Sliding double glazed patio door repairs and Replacement
Sliding patio doors are a great addition to any home. They're simple to operate and help provide an expansive view. Like any other household door they are prone to wear and tear, which requires replacement or repair.
Make sure you regularly clean and lubricate your sliding patio doors to keep them in good working order. Lubricating them with graphite or silicone will allow them to slide smoothly, thus prolonging their life span.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door doesn't roll easily, you may need to lubricate it. If the rollers have become worn or damaged it is necessary to replace them. Replacing the rollers on your patio door will enable your doors to run smoothly and lessen the force required to open or close them.
If your patio door was built prior to 2000, you might require removing the bottom portion of the frame in order to access the rollers. If this is the situation then use a mallet made of rubber and a block of wood to tap the assembly loose, and then pull it off. Save the roller screws to reinstall your new rollers.
Sliding glass doors are major security points in most homes and must be secured in a secure manner. Roller wheels that are damaged or worn out can make your door hard to push open or closed and can create gaps around the door that burglars can exploit. By replacing your patio door rollers, you can ensure that your home is protected from unwanted guests.
After removing the top and bottom rails it is a great idea to clean the entire length of the track with an alcohol soaked cloth. This will get rid of any dirt which makes it easier to remove the doors from the track. The drainage holes in the bottom track should be obvious however they are often clogged by dirt. If your track appears to be prone of collecting lots of dirt, you may be interested in installing an u-shaped stainless steel piece that snaps onto the track and provides an extra channel for water to flow through. They are available from CR Laurence, as well as other retailers that specialize in sliding door parts.
When you reinstall the doors, make sure you put the bottom panel in first and then swing the top in place. When the doors are back in place, you'll be able test they are able to move freely and do not require any excessive force to open or close them. If they are still rough, you can readjust the new rollers to give them more clearance.
Weather Strip Replacement
The weather strip on your sliding door's seals are slowly worn away opening up drafts and moisture, which can increase your energy costs. Replacing them is an easy project that takes few minutes and will be paid for in lower heating costs in no time.
There are many different materials for sliding door weather stripping, each having their advantages and drawbacks. You should select the right material that can stand up to friction and weather changes, temperature extremes and foot traffic without interfering with the door's operation. Foam and felt are both inexpensive but are prone to weather and visible in the frame. Vinyl is more expensive, but lasts for years. Metals are strong, but may not look right in modern homes. Plastic or rubber can wear away over time and require frequent replacement.
To install new weather stripping, you must first take the door out of its casing. Locate the headstop on the top of the door - it's usually a small piece of plastic or metal that is held in place by screws. Take off the screws and then employ a flathead to pull out the headstop from bottom of your door. Remove the old weatherstripping and any residue with a putty blade or scraper.
Do not try to remove the door from its track using just one person. You'll need to use lots of force. A friend should assist you in removing the door. remove it.
Once the doors are out of the way then locate the channels that support the weather stripping. Plugs that match the color of your doors are best placed in these channels. Take the plugs off, then pull them up on the weather stripping to remove it from its channel.
Fin Seal is the most effective type of weather stripping that is suitable for sliding patio doors. This type of weather stripping has a Mylar fin that is centered in the pile (brush material) and is very robust, suitable for almost all climates and can stand well against 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
Sliding patio doors are a great option for any home. However, just like all other things, they will need an adjustment periodically to ensure they perform at their peak. As time passes, the parts of these doors may wear out or fall out of alignment, resulting in issues such as getting stuck, crashing into frames, or failing to lock properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can prevent these problems which will save you time and money.
The most common reason for sliding door misalignment comes from damage to the rollers or tracks caused by sudden jolts and excessive force. A quick fix using the right tools can fix this issue, keeping your patio door sliding smoothly for a long time to come.
It can be caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity as well as weatherstripping wear and inadequate installation. Parts can shift and become loose over time. This can cause the door to move, and then not latch or close properly. These changes over time could result in air drafts, and possibly water leakage into the house.
It is important to clean and lubricate your sliding patio door track frequently to avoid these problems. You can buy a small amount of lubricant spray-on at any hardware retailer. Applying it frequently using bristles of a small size will keep your track in good condition.
Another common cause of sliding patio door misalignment is that the latch hook is not syncing with the strike plate on the jamb. To fix this begin by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism, giving you complete access to it. Then, locate the adjusting screw that controls the latch hook, and then gently move it in any direction to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch hook will ensure that the latch strikes and is able to engage with the strike plate without any resistance or obstruction.
After you've made the required adjustments, check your door to ensure it locks and slides properly. Repeat the procedure if there are still any issues until your sliding patio doors is fully functional. With these simple steps you will save yourself lots of money by not hiring professionals to perform expensive repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, screws in sliding door frames can loosen. This causes the frame to move little. Checking and tightening the screws will keep your doors from sagging or getting jammed. A sagging screen door can be corrected with a little bit of clamping, while hinges that are loose may require a replacement.
Replacing the sliding patio door without replacing the frame is possible but requires careful assessment of the condition of the current frame. This option is less expensive than a full frame replacement and can be a solution to specific requirements like improved insulation or a new aesthetic.
A complete frame replacement involves the complete removal of hinged doors frames, windows and hinges from the wall opening. This allows an entirely new sliding patio be built, and it allows for more flexibility in terms of style, size and materials.
Sliding glass doors are designed to give you a stunning view from your backyard. However, they do show signs of wear as time passes. If your sliding doors are sluggish or difficult to open, you might need to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good shape replacing the doors could be enough.
Make sure that your workspace is free of obstructions and that you have laid down a dropcloth. The next step is to lay the sliding door on a flat work surface and remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the frame. Then make use of a screwdriver remove the plugs covering the screws that adjust the rollers at the bottom of the frame (they're usually covered by caps). After these have been removed then you can loosen them and pull the bottom of the door from the track.
After the frame has been exposed it is possible to replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your sliding door track is damaged or old it is best to replace it completely than repairing the existing one. You can either buy a DIY kit or hire a professional to do it. In either case, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure the proper installation.