15 Gifts For The Sliding Patio Door Repair Lover In Your Life
Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors are an excellent addition to any home. They're easy to operate and help provide an expansive view. As with all doors in the house, they are prone to wear and tear that needs repair or replacement.
Keep your sliding patio doors in good in good order by cleaning and lubricating them frequently. Lubricating them with graphite or silicone allows them to glide effortlessly, which can extend their life.
Roller Replacement
If you find your sliding patio door doesn't move easily, it may simply need lubrication. However, if the rollers have worn out or damaged, they need to be replaced. Replace the rollers on your patio door to ensure that your doors function smoothly. Also, you will require less force to open or shut them.
If your patio door was built before 2000, you may need to remove the bottom of the frame to get access to the rollers. If this is the case then use a mallet made of rubber and a wood block to loosen the frame and then take it off. Save the roller screws for reinstalling your new rollers.
Sliding glass doors are important security points in most homes and must be secured properly. In addition to making it difficult to open and close your door, old or damaged roller wheels can cause gaps that could be exploited by intruders. By replacing your patio door rollers you can ensure that your home is protected from unwanted guests.
After removal of the bottom and top rails it is a great idea to clean all the parts of track with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will eliminate any grime, making it easier to remove the doors from the track. The drainage holes on the bottom of the track should be clearly visible but they are usually clogged by dirt. If your track seems to be prone of collecting lots of dirt, you may want to consider installing an u-shaped stainless steel piece that snaps onto the track and creates an additional channel for water to flow through. These are available from CR Laurence, as well as other retailers that specialize in sliding door parts.
Remember to install the first panel before installing the top panel. You should be able test the doors once they have returned to their original position to make sure they are smooth and do not require excessive force to open or shut. If they still feel rough, you can always adjust the new rollers to allow them more space.
Weather Stripping Replacement
The weather strip seals the sliding doors gradually wear out, permitting drafts and moisture to enter. This can increase your energy bills. Replacing them is an easy project that takes some minutes and will be repaid in lower heating bills in a matter of minutes.
Sliding door weather stripping is available in a wide assortment of materials, each having its own pros and cons. You'll want to choose a material that will be able to withstand friction and weather changes, temperature extremes and foot traffic without interfering with the door's operation. Foam and felt, for instance aren't expensive but are prone to weather and visible in the frame while vinyl is more expensive but will last for many years; metals are durable but could look out of place in a contemporary home; and plastic or rubber will degrade over time and require frequent replacement.
To install new weather strips, take the door from the casing. Find the headstop on the top of the door typically small pieces of plastic or metal that is secured with screws. Take off the screws and then use a flathead screwdriver to pull the headstop free from the door's bottom. Remove the old weatherstripping as well as any remaining residue using the help of a scraper or putty blade.
Do not try to pull the door from its track with only one person. You'll need to use plenty of force. You can have a partner hold the door while you remove it.
When the doors are shut Find the channels that support the weather stripping. Plugs that are in line with the color of your doors are best placed in these channels. Remove the plugs, then pull the weather stripping to disconnect it from the channel.
Fin Seal is the best kind of weather stripping for sliding patio doors. This kind of weather seal has a Mylar centering in the brush material and is extremely robust. It is suitable for all climates and is able to be able to withstand foot traffic. The back of the weather stripping is constructed of a strong flexible material that can better resist the rigors of a sliding patio door.
Door Alignment
The sliding patio doors are a wonderful addition to any home. But, as with everything else, they may need an adjustment periodically to ensure that they function at their best. With time, sliding patio doors will become worn out or out of alignment. This can lead to problems like sticking, hitting frames, and not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments will keep these issues from happening and save you money and time.
One of the main causes for sliding door misalignment is the damage to rollers or tracks from sudden jolts or force. A quick repair using the right tools can resolve this issue, keeping your patio door moving smoothly for many years to come.
Misalignment can be caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity or weatherstripping wear, as well as inadequate installation. The latter can lead to parts shifting and becoming loose over time and causing the door to move but not latch or close properly. These changes over time could result in air drafts and water leakage into the home.
To avoid problems like this, it is important to clean and lubricate your sliding patio door track. sliding patio door repair of spray lubricant can easily be purchased at any hardware store, and applying it frequently with a small brush can keep the track running smoothly.
Another common cause of sliding patio door misalignment is the latch hook not syncing with the strike plate on the jamb. To correct this, open the door and reveal the latch mechanism. This will allow you to see it and gain full access. Then, locate the adjustment screw that controls the latch hook, and gently move it in any direction to adjust the length of the hook. A properly adjusted latch will ensure that it engages and hits the strike plate without obstruction or resistance.
Check your door after you have made the necessary adjustments to ensure it slides and locks correctly. If there are any issues, repeat the process until your sliding patio door is functioning properly. You will save a lot of cash by not paying a professional to do expensive repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, screws in sliding door frames may loosen. This can allow the frame to move little. Checking and tightening the screws will keep your doors from sagging or becoming stuck. A sagging screen door can be fixed with a some clamping, but a loose hinge might require replacing it.
It is possible to replace the patio's sliding mechanism without having to replace the frame but you must first assess the condition of the current frame. This method is more cost-effective than a full frame replacement and can address specific needs such as improved insulation or a fresh look.
A full frame replacement is the complete removal of the existing hinged doors, window and frame from the wall opening. This allows a brand new sliding patio door to be put in and can provide more options in terms of style size, material and design.
Sliding glass doors are designed to give you a beautiful view of your backyard, but over time they can start showing signs of wear and tear. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or are stuck it may be necessary to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good condition it could be enough to replace the doors.
Before you begin, ensure that your work area is clear of obstructions and you've laid down a drop cloth. Then, lay the sliding door flat on a surface and take off the removable grilles or shades. Utilizing a screwdriver, remove the plugs that cover the screws for adjustment of the roller on the bottom of the frame (they are often covered with caps). Once you've removed these screws, you can remove the bottom of the sliding door and pull it away from the track.
Once the frame is exposed and the frame is exposed, you can replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your sliding door track is damaged or worn out it is recommended to replace it completely than repairing an existing track. You can purchase a kit for a DIY project or let a professional do it for you. In either case, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper installation.