How to Repair Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors improve the aesthetics of a home and offer convenience and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance in order to function as intended.
These simple steps can help extend the lifespan of your doors and minimize costly repairs. In certain situations, a professional's expertise may be necessary for more extensive damage.
Clear the Tracks
A sliding patio door could be difficult to close or open when it is stuck in the tracks. Fortunately, this is usually a simple problem to solve. In most cases, the door needs to be lubricated to allow it to move.
Regularly cleaning your sliding patio doors and tracks can reduce the accumulation of dirt, which can hinder track operation. Every week, vacuum or brush your sill and tracks to get rid of larger dirt particles. 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 also scrub off stubborn staining on the tracks using a small brush, but make sure not to scratch or harm them. Make sure to wash all the crevices, nooks and corners of the sill and tracks.
After the sill and tracks are clean, they need to be scrubbed with a cloth that is lint-free and then dried with paper towels. If you have white wine vinegar on hand, it can be used for staining that is difficult to remove. To do this, apply a small amount vinegar onto a soft cloth and then rub the area in which the stain is. If the stain persists then try rubbing them using a small brush or an old toothbrush, and then rinsing again.
Keep your sliding patio doors and tracks clean will help them last longer and make to run more smoothly. It is a good idea to clean them as often like you would your windows. In addition, be sure to inspect the weather strip on your patio doors regularly and replace it promptly if it is damaged or worn. This is an important step towards reducing energy costs and ensuring indoor comfort. If you notice drafts or an increase in your cooling and heating costs, it could be time to consider investing in new patio doors with improved insulation.
Lubricate the Locks
The lock mechanism must be lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This can also prolong the longevity of the lock since it won't be subjected to excessive wear and tear. Light machine oil is a good choice however, you could also use a graphite lock lubricant. The right lubricant can help prevent gunk buildup that can harm the pins inside the lock.
Graphite powder is an excellent way to lubricate the lock cylinder because it does not wash away or draw dirt. You can find this dry lubricant in most hardware stores in squeeze bottles that allow you to blow the powder into the lock without having to touch it. Simply insert your key and move it around and back to distribute the graphite over the internal parts of the lock.
Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock's cylinder. This will give you a quick blast of lubrication, however it could be too strong for some locks. If the cylinder is stuck, try moving your key inside and out of the lock several times to spread the WD-40 over all of the internal components that require it.
Teflon based Lubricants made of Teflon can also be used. These lubricants are able to withstand high temperatures and are extremely durable, making them a great option for locking. They are also water-resistant, and can prevent rust, which can be detrimental to other types lubricants.
If you find that your sliding patio door is difficult to close or open, the problem may be caused by the locking mechanism not being aligned correctly with the frame. If you're unable to solve the issue yourself, it's usually best to call in an expert locksmith. They can look at the lock to see what's making it stiff or difficult to operate, and they can also install new rollers and springs to restore your patio door's functionality. They'll even help you choose the right locks to replace your old locks with, if needed. You won't have to worry over losing your keys or the possibility of broken locks on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
The difficulty of opening and closing a patio door could be caused by misaligned or faulty rollers or tracks, or latches. If the door is sticking due to one or more of these issues fixing it is simple. If the issue persists and you feel drafts or notice an increase in your cooling and heating costs it could be the right time for you to change your doors.
If the tracks and latch are in good condition The next thing to look at is the rollers. The rollers are a crucial element of sliding door tracks, and if they are damaged or worn they can cause the door to stick. To remove the rollers, gently pull them out by removing the screw that holds them in place with a Phillips head screwdriver.
You can easily take off the screws and replace the rollers as needed. The wheels used in the majority of patio door systems are usually made of steel and may get rusty over time. Plastic wheels are utilized on the majority of doors that are newer, and they last longer than metal ones. If your wheels have become rusted and are worn-out, you'll need to replace all the rollers and tracks.
If the rollers are in good shape you can usually make adjustments to the alignment by using the adjustment screws at the bottom of the track (the screwdriver you used to remove them works well). Turning these adjustment screws will either tighten or loosen the track to place it correctly. If you've got the adjust right, the door should be in contact with the track all the way around and there should not be any gaps.
After the adjustment, spray lubricant containing silicone on the tracks and rollers. Apply a generous amount of grease to the rollers as well as the track. Then, slide the door forward and backwards a few times in order to spread the lubricant. Once the lubricant is dry and you are able to open and shut your patio door without problems. If you're still experiencing issues, contact your Milgard dealer for assistance. They will help you locate the correct replacement parts and guide you on how to install them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors can be an excellent way to let sunlight into your home, and also provide stunning views of the natural world. However, they are also a security concern as a cracked window could easily allow intruders to gain entry into your home. It is crucial to replace the glass on these doors to ensure they are functioning and secure.
If your patio door glass has shattered, it may appear to be a difficult project to replace the pane. If you follow the correct instructions, replacing a window on a patio door is actually very simple. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can even do this task without taking the frame from the door. To get started, first remove the trim around the glass, referred to as the mull. Use a putty blade to slide between the trim and the door and then use a small hammer and pry-bar. Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid damaging the trim.
Once the old glass is removed Clean and sweep the area to eliminate any broken pieces glass. After that, wipe clean the frame. Apply tape to any cracks on the frame to strengthen it. You can then begin reassembling the door. Make sure to measure (and note the thickness) the original glass prior to starting. This will help ensure that you purchase and install the correct glass replacement.
After reassembling the frame, apply a clear silicone caulk around the edges of the opening. This will stop air or water from leaking into the gap, damaging the new glass. After the caulk has dried and the window is positioned, slide it into position. Then use the glazing points to hold it. After the glass is secured by the stops, replace them with brad nails and then use the nail punch to push them in.
In addition to offering an amazing view of the outside, patio doors can increase your home's energy efficiency by reducing heat and cold transfer between indoors and outside. They can also provide an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements which could damage your windows or cause leaks.