15 Things You Don't Know About Patio Door Repair
Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are an attractive and practical method of connecting your outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they could require periodic repairs to fix common issues. Damaged seals, misalignment, faulty locks and handles, foggy or cracked glass and drafts are a few examples.
Foggy glass can be an indication that the seal has been compromised, which could lead to leaks of moisture and air. This can decrease energy efficiency and raise utility bills.
Misalignment
All sliding patio doors become worn out as time passes. They lose their original shape, making them difficult to close or open and allowing unwanted draughts to enter your home. All of these problems are easily resolved by adjusting the door and restoring it back to its original size.
If the rollers aren't aligned correctly, they can cause sliding patio doors to sag. This can damage the track system and glass panels. This could be due to excessive use, insufficient maintenance and cleaning, or even aging. To stop this from happening, regularly inspect your patio door for signs that it is out of alignment and immediately take action if you notice it.
A common sign that your patio door is not in alignment is when the operating panel is difficult to close or open especially when trying to secure it. This could be due to various issues however the most common is that your door's rollers have lost their traction and aren't moving along the track as smoothly. This can be easily fixed by loosening the adjusting screws, which are typically located on the bottom corners of your door. You can then move them clockwise or anticlockwise to adjust the door's height.
You might also have to consult a professional when your patio door isn't aligned due to shifting of the frame. This may be difficult to determine and requires professional intervention. In this instance, it may be necessary to put in a wooden shim at the point where the door jamb joins the operating panel.
Finally, it's common for double French patio doors to become uneven in time, which could make them difficult to lock and allow draughts into your home. This is usually caused by the weight of the doors, which causes them to shift in position on the opposite side of the opening. Hence, it is important to check your French doors frequently and tighten any loose fasteners as soon as you notice them to prevent further damage or drafts.
Weatherstripping that is damaged
The gaps caused by damaged or worn-out weatherstripping could let drafts in through your patio door. This could affect your home's comfort as well as energy efficiency. You can repair or replace the weatherstripping in order to eliminate drafts and improve the insulation around your doors.
Misaligned Rollers
Loose or damaged rollers can affect the movement of your patio door. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help restore smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
A layer of dirt or dust on the tracks can cause bumping or sticking when you open or close your patio door. This issue can be fixed by cleaning and Lubricating your rollers and tracks.
Broken Glass
French patio doors are made of large glass panels that provide ample light and beautiful views. However should the glass develop cracks or chips this could affect the integrity of the door. It should be fixed immediately.
Poorly designed Handles
The operation of your patio door could be affected by loose or worn handles. The tightening of loose handles or replacing them could increase the functionality and give solid grip to the handlebar.
Weatherstripping that is damaged or missing
Weatherstripping that is damaged or worn out creates gaps which allow drafts to enter your home. Replacing or replacing the weatherstripping will increase energy efficiency and decrease the noise.
You can inspect the weatherstripping by observing indications of damage, such as visible wear, broken chunks, or a swelling appearance. If the weatherstripping is worn out, you must replace it by following the instructions of the manufacturer.
You can also apply caulk that is of the highest quality around the door frames and cracks. This is a simple solution that is cheaper than replacing your current weatherstripping and is able to be completed in a short time. Check your door's weatherstripping frequently and fix any issues as soon as you notice them to prevent costly repairs in the future. In addition to improving efficiency, properly maintaining your doors and windows can prevent moisture, pests and rot and preserve the appearance of your home. A professional can assess your door's condition and recommend the best option for replacement or maintenance.
Foggy or broken glass
A chip or crack in your patio door's glass is a sure sign that you require a replacement. Foggy or broken patio doors are not only an eyesore, they could also pose an issue for security by allowing intruders to break through. This is why it's crucial to fix your patio door when you spot any damage.
Examining the appearance and condition your door's frame is the best method to determine if your glass requires replacement. The majority of times, chips and cracks can be repaired by our experts without the need for total replacement. Then, you can use caulk or flex-seal tape to fill in the cracks and close any gaps.
If your patio doors start to fog up, they're likely made from double- or triple-paned windows that are insulated. This is a sign that the window panes are suffering from a leak and that the inert gases that keep them warm in cold weather are no longer present. The loss of these gases can make the windows less energy efficient. It is among the reasons people decide to replace patio doors rather than repair them.
patio door repairs that your windows are creating too much moisture in the first place. Installing a dehumidifier in the room where your patio doors are can help to keep humidity levels at a minimum. This will make your home more comfortable and you won't need to replace your patio doors as frequently.
Wear safety gear like gloves and shoes when you remove broken glass to avoid cuts. To avoid injury, you should remove your pets and children from the area while it is being cleaned.
After you have removed all the broken glass, wash the area and get ready to install the new patio door. You should seal the joints first using flex-seal or caulk. This will prevent any future water from leaking into the joints. Afterwards, you can add an insulator to the inside of your sliding door glass to take away any condensation that may develop in the near future.
Drafts
Sliding patio doors are one of the biggest pieces of glass in a home. They are used a lot, which can lead to drafts and air leakage. Drafts can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient or inadequate maintenance, wear and tear and the age. A professional can pinpoint the problem and fix it, restoring the comfort of the home and increasing energy efficiency.
Over time, the seal around your patio door will expand and contract in response to changing weather conditions. This can lead to air leaks or drafts which can cause discomfort for you and your family, and can also cause unnecessary energy waste. Cleaning your doors regularly and lubricating moving components and replacing worn out parts is the best way to prevent drafts and air leaks. If you detect a draft, you can try doing the "Draft Test" to determine whether it's due to an unreliable seal: You can stand near your patio doors and use an open flame from a lighter or match. If the flame moves as the draft occurs the doors to your patio may not be properly sealing. Replace them as soon as you can.
Another common cause of drafts is worn or damaged weather stripping. It is easily repaired by taking off the old stripping and installing new, higher quality weather stripping that provides better sealing to minimize drafts and increase your energy efficiency.
If the locking mechanism on your sliding patio door has been damaged, it is recommended to contact a professional to repair it. A broken lock could present security risk, as well as increase your energy costs due to the loss of heat through the patio door. A technician with experience can quickly replace the lock, which is a simple fix. This will not only increase your security and safety but also boost the value of your home and increase curb appeal. Before you attempt repair your patio door yourself, it is important to evaluate your own skills and availability of time in comparison with the cost of professional assistance.