How to Repair Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors enhance the aesthetics of a home and offer convenience and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance in order to perform as they were intended to.
These simple tasks can help you extend the longevity of your doors and reduce costly repairs. In some instances, the expertise of a professional may be required for more severe damage.
Clear the Tracks
If a sliding patio door gets stuck in its tracks, it can be difficult to open and close. This is typically a simple problem to solve. In most cases, the door simply requires lubrication to allow it to move.
Regularly cleaning your sliding patio doors and their tracks can help prevent the accumulation of dirt, which can hinder track operation. Every week, vacuum or brush your tracks and sill to remove larger dirt particles. Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap along with warm water and a mild detergent to wash them and thoroughly rinse them. You can also scrub off stubborn staining on the tracks using a small brush, but be careful not to scratch or harm the tracks. Be sure to reach all the crevices and nooks of the tracks and sill, including tight spaces and corners.
Once the tracks and sill are clean, they can be cleaned using a lint-free cloth, and then dried with paper towels. If you have white vinegar on hand you can use it to remove stains that are stubborn on the sill and tracks. Apply a small amount to a soft, clean cloth and rub the area with the stain. If the stains persist, you can try scrubbing them with a small toothbrush or an old toothbrush, and then rinsing again.
Keep your sliding patio door tracks and doors clean to prolong their lifespan and improve their efficiency. It is a good idea to clean them at the same time like you would your windows. Additionally, make sure to inspect the weather strip around your patio doors regularly and replace it promptly if it is damaged or worn. This is an essential step in reducing energy costs while maintaining indoor comfort. If you notice drafts or an increase in your heating or cooling costs, it could be time to consider purchasing new patio doors with better insulation and weather stripping.
Lubricate the Locks
To ensure smooth operation, the lock mechanism must be lubricated. This will also extend the lifespan of the lock because it won't be subjected to excessive wear and wear and tear. You can use graphite lock grease or light machine oil. Using the correct lubricant will help prevent the buildup of gunk that can cause the delicate pins in the lock to break.
Graphite is an excellent lubricant for the lock cylinder, as it does not remove dirt or wash away. You can purchase this dry lubricant at most hardware stores in squeeze bottles that allow you to blow the powder into the lock without having to touch it. Insert your key, and then move it back and forward to spread the graphite throughout the lock.
Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock's cylinder. This will give you an instant burst of lubrication, but it might be too powerful for some locks. If the cylinder seems to be stuck, try working your key in and out of the lock numerous times to spread the WD-40 over all of the internal parts that need it.
Teflon-based lubricants can be another alternative. These lubricants can withstand high temperatures and are extremely durable, which makes them a great choice for a lock. They also resist water and can prevent rust, which can be detrimental to other types lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors seem somewhat stiff to open and close, it's likely that the locking mechanism isn't aligned with the door's frame. If you're unable solve the issue yourself, it's usually best to contact an expert locksmith. They'll be able to inspect your lock and determine what's causing it to be difficult and stiff to operate. They can also install new rollers and springs to improve the function of your patio door. They can also help you select the appropriate locks to replace the old ones with, if necessary. You don't need to worry about losing your keys or having a broken locks once more!
Adjust the Rollers
Misaligned rollers or tracks can cause patio doors to be difficult to open and close. If the door is sticking due to one or more of these issues the solution is simple. If the problem persists, and you feel drafts, or see an increase in your heating and cooling bills it could be the right time for you to replace your doors.
The next thing to do is to check the rollers. The rollers are a crucial component of a sliding track, and in the event that they're damaged or worn, they can cause the doors to become stuck. To remove the rollers using a Phillips screwdriver, push them gently upwards by removing the screws that hold them in their place.
You can easily take off the screws and replace the rollers as needed. The majority of patio door systems have steel wheels, which can get rusty over time. Plastic wheels are found on the majority of doors that are newer, and they last much longer than steel ones. If your wheels are rusted and are worn out, you'll have to replace all tracks and rollers.
If the rollers are in good shape you can usually correct the alignment with the adjustment screws located on the bottom of the track (the screwdriver you used to remove them works well). Adjustment screws adjust track tension or loosen it to ensure it is properly positioned. Once you've got it right, your door should be in full contact with the track, and there shouldn’t be any gaps.
After the adjustment, spray lubricant containing silicone on the rollers and tracks. Apply a good coat of lubricant, then slide the door back and forth several times to spread it. When the lubricant has dried and the door is open, you should be able to shut and open your patio door without any issues. If you still have trouble, contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They can guide you on how to replace the parts and assist you in finding the problem.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors can be ideal for bringing sunlight into your home and provide stunning views of nature. However, they can also be an issue for security as a broken window pane could allow burglars to break into your home. Replacing sliding patio door replacement on these doors is important to ensure that they are safe and in good working order.
It might seem difficult to replace a patio door pane when the glass is broken. With the right instructions replacing a window on the patio door is fairly simple. The job can be completed without taking the patio door off its frame. To begin, take off the trim around the glass, also known as the mull. Use a putty knife to slide between the trim and the door, and then use a small pry bar and hammer for easing the trim off. Be careful not to break or bend the trim, and ensure you wear gloves and long sleeves.
After the old glass is removed Clean and sweep the area to eliminate any remaining pieces of broken glass and then wipe down the frame. If there are cracks in the frame, duct join them to strengthen it. Then, you can begin to reassemble the door. Before doing so, be sure to take measurements of the exact dimensions (and thickness) of the glass that was originally installed. This will help you purchase and install the right glass replacement.
After reassembling the frame, apply some clear silicone caulk to the edges of the opening. This will stop air or water from entering the gap, damaging the new glass. After the caulk has dried and the window is positioned, slide it into place. Then, use the glazing points to hold it. Once the glass is secured, replace the stops and then tap in the brad nails using the nail punch.
Patio doors are not just for providing an amazing view, but they can increase the efficiency of your home by reducing transfer of cold and heat from the inside to the outside. They can also provide an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements that could harm windows and cause leaks.
