15 Things You Don't Know About Patio Door Repair
Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are a stylish and practical option to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces. They might need to be repaired periodically for common problems. This includes the misalignment of the weatherstripping, 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 reduce efficiency and lead to higher utility bills.
Misalignment
All sliding patio doors will wear out over time. They lose their original fit and can be difficult to open or shut. These issues can be easily resolved by adjusting the door back to its original fit.
Patio doors that slide rely on rollers to slide smoothly along the tracks, so when they're not aligned correctly, it can cause them to stick and harm your track system as well as glass panels. This could be due to excessive use of the door, improper maintenance and cleaning, or simply due to the aging process of. To stop this from happening, periodically check your patio door for signs that it's out of alignment, and immediately take action whenever you notice.
If the operating panel is difficult to open or close especially when you try to lock your patio door, it is a sign that it is out of alignment. This could be due to many different reasons however the most common is that the rollers have lost their traction and aren't sliding along the track as smoothly. This can be fixed by loosening the screws that adjust the door, which are usually located on the bottom corners of your door. You can then turn them clockwise or anticlockwise to adjust the door's height.
It is also possible to consult a professional if your patio door isn't aligned due to an inclination of the frame. This is often difficult to identify and requires the intervention of a professional. In this case it could be necessary to add a wooden shim where the door jamb meets the operating panel.
It's also typical for the double French patio door to shift in position over time. This can make it difficult to secure them and allow drafts to enter your home. This is typically caused by the weight of doors causing them settle differently on each side of the opening. It is essential to check and tighten your French doors when you spot any loose fasteners to avoid any further damage.
Weatherstripping Damaged
The gaps created by a damaged or worn-out weatherstripping could let drafts in through your patio door. This can impact your home's energy efficiency and comfort. You can replace or repair the weatherstripping around your doors to increase insulation and eliminate drafts.
Misaligned Rollers
Damaged or loose rollers could affect the movement of your patio door. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in restoring the smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
If you have a layer of dust or dirt on the tracks, it could cause your patio door to feel as if it is bumping or sticking when you open or close it. This issue can be solved by cleaning and Lubricating your rollers and tracks.
Broken Glass
French patio doors feature large glass panels that provide ample natural light and stunning views. However, if the glass develops chips or cracks this could affect the integrity of the door and must be repaired immediately.
Handles are faulty Handles
The performance of your patio door could be affected by worn or loose handles. Tightening or replacing handles that are loose can increase performance and give you a firm grip on the handlebar.
Missing or damaged weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is damaged or damaged can cause gaps within your home, allowing drafts to pass through. Weatherstripping that has been damaged or replaced can increase the efficiency of your home and also reduce noise.
You can inspect the weatherstripping for signs of damage like visible wear, broken chunks, or a swelling appearance. If patio door repairs weatherstripping has been damaged, it is recommended to replace it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
You can also use a high-quality caulk to fill in cracks or gaps between your frames and doors. This is a straightforward solution that costs less than replacing the weatherstripping you have and can be completed quickly. Inspect your door's weatherstripping regularly and take care to address any issues immediately to prevent costly repairs in the future. Properly maintaining your windows and doors can improve energy efficiency and prevent the growth of pests, moisture and rot. It also helps maintain the beauty of your house. A professional can evaluate the condition of your door and suggest the best option for maintenance or replacement.
Foggy or broken glass
If you spot cracks or chips on your patio door glass It's time to replace it. Foggy or damaged patio doors can be a source of displeasure and also can be a security risk due to opening the door to burglars. It's vital to repair your patio doors as soon as you can if you find any damage.
The best way to determine if your glass requires to be replaced is by examining the appearance and condition of your door frame. Our experts can usually repair chips and cracks without having to replace the entire glass. Then, you can use caulk or flex-seal tape to fill in the cracks and close any gaps.
If your patio doors are constructed of triple or double-pane insulated windows you should be worried when they begin to become cloudy. This is a sign 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 gas in the windows can cause windows to be less efficient in energy use than they were previously and is one of the main reasons people choose to replace their patio doors instead of fixing them.
It's possible that your windows are producing excessive moisture in the first place. Dehumidifiers are able to help keep the humidity levels in the room that houses your patio doors. This will make your home more comfortable, and you won't need to replace your patio doors as often.
Wear safety gear like gloves and shoes when you remove broken glass to avoid cuts. You should also take your pets and children from the area until it's cleaned up to prevent any injuries.
After you've removed all broken glass, clean the area and then prepare to put in the new patio door. Before you do that, though, you should take the time to seal the joints using caulk or flex-seal. This will keep any future water from getting into the joints. Then, you can add an insulate inside your sliding door to absorb any future condensation.
Drafts
The sliding patio door is one the largest glass pieces in the house. They are therefore subject to a lot of use, and are often the source of drafts as well as air leakage. Drafts can be caused by a variety of things, such as a lack or proper maintenance or wear and tear, as well as age. A professional can identify and fix the problem, restoring comfort and boosting energy efficiency in your home.
Over time the seal around your patio door will expand and contract as it adjusts to changing weather conditions. This can result in drafts or air leaks, which could cause discomfort for you and your family, as well as unnecessary energy waste. The best way to avoid drafts and air leakage is to regularly clean your doors and moving parts by lubricating them and replacing worn-out components. If you detect a draft, you can try the "Draft Test" to see if it is due to a poorly sealing door: Stand close to your patio doors using an open flame from a lighter or match. If the flame moves as the draft occurs your patio doors might not be sealing properly. Replace them immediately.
A damaged or worn-out weather stripping can be another reason for drafts. This can be easily fixed by getting rid of the old stripping, and then installing new, better quality weather stripping that will provide more of a seal, which will reduce drafts and enhance the efficiency of your energy.
If the locking mechanism has become damaged, it's vital to seek out an expert for repairs. A damaged patio door lock can increase the cost of energy and could pose the risk of security. A professional with experience can replace the lock quickly and is a straightforward fix. This will not only increase your security and safety but also boost the value of your house and boost curb appeal. Before you attempt DIY patio door repair, it is important to evaluate your own skills and time availability with the cost of professional services.