Five Things You Didn't Know About Patio Door Repair

· 5 min read
Five Things You Didn't Know About Patio Door Repair

Tilt and Slide Patio Door Repairs Near Me

Patio doors are a convenient way to go from the inside to the outside whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying time outdoors. If your patio door isn't moving smoothly, you may need to alter it.

Locate the adjusting screws in the bottom rail and take out the plastic plugs to raise or lower the door. Make sure the door appears even and rolls smoothly (Photo 1).

Window Treatments

When selecting window treatments for sliding doors it is essential to think about light control and privacy as in addition to aesthetics. For instance, do you want to keep the natural light from shining onto your furniture and artwork or would you rather let the sunlight in only when the sun is at its lowest?

You can also design a unique style by selecting the proper window treatment. If your sliding patio door is only one glass pane you can make use of mullions to split the pane into smaller pieces to create a more attractive appearance. Window treatments are available in soft and hard materials. They vary from shades that are cellular, roller shade and woven wood shades and drapes to curtains, drapes and valances. They can be used as a stand-alone or in combination with other window treatments, such as a swag.

One of the most sought-after kinds of window treatments for patio doors is vertical blinds with wide fabric panels called vanes that can be closed and open which allows you to control the amount of light coming into your home. They can be operated with an wand, chain or cord that pulls or pushes or push, or motorized.

Another option for sliding patio doors is a window film that provides energy savings and glare control. These can be incorporated into your sliding door, or used as an alternative to window treatments, such as cell shades.

For a more traditional look, you might prefer a swag or valance over your sliding door. They are available in a variety of materials and colors, as well as classic tabs, pinch pleats and grommet styles. You can also purchase them with a blackout lining for additional privacy and control of light.

Remember that patio doors must be able slide open and close. It is best to hang window treatments at a height so they can support this purpose. This will also help keep them out of reach of pets and children.

If your window treatments are not in the form of a drape or have no rod pocket, you can make use of a traverse bar to allow them to slide horizontally across your sliding doors. Be sure to hang them a quarter of an inch higher than the top of your patio doors to prevent them from brushing heads passing through.

Rollers

If your patio door starts to squeak, it is typically due to worn rollers. These rollers, which are located at the bottom of the door to allow it to slide along tracks, could get stuck or rust over time. This can make it difficult to open and shut the doors and create loud noises when in motion. There are few items that can help fix your sliding doors so that they can slide and close easily again.

Start by  RepairMyWindowsAndDoors . This will make the door move more easily and should be done twice each year. You can purchase a quality lubricant at the local hardware store. Apply an oil made of silicone if have tracks made of vinyl or a wax-based lubricant when you have wooden ones. If the lubricant isn't working it is possible to replace your rollers.

You can also adjust the rollers. This is a task that requires two people as you'll need to lift the doors and locate the plastic screws on the bottom of the track. The screws have a tiny plug that needs to be removed using the screwdriver. The screws can be turned to raise or lower the rollers and allow the door to touch less of the track.

Another possibility is the doors not properly seated in the track. This can cause a space between the frame and the door. This could allow cold air to get in on a cold morning or hot air to escape on a warm day. If this is the case, then you must take off the door and raise it up to examine the reason for the gap.

If the gap was caused by the track, you can fix it by removing the upper portion of the track. Then screw it back into place. The gap can also be closed by installing an entirely new set of tracks that will give the door something to rest against when in use.

Tracks

It may be time to grease your tracks if they aren't closing or opening smoothly. It's an easy task that can improve the performance of your patio doors.

Remove the door and set it on a flat surface out of the way as you work. If the door is heavy, it may be necessary to have someone else help you lift and hold it while you work. Use a brush with hot soapy water to thoroughly clean the track of your sliding door. If the doors have blinds on the glass, be sure to vacuum them too.

For Next Dimension vinyl patio doors, dirt and dust can accumulate near the tilt and raise/lower operators and can affect the operation. If your door is fitted with these, be sure to wash the surfaces frequently using a vinegar and water solution or a household window cleaner.

Signature and Pro patio door have an antilift block located in their head pocket. They require a 3-6” opening to remove this feature and lower the sill track. Slide the sash/panel to the open position and lift up on it to tilt it inward and clear the sill pocket, allowing the track to lower from the head jamb. Repeat the procedure on both sides of the panel/sash.



Glass

It can be a problem if your patio door glass cracks. It can block sunlight from entering the home, making the space inaccessible. Glass that is cracked can be dangerous, since it could shatter and cause injuries to someone struck in the head by fragments.

It's relatively easy to fix damaged frames and doors. The first step is to clean the glass and eliminate any dust or dirt that has built up over time. After cleaning the glass, you can apply a clear coat to protect it against the elements. You can also apply an attractive film to the door to increase its privacy and style.

A roller that isn't aligned properly could be the cause of your sliding glass door not moving smoothly. Typically, the adjustment screws are located on the bottom of the door. They could be covered by caps for trim. If you cannot find the screws, you can try lifting or lowering your door until it appears to be at a level with the track.

Be sure to have all the tools you need before you begin repairing a sliding door. You'll require a screwdriver, an abrasive and some plastic putty or caulk. You'll also need to remove any furniture from the door to ensure you are able to work on it easily. You can also place blankets or foam sheets under the door in order to shield it from scratches when you remove it and replace it.

The first thing that our engineers do when they arrive at a work site to fix the tilt and slide patio door is to identify the manufacturer of the mechanism. This can be done by removing the covers on the rollers (bogies), which are located at the bottom of your door. You could also search for a label in the side panel or on the handle. If you are unable to locate the label, your best option is to contact the manufacturer directly.