Patio Door Frame Repair
A patio door that works well can enhance the look of your home. It requires regular maintenance and adjustments to ensure it remains in good working order.
Begin by inspecting the track and the rollers for debris that could hinder smooth sliding. Remove the stop molding from the frame (have someone support it with the help of a ladder or a chair if necessary) to gain access to the rollers.
Damaged Glass
Sliding glass doors let in plenty of natural light and a view of the outdoors. They can also help reduce drafts and improve efficiency in energy use. Unfortunately, the glass of your patio door can be damaged by the harsh New York weather or vandalism. It's important to fix a broken patio door glass pane as soon as you can to avoid further damage.
Fortunately that replacing your patio door's glass is an easy task that you can complete yourself, armed with the right tools. You will need a set of gloves and a hammer, pry bar, and a putty knife along with replacement glass and caulk. Start by removing your door from its frame and then placing it flat on a flat surface, such as the workbench. Make use of the hammer to pull out any trim around the window.
After removing the trim you'll need to measure the frame to purchase the replacement glass. Once you have the measurement you can place the new glass in your sliding door, and caulk the perimeter of the frame to seal it.
If you have an insulated glass window that is foggy, it may mean that the seals on the glass are not working. This is a problem that can occur with double-paned windows. It can be difficult to repair if you don't replace the entire window. A professional glazier will provide you with a new sealed glass unit that is designed to fit into your existing window opening.
One of the most neglected elements of a sliding glass patio doors is the rollers and tracks. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the track, preventing the door from moving smoothly. Cleaning your door's track and wheels can bring back smooth movement and make your patio door easier to open and close. You should also regularly replace the weather stripping of your sliding door. By making sure that air leaks are not present, replacing worn weather strips could save you money on heating and cooling costs.
Broken Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping that is placed around the sliding doors is an important seal to the frame, which prevents cold air from entering in the winter months and warm air from escaping in summer. As time passes the weather strip will become brittle and damaged and cause gaps in the seal. These gaps could let conditioned air escape your home, and allow outside air to enter, increasing your energy bills and reduce the comfort of your living space.
It is simple to replace weatherstripping during the spring, when the weather starts to warm up. Remove the staples and loosen the existing weather stripping using a flathead screwscrew. Replace the weatherstripping by a new strip on the frame of the sliding panel. Make sure that the weatherstripping overlaps that of the fixed panel to ensure that the two panels are in lock. On the jamb side apply a tube of commercial-grade neutral cure silicone caulk.
A loose handle or lock is a common issue. These are essential components for security and ease of use However, if the handles or locks become loose, difficult to operate or damaged, you should repair or replace them immediately to prevent theft or injury. A skilled technician can help you resolve these problems.
In addition to these basic issues, you should also check the frame for damage or splits regularly. If you can fix these issues before they get worse your door will continue to perform well and last longer.
The sliding patio door systems are very durable and require little maintenance. But, as with patio doors repairs near me or system in your home, they aren't immune to normal wear. If your patio door is showing signs of wear, it's important to schedule a repair service as soon as you can. Cinch Home Services warranties can provide some of the costs for repairs. This allows you to rest easy being confident that your household systems and appliances are protected. To learn more, request a quote online today! Or call 866-4FELDCO to speak with 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 permit the door to slide. As time passes, they could be damaged or dirty, and cause the door to sound or be difficult to open. The rollers that are dirty can be repaired easily by a little maintenance.
Begin by cleaning the tracks and rollers. Use a stiff handbrush or vacuum cleaner, or a jet wash to remove any debris that may be blocking the track. Once the tracks and the rollers are clean, apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and track to avoid future problems. Choose a lubricant based on silicone that is not sticky, instead of grease-based ones. The grease will attract dirt which will cause the problem to get more difficult.
If your sliding patio door is creaking you may need to replace the rollers. The best method to determine this is to take the door off and inspecting the rollers. If the rollers are worn down or damaged, they must be replaced as soon as possible. Hardware stores can supply replacement rollers. Before installing the door, it is recommended to lay down a drop cloth on the floor and take off the two plugs that are covering the screws for adjustment of the roller at the bottom of the track. It is also recommended to have someone help hold the door to ensure it doesn't fall off the frame while you're working on it.
After replacing the rollers have a trusted friend assist you in reinstalling the door. Follow the same procedure the same way you did when you removed it. After the door is reinstalled and the rollers are adjusted, you can adjust them using a screwdriver. Adjust them until they are on the track and do not wiggle when you slide the door back and forth. Apply a generous amount of the silicone lubricant onto the top and bottom of the rollers and track, and slide the door back and forth several times to spread it around and then check your work. The door should now be simple to open and close. Making sure your sliding patio door is in good working order will ensure that it operates properly for many years to come.
Shimming
Sliding patio door can be an attractive feature for any home. They can also give a a spacious look to the room. Like other components of doors sliding patio doors will get worn out over time and need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly and looking great. The most common issues are loose frames, broken glasses or wheels that aren't aligned. They can be easily fixed. A professional is recommended for more serious problems.
Gaps in a frame's perimeter can cause drafts and decrease the efficiency of energy in the home, especially in the vicinity of a door sill. To prevent this from happening, it's important to shim the doorframe as often as necessary.
Shims bridge the gaps between wood framing and are an essential tool for many home improvement projects. They are used in everything from putting in trim, cabinetry and toilets to raising the floor and leveling the toilets. A well-placed shim can help pull a sagging (out-of-level) doorframe back to plumb and square within its frame, avoiding the need for more expensive repairs down the road.
In most cases, shims are needed to center a prehung door in its opening. Use a hammer and wedge shims to place the frame in the space between the frame and the wall material. Shimming should start on the hinge's 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.
Apply a thick layer of caulk on the threshold and shims prior to installing the new door. This will stop water from penetrating the framing and potentially creating rot. After the caulk has dried, install a threshold made from galvanized metal or high-density polyethylene to help keep moisture from damaging. In addition to the caulk that is applied to the sub-sill, it's a good idea also to install a self adhesive flashing strip beneath the door sill.
If the weatherstripping is damaged or torn, it must be replaced immediately to avoid leaks and increase efficiency. If the weatherstripping is nailed to the wall, remove the old weatherstripping by putting an instrument knife underneath the trim to remove it from the wall. After taking off the old weatherstripping use a silicone-based lubricant on the tracks, rollers, and other moving parts to keep them from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to slide.