Patio Door Repair - How to Keep Your Door in Good Shape
Patio doors are an attractive and useful addition to any home, bridging the gap between outdoor and indoor living. They are prone to wear and tear, and need to be maintained appropriately.
Damaged doors not only pose a security threat but also add to energy bills due to the fact that they let cold air into the home.
Damaged Glass
Patio doors can be used to create a seamless transition from indoors to outside. They can improve the appearance of your home and improve energy efficiency. However, Glazing companies in london with time, the sliding mechanisms may develop issues that affect their functionality and overall performance.
The most frequent issue homeowners face with their patio doors is broken or cracked glass. It could be due to various reasons. It could be caused by unbalanced tracks or cold drafts entering the home. It could also be because the door was not properly installed. However, if you're unsure about the cause of the issue, it's best to contact an expert.
Broken windows can be dangerous for your safety however they also cause colder air to get into the property, or water to get in the structure, making it more attractive to criminals. To avoid further damage it is essential to fix damaged windows as soon as you can.
If your patio door is cracked it is necessary to contact a glazier who can replace the glass. This is usually a more efficient alternative to replacing the entire door, as it can be a lot cheaper to replace just the glass panel.
Sliding patio door glass panels are usually secured into the frame using glazing companies in sash window repairs east london (72.13.216.248) beads, which may become loose with time. They can also break or crack if they are exposed to extreme levels of heat. You may be able to complete the work yourself, depending on the severity, however it is recommended to speak with an expert for an impeccable finish and secure installation.
Tracks that slide Tracks
Over time, dust and Glazing Companies in london dirt and even rust, may build up on the tracks of your patio doors. This can cause the door to move slower and it is therefore essential to keep the tracks clean. You can do this by using a mild detergent and a brush. You can also use a degreaser in order to remove more extensive build-ups. If your door is still not sliding smoothly, the track could be bent or damaged.
This is usually caused by heavy doors, or pets that drag dirt into the door. The spindles or cogs can break. This can cause the handle become stuck and difficult to open.
Lack of lubrication is a common cause of a sliding door that is malfunctioning. Applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers can assist in preventing future problems. Make sure you thoroughly clean the track before applying the lubricant to ensure it doesn't accumulate more dirt.
Test the door after applying the lubricant by moving it both ways. Reapply the lubricant if it's not moving smoothly. You'll eventually be able get your sliding patio doors moving without needing a repair service.
You may have to take down your door to straighten the tracks in case they are bent. This is a huge job, so it's best to have someone help you. Begin by placing an untidy cloth on the floor, and then unscrewing the plugs that cover the screws that adjust the roller. These are usually located in the corner of both sides of the frame. Once the screws are removed, the track will be able to pull away from the wall. If you find a section of the track that bends outwards, you can use a rubber mallet and a block of wood. Place the block of wood in the region of the track that's bent outward, then strike it with the mallet until the track is straight. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the track if necessary. Once the tracks are straightened, you'll be able to put your door back in place and attach any hardware that was removed.
Broken Rollers
If you find that your patio door is difficult to open, and it's scraping or catching on the track, it's probably time to replace the roller on the bottom. It will get worn out in time, as do all moving parts. If you put off replacement for too long, you could encounter difficulty in getting the door open. This can cause excessive stress on other parts such as handles that may break or the track that will be damaged.
It's a daunting task to replace the rollers as you'll need to remove the entire panel from the frame. First, you'll need to pull the roller wheels back. Then, give the panel a gentle tug to check if the panel is going to come loose. If the panel does fall off, ask a friend to assist you in removing it and placing it on a flat surface. Once the panel has been removed, you can begin to look over it for signs of damage.
After you've done this, you can start working on the rollers. You'll likely require an screwdriver, a pry bar or a strong putty blade to take them off. After removing the old ones, make a note about their style and dimensions so that you can substitute them with the exact same ones.
It's possible that there's no visible damage to the rollers, and they just need lubricating. If this is the situation, spray some silicone-based lubricant over the rollers and try sliding the panel again.
In more serious cases the bogies beneath the rollers may fail, or the tracks they roll on will be damaged. In this scenario, the entire track will need replacing. It's typically a two-person job as the panel needs to be lifted from the frame of aluminium so that the builder can take it off. This is the most difficult component of the repair. Be careful not to break or shatter the glass.
Weather Treatment
Paul and his wife were both tired of the fact that their patio door let drafts through while they sat in their living room watching television or sitting in their recliner that they love. They also noticed icicles growing on the frame this past winter. The couple spoke with our expert on products who informed them that their doors needed of weather treatment. The door was old and had some rust due to age and British weather however it could be fixed to enhance the look of their home. They decided to put in windows and patio treatments that would match the decor of their home.