7 Secrets About Patio Door Repair That Nobody Will Tell You
Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are attractive and convenient way to connect your outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they could require periodic maintenance to address common problems. These include misalignment, damaged weatherstripping or handles, damaged locks and handles foggy or broken glass and drafts.
Foggy glass is a sign of a compromised seal, which could result in air and moisture leaks. This could affect energy efficiency and increase the cost of your utility bills.
Misalignment
All sliding patio doors will wear out as time passes. This causes them to lose their original fit and can be difficult to open or close and allowing unwanted drafts to enter your home. All of these problems are easily fixed by adjusting your door and restoring it back to its original fit.
Patio doors that slide depend on rollers for smooth sliding along the tracks, so when they're misaligned it can cause them to become stuck and cause damage to your track system and glass panels. This could be caused by excessive use of the door, improper maintenance and cleaning or simply due to age. In order to prevent this from happening, regularly inspect your patio door for signs that it's out of alignment, and take action promptly when you notice it.
A typical sign that your patio door is not in alignment is when the operating panel has become difficult to close or open especially when trying to secure it. The most frequent cause is that the rollers on your patio door have lost their grip and aren't moving smoothly across the track. Fortunately, this can be remedied by loosening the adjusting screw, usually located at the bottom corners of the door, and then turning it counterclockwise or clockwise to adjust the height.
It is also possible that your patio door is not in alignment due to an unbalanced frame, which is tricky to diagnose and require professional intervention. In this instance it might be necessary to put in a wooden shim where the door jamb meets the operating panel.
It's also normal for a double French patio doors to become uneven over time. This can make it difficult to secure them and let drafts into your home. This is typically caused by the weight of doors causing them settle differently on the opposite side of the opening. It is important to check and tighten your French doors as soon as you notice any loose fasteners to avoid any further damage.
Damaged Weatherstripping
The gaps caused by damaged or worn-out weatherstripping can let drafts in through your patio door. This can impact the comfort of your home and its energy efficiency. You can replace or repair the weatherstripping on your doors to increase insulation and eliminate drafts.
Rollers that are misaligned
Rollers that are damaged or loose can affect the movement of your patio door. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in restoring smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
If you have an accumulation of dirt or dust on the tracks, it could cause your patio door to feel like it is bouncing or sticking when you open or close it. Cleaning and lubricating your tracks and rollers can help resolve this issue.
Broken Glass
French patio doors are made of large glass panels that offer plenty of natural light and stunning views. However should the glass develop cracks or chips this could affect the strength of the door and should be fixed immediately.
Poorly designed Handles
The operation of your patio door could be affected by loose or worn handles. The tightening or replacement of handles that are loose can increase performance and give you a firm grip on the handlebar.
Weatherstripping that is damaged or missing
Weatherstripping that's worn out or missing could cause gaps in your home, allowing drafts to enter. Weatherstripping that is damaged or replaced may improve the efficiency of your home and also reduce noise.
Look for visible signs of damage, like missing pieces or a swollen appearance. If the weatherstripping is worn-out it is possible to buy and install new strips following the manufacturer's instructions for your specific type of door.
You can also apply high-quality caulk around your door frames and cracks. This is a simple solution that can be done quickly and costs less than replacing the existing weatherstripping. Examine your door's weatherstripping on a regular basis and fix any issues as soon as you notice them to avoid costly repairs in the future. Maintaining your windows and doors will improve energy efficiency and stop the growth of pests, moisture and rot. It also helps maintain the appearance of your home. A professional can assess the condition of your door and recommend the best option for replacement or maintenance.
Broken or foggy glass
If you spot cracks or chips on the glass of your patio door, it's time to replace it. Broken or stained patio doors are not only an eyesore, but they could also pose an issue for security by allowing burglars to get in. It's vital to repair your patio doors as quickly as you can if you notice any damage.
Examining the appearance and condition of your door's frame is the best way to determine if your glass needs replacing. The majority of times, chips and cracks can be repaired by our professionals without the need for complete replacement. Then, you can apply caulk or flex-seal tape to fill cracks and close any gaps.
If your patio doors start to fog up, they're likely made from double- or triple-paned insulated windows. This is a clear sign that your window panes may be leaky and the inert gas that keeps them warm in cold weather has gone out. The loss of inert gas could make windows less efficient. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is one of the reasons why people opt to replace patio doors instead of repair them.
It's possible that your windows produce too much moisture. A dehumidifier installed in the area where your patio doors are located can help keep humidity levels down. This can make your home more comfortable and decrease the chance of having to replace your patio doors.
When you are removing glass that has shattered, always wear safety equipment like gloves and footwear to avoid cuts that could be painful from small fragments. To avoid injury, you should take your pets and children from the area while it's being cleaned.
Once you've removed the shattered glass, it's time to clean up the work area and get ready to install the new patio door. Before you do this, though, you should take the time to reseal the joints using caulk or flex-seal. This will stop any further moisture from entering the joints. In the future, you can apply an insulator to the inside of the sliding door glass to take away any condensation that may develop in the near future.
Drafts
The sliding patio door is among the largest glass pieces in a home. They are frequently used and can result in drafts and air leakage. Drafts are caused by a variety of different factors, including a lack of proper maintenance, old age or wear and tear, and an incorrect alignment. A professional can help identify and fix the problem by restoring comfort and increasing efficiency of the home's energy usage.
Over time, the seal around your patio door will expand and contract as it adjusts to changing weather conditions. This can cause air leaks or drafts which could be uncomfortable for your family members and you and also waste energy. Cleaning your doors regularly and the lubrication of moving parts and replacing worn out parts is the best way to avoid drafts and air leaks. If you spot leaks, you should conduct the "Draft Test" to determine if the problem is due to an un-sealed door. Stand with a lighter or match in front of your patio door. If the flame moves as the draft occurs the doors to your patio may not be adequately sealing. Replace them as soon as you can.
A worn-out or damaged weather stripping is a common reason for drafts. This can be easily repaired by removing the old weather stripping and replacing it with new, high quality weather stripping that will create a more secure seal to minimize drafts.
If the locking mechanism on your sliding patio door is damaged, it is recommended to seek out a professional for help to repair it. A damaged patio door lock could raise the cost of energy and could present security risks. A skilled technician can quickly replace the lock that is a simple fix. This will not only enhance your safety and security but also increase the value of your house and increase curb appeal. It is important to weigh your own skills and time available against the cost of a professional service prior to attempting DIY patio door repairs.