Repairing Patio Doors

Patio doors are often difficult to open and close, or latch. This may cause discomfort and security concerns for homeowners.

A professional door technician can evaluate the situation to determine if the patio doors should be repaired or replaced. There are a myriad of ways that a homeowner can address common patio door issues.

French patio doors

French patio doors let you to take in the outdoors while allowing natural light into your home. However, just like any other door, they can experience problems from time to time. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can extend the life of your door, regardless of whether it's because of a broken lock, loose handle, or if they are misaligned.

French doors are traditionally made from wood. This material is a natural insulation material and also adds warmth. Wood is prone to swelling and warping and also rot. It requires regular maintenance. The most popular replacement for wood French doors is fiberglass which is impervious to rotting and has an energy-efficient foam-filled core. Fiberglass is also able to withstand heat transfer and cold air better than wood.

French doors aren't just stylish and practical they also provide an air of security to your home. The large glass panes allow you to view your outdoor space, and make it difficult for burglars. To ensure your privacy and safety, your French doors should be secured with proper locks and handles that are easy to operate.

If you're looking to add extra security to your French doors, you might want to consider installing a burglar alarm. These systems use motion sensors and wireless sensors to detect break-ins and alert you to suspicious activities. You can also buy shatterproof glass films to shield your glass from thieves.

Over time Over time, your French doors can become skewed because of frequent use or changes in the foundation of your home. This could be due worn or loose hinges and rollers that need to be tightened. A trained door technician can adjust the track and hinges for smooth operation.

Sliding patio doors

Patio sliding doors are an excellent way to transition from indoors to outdoor. They also let lots of natural light to enter the home. However, over time these doors can develop issues that range from being difficult to open and close as well as creaking or squeaking or letting air into the home. Finding the root of the issue and carrying out regular maintenance or repairs will keep your patio door operating properly for decades to come.

If your sliding patio door is dragging it could be due to dirt or debris that has accumulated in the track. It could also be due to worn rollers or an issue with alignment. After cleaning the track with a sponge that is wet and scrubber, you can lubricate it with the right product. We recommend using a spray bottle of silicone lubricant, which will also keep the track safe from corrosion. These products can be found at any hardware store.

Another common issue is that a patio door can be difficult to open and close due to the door handle being wobbly or loose. This is usually a simple issue of tightening the screw that holds the handle in place or replacing the handle.

In the end, it's essential to inspect and replace the weather strip on your sliding glass patio door when it's worn or cracked. The correct weather strip will increase the efficiency of your home, reduce noise and prevent air leaks. To replace the weather strip, first take off the door, then raise the bottom supported section of the frame straight upwards and sharply angle it to lift the rollers off the track. Next, lay a drop cloth on the floor, and remove the plugs covering the screws for adjustment of the rollers at the bottom of the frame. Utilizing a flathead screwdriver turn the screw counterclockwise until rollers retract into the track.

Sliding patio doors for sliding patio door repairs

Sliding glass patio doors allow homeowners to benefit from a myriad of benefits. They let in natural light, allow easy access to backyards and other outdoor spaces and make homes more comfortable. They allow homeowners to create an area that is distinctive and suits their aesthetic and lifestyle. As with any other area of the home, they are vulnerable to damage or breakage and need to be repaired. These types of repairs can be completed quickly and efficiently making it easier to save time and money.

Most times, issues with sliding doors result from dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. Over time, dust and debris and even rust can accumulate on the tracks, which can cause them to become difficult to move or stuck. This can be easily corrected by cleaning the tracks and then using an lubricant made of silicone. Avoid using grease as it can attract dirt and cause more problems.

A misaligned locking system is another common reason that sliding doors are difficult to open and close. If your patio door locks have become hard to lock and unlock or you notice that they're not aligned with the door's frame, it's a good idea to consult a professional for a thorough inspection of the hardware components and determine if the adjustment or replacement is required.

If a sliding glass door starts to look dull and cloudy, it's likely that the insulation seal between the double-panes may have been compromised. This is a frequent issue that can be caused by condensation, and it's crucial to seek professional advice if you suspect this is the case.

Locks and handles

The handles and locks on patio doors play a crucial role in the functionality and security of your outdoor living space. Pick from a variety of functional and innovative hardware for your patio doors, from color-matched and upgraded finishes to multipoint locking systems.

Often times patio doors are difficult to open due the rollers running at the top and bottom of the runner are wearing down and rubbing against the track. The best way to stop this from happening is to clean the sliding-door tracks each time you vacuum, and apply a thin oil once each year (do not apply WD40! ).

If you're having difficulty opening your patio doors, it might be time to replace the handle and lock. To check whether this is the case, remove the lock and handle from the inside and look for signs of wear, such as bent latches or a loose handle and handle screw. If the latch is damaged or bent it could be time to replace the mortise lock.

It isn't easy to secure sliding glass patio doors. This is because the mechanism that locks them is held in place by a rod attached to the frame and operated by an operator. If the lock is loose you can try tightening the rod or replacing it with a new one.

Sliding patio doors that have glass are a popular target for burglars as they afford a great view of the house and are often situated in the rear. To ensure your family's safety, it's important to install a door jam bar and anti-snap locks to ensure the patio doors aren't easily opened by intruders.

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping stops air and rain from getting into your home, thereby saving you money on heating and cooling. You can do an easy, do-it-yourself moisture test to determine the areas where your doors and windows require more seals. Wet your hands and run them along the edges of your door or window. You need more weatherstripping if you feel cold air entering your home.

Felt weatherstripping is available at many hardware stores in rolls and is inexpensive. It can be plain or reinforced with a flexible metal strip that is easy to install. It is less durable than other types and might need to be replaced in two years.

Another alternative is foam tape which comes in both plain and reinforced varieties. It's also simple to install however it's less durable than rubber weatherstripping, and can become vulnerable to moist conditions over time.

A more permanent option is to lock the weatherstripping with metal, which requires the removal of the threshold and should be left to experts. It has two V-shaped pieces of metal that lock together and create an enveloping seal when the door is shut.

There are weatherstripping made of vinyl or rubber in a variety of colors, shapes and thicknesses. The decision between the two is mostly a matter of choice and budget. In general the long run, rubber is more durable than vinyl and offers better sealing in wet conditions. Rubber is also a renewable natural resource, whereas vinyl is an oil-based product.