How to Repair Patio Doors
A sliding patio door improves the look of a home and offers comfort and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance in order to perform as they were intended to.
Performing these simple tasks can extend the life of your doors and minimize expensive repairs. In certain situations, the skills of a professional may be required to repair more severe damage.
Clear the Tracks
A sliding patio door may be difficult to close or open if it has become stuck in the tracks. This is usually a simple issue to fix. In the majority of instances, the door needs to be lubricated to get it moving again.
Cleaning your patio's sliding doors and their tracks can reduce the accumulation of dirt that could hinder track operation. Every week, you should vacuum or scrub your tracks and sill to get rid of larger dirt particles. Then employ an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth with mild soap and warm water to wipe them clean and wash them thoroughly. You can also scrub stubborn staining on the tracks using a small brush, but make sure not to scratch or damage them. Be sure to get into all the corners and crevices of the tracks and sill, including corners and tight spaces.
Once the tracks and sill are clean, they can be cleaned with a cloth that is lint-free and then dried using paper towels. If you have white wine vinegar on hand you can use it to remove stubborn stains. To do this, apply a small amount vinegar onto an absorbent cloth and then rub the area in which the stain is. If the stain remains try rubbing using a small toothbrush or a small brush.
Keep your sliding doors and tracks clean to prolong their lifespan and make them more efficient. Clean them every time you clean your windows. Additionally, make sure to inspect the weather strip around your patio doors regularly and replace it promptly if it gets damaged or worn out. This is a crucial step in reducing the cost of energy while maintaining the indoor comfort. If you are experiencing drafts, or an increase in your heating and cooling bills, then it may be time to replace your patio doors that have improved insulation.
Lubricate the Locks
To ensure smooth operation the lock mechanism needs to be lubricated. This will also prolong the lifespan of the lock as it will not be subjected to excessive wear and tear. Light machine oil is a good choice, but you can also apply a graphite lubricant to your lock. Using the right lubricant will aid in preventing the buildup of gunk that can cause the delicate pins within the lock to be damaged.
Graphite is a fantastic lubricant for the lock's cylinder, since it does not wash away or attract dirt. You can purchase this dry lubricant at most hardware stores in a squeeze bottle that permits 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 across the lock.
You could also try spraying WD-40 directly into the lock cylinder. This will provide an instant lubrication, however it may be too strong for some locks. If the cylinder is stuck, try working your key into and out of the lock several times to spread the WD-40 over all the internal components that require it.
Teflon-based lubricants are a different alternative. These lubricants are able to withstand high temperatures and are extremely durable, making them a great option for locking. They're also water-resistant, which means they can help to prevent the rust that may affect other types of lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors seem a bit stiff to open and close, it's because the locking mechanism isn't aligned properly with the frame of the door. It's recommended to call an expert locksmith if you are unable to solve the issue yourself. They can look over your lock and figure out what is causing it to be difficult and stiff to operate. They can also install new springs and rollers to restore the functionality of your patio door. They can also help you select the best locks to replace your old locks with, if necessary. This means you don't have to be worried about losing your keys or having broken locks on your doors ever again!
Adjust the Rollers
Incorrectly aligned tracks or rollers can cause patio doors to become difficult to open and close. If your door is squeaking due to one or more of these issues the solution is simple. However If the issue continues to persist and you are feeling drafts or are seeing an increase in your heating and cooling costs, it might be time to think about replacing your doors.
If the latch and tracks are in good condition The next thing to examine is the rollers. The rollers are a key component in the sliding track of a door, and if they are damaged or worn, they may cause the door to stick. To remove the rollers, gently pry them off by taking off the screw that is holding them in place using a Phillips head screwdriver.
After the screws have been removed, you can remove and replace the rollers with new ones, if required. The wheels used in the majority of patio door systems are generally steel and can get rusty over time. Plastic wheels are found on the majority of newer doors and they last much longer than the metal ones. If replacement patio door glass are old and rusted, you will probably need to replace the entire set of rollers and track.
If your rollers function, you can usually make adjustments to the alignment with the adjustment screws on the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver that you used to remove the rollers can also work). These adjustment screws tighten or loosen track to make sure it is positioned correctly. If you've got the adjust right, the door should be in contact with the track all the way around and there shouldn't be any gaps.
After the adjustment is completed after which you can lubricate the rollers as well as the track using a silicone-based spray lubricant. Apply a generous amount grease to the rollers as well as the track. Then, move the door back and forth a few times in order to spread the lubricant. When the lubricant has dried and you are able to open and close your patio door without any issues. If you're still having problems, contact your Milgard dealer for assistance. They can guide you on how to replace the part and help you find them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are a great option to fill your home with natural light and breathtaking views of the outdoors. However, they can also be an issue for security as a cracked window can easily allow intruders to gain entry into your home. Replacing the glass on these doors is important to ensure that they are secure and functioning properly.
It may seem impossible to replace a patio door's pane when the glass is broken. But with the proper instructions replacing a window in your patio is actually quite simple. The job can be completed without taking the patio door out of its frame. To begin, remove the trim around the glass, referred to as the mull. Place a putty knife between the trim and the door and then apply the small pry-bar and hammer. Be careful not to break or bend the trim, and make sure you wear gloves and long-sleeved clothes.
After the old glass has been removed clean and sweep the area to remove any remaining pieces of broken glass. After that, wipe clean the frame. If there are any cracks within the frame, tape them to strengthen it. Then, you can start to reassemble the door. Before you begin, make sure to take measurements of the exact dimensions (and thickness) of the original glass. This will help you to ensure that the replacement glass is the correct size and thickness.
After reassembling your frame apply a clear silicone sealant around the opening. This will stop air or water from leaking into the gap, damaging the glass. When the caulk has dried, slide the new glass into position and then use the glazing points to hold it in place. Once the glass is secure to the stop, replace it and tap in the brad nails using a nail punch.
In addition to providing stunning views of the outside, patio doors increase your home's energy efficiency by reducing heat and cold transfer between the indoors and the outdoors. They can also provide an extra layer of protection against storms and other elements which could damage your windows or create leaks.