Patio Door Frame Repair
A patio door that functions well can enhance the look of your home. To keep it in top working condition requires regular maintenance and adjustments.
Start by examining the track and rollers for any debris that could hinder smooth sliding. Remove the stop molding to gain access to the rollers.
Damaged Glass
Sliding glass door provide ample sunlight and a view of the outdoors. They also help to reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency. Unfortunately, the glass of your patio door can be damaged by the harsh New York weather or vandalism. If you've broken the glass pane on your patio door, it's important to fix it as quickly as possible to avoid harm and safety issues.
Fortunately replacing the glass on your patio door is a task you can do yourself with the right supplies. You'll need a pair of gloves as well as a hammer, pry bar and putty knife along with replacement glass and caulk. Begin by removing the door from its frame and placing it flat on a surface such as the workbench. Then, use the tool and hammer to remove any trimmings around the glass frame.
After the trim is removed, you'll be required to measure the frame to determine the size of your replacement glass. Once you have the measurements, you can install the new glass on your sliding door and caulk the perimeter of the frame to seal it.
If your window with insulated glass is hazy and the seals could be failing. This issue can happen when double-paned windows are used. It's not easy to fix if you don't replace the entire window. A professional glazier will be able to offer you a new sealed unit that is designed to fit your window opening.
One of the most neglected elements of a sliding glass patio doors is the tracks and rollers. Over time, dust, debris and rust can accumulate in the track and prevent the door from moving smoothly. Cleaning the track and the wheels of your door can restore the smoothness of your door, making it easier to open and close your patio door. It's recommended to check and replace the weather stripping on your sliding door. By making sure that air leaks are not present, replacing damaged weather stripping can save you money on heating and cooling costs.
Broken Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping that surrounds your sliding doors provides an important seal to the frame, preventing cold air from escaping in the winter, and warm air from escaping in summer. Over time the weather strip will be damaged and brittle and cause gaps in the seal. These gaps could allow air conditioning from your home to escape, and let outside air to enter your home, thereby increasing energy costs and reducing your comfort.
The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is relatively simple and can be done in the spring, when the weather is warming up. Remove the staples and loosen the existing weather stripping using an screwdriver with a flat head. Replace the new weatherstripping onto the sliding panel's frame - ensure that you apply a strip that is overlapping the weatherstripping on the fixed panel so that they interlock. On the jamb side, apply a tube of neutral cure silicone caulk of commercial quality.
A lock or handle that is loose is another common problem. These are essential components for security and convenience If the locks or handles become loose, difficult to operate, or damaged, you should repair or replace them right away to prevent injury or theft. A trained technician can assist you in resolving these issues.
In addition to these simple issues, you should check the frame for splits or damage on a regular basis. If you address these issues before they become more serious the door will continue to function properly and last longer.
Sliding patio doors are quite sturdy and require very little maintenance, but just like any other home appliance or system they aren't immune to wear and tear. It's important to schedule an appointment when your patio door begins to show signs of wear. Cinch Home Services warranties can provide some of the costs for repairs. This allows you to rest easy knowing that your household systems and appliances are covered. To learn more, request a quote online today! Call 866-4FELDCO and speak to a Customer Delight Representative. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and assist you in determining the best solution for your home.
Dirty Rollers
The sliding door rollers are the mechanism that allow the door to slide. In time, they may be damaged or dirty, and can cause the door to sound or be difficult to open. The rollers that are dirty can be repaired easily with some maintenance.
Begin by cleaning the rollers and tracks. Use a stiff handbrush or vacuum cleaner and/or a jet wash to remove any debris that could be obstructing the track. After cleaning the track and rollers, apply a silicone based grease. This will stop any future issues. Make sure to use a silicone-based lubricant which is non-sticky, instead of grease-based ones. The grease will attract dirt which will make the problem more difficult.
If your sliding patio door is squeaking you may need to replace the rollers. This can be determined by removing the sliding patio door and examining the rollers. If the rollers have worn down or damaged, they need to be replaced as soon as possible. Hardware stores can supply replacement rollers. Before reinstalling the door it's recommended to put a drop cloth on the floor. Then, take off the two plugs that are covering the screws for adjustment of the roller at the bottom of the track. It is also a good idea to have someone hold the door in place to ensure it won't fall out of the frame while you work on it.
After replacing the rollers, have a trusted friend assist you in reinstalling your door. Do the same as you did when you removed it. When the door is in place then use a screwdriver adjust the rollers. Adjust them until they're in contact with the track, and do not move when you slide the door. Apply a generous amount of the silicone lubricant onto the top and bottom of the rollers and track, and then slide the door back and forth several times to spread it out and then check your work. The door should be simple to open and close. Maintaining your sliding patio door in good working order will ensure that it is functional for years to come.
Shimming
Sliding patio doors are an attractive feature for any home and give a spacious appearance to the space. However, like other components of doors, they can experience wear and tear over time and require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly and maintain their excellent appearance. Most common problems are loose frames, broken glasses or wheels that aren't aligned. They can be fixed easily. A professional is advised for more serious issues.
The gaps around the frame can create drafts and decrease energy efficiency, particularly when the gap is near an exterior door sill. It is important to trim your door frame if necessary to prevent this.
Shims can bridge the gaps between wood framing and are an essential tool for many home improvement projects. They are used for everything from installing cabinets, trim and toilets to leveling the floor and leveling the toilets. sliding patio door replacement placed shim can bring a door frame that is canted (out of alignment) back to the level of its frame. This will prevent the need for further repairs.
When a new door is installed and framed, shims are usually required to center the frame in its opening to the wall. Utilizing a hammer and wedge, shims in the area in the open space between the frame and the wall material. Start by shredding the hinge side of the frame. Then shift to the lock side and work your way around the perimeter. As you shim your frame, make sure to ensure that it is level and plumb. This will ensure that it fits into the rough opening in the wall.
Before the door is put in place Apply a thick layer of caulk to the threshold and shims. This will stop water from penetrating the framing and possibly leading to rot. After the caulk is dry, install a threshold made from galvanized steel or high-density polyethylene to help keep moisture from damaging. It is also recommended to install flashing strips that self-adhesive under the door sill and two inches up the sides, in addition to the normal caulking of the sub sill.
If the weatherstripping is damaged or torn, it must be replaced immediately to prevent leaks and increase efficiency. If the weatherstripping has been fixed to the wall using a utility knife, you can use it to separate the old weatherstripping from your wall if it's been nailed. After removing the weatherstripping, apply some silicone-based lubricant to the tracks, rollers and other moving parts of the frame to keep them from squeezing or becoming difficult to slide.