace it completely than fixing an existing one. You can either buy a DIY kit or employ a professional to install it. In either case, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper installation.