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Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement Sliding patio doors are an excellent addition to any home. They're simple to operate and provide the most expansive view. Like any other household door they're susceptible to wear and tear, which requires replacement or repair. Regularly clean and lubricate your sliding patio doors to keep them in good condition. Lubricating them with graphite or silicone allows them to glide smoothly, thus prolonging their life span. Roller Replacement If you notice that your sliding patio door isn't rolling easily, it could require lubrication. If the rollers have become worn or damaged, you will need to replace them. Replacing your patio door's rollers will allow your doors to operate smoothly and reduce the amount of force required to open or close them. If your patio door is older, it may be necessary to remove the bottom part of the frame in order to access the rollers. If this is the scenario you can use a mallet made of rubber and a wood block to tap the door loose and then take it off. Make sure you save the screws to reinstall your new rollers. Sliding glass door are a major security point in many homes, and should be properly protected. In addition to making it difficult to open or close your door, old or damaged roller wheels can leave gaps that can be exploited by intruders. Replacing your patio door rollers ensures that your home is well-protected from unwanted guests. After taking off the top and bottom rails it is a great idea to wipe all parts of track with an alcohol soaked cloth. This will remove any dirt and make removing the doors from the tracks much simpler. You will see drainage holes on the bottom track, but these can get blocked by dirt. If your track seems to be prone of collecting dirt, you might be interested in installing a stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps over the track and creates an extra channel for water to flow through. These are available from CR Laurence and other retailers that specialize in replacement sliding door parts. Make sure to install the bottom panel first before installing the top panel. You should be able test the doors once they are in their original position to make sure that they move smoothly and don't require a lot of force to open or shut. If they feel rough, you can readjust the new rollers to allow them to move more freely. Weather Strip Replacement The weather strip seals the sliding doors gradually get worn out, permitting drafts and moisture to get in. patio door repair increases your energy bills. It is a quick and easy project that can help you save money on heating expenses. There are many different materials for sliding door weather stripping, each having their distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select a material which will stand up to friction, temperature changes as well as weather changes and foot traffic, while not interfering with the operation of the sliding door. Foam and felt, for example are not expensive, but they are susceptible to weather and visible in the frame Vinyl is more costly but will last for a long time; metals are durable but may look out of place in a contemporary home. Plastic or rubber may degrade over time and require frequent replacement. To install new weather stripping, first take the door out of its casing. To do this, look for the headstop at the top of the door – usually a small strip of metal or plastic held in place by screws. Remove the screw caps, and then use a flathead to pry out the headstop from the bottom of your door. Remove the old weatherstripping as well as any residue with the help of a scraper or putty blade. You'll require a lot of force to pull the door off of its track Don't try to do this with just one person. Rather, have a helper to hold the door steady as you take it off its frame. When the doors are shut Find the channels that hold the weather stripping. Plugs that match the color of your doors are best placed in these channels. Take the plugs off, then pull up on the weather stripping to disconnect it from the channel. There are a variety of weather stripping that are available and the best one for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This type of weather stripping comes with a Mylar fin that is centered in the pile (brush material) and is very durable, suitable for nearly all climates, and is able to stand well to foot traffic. The back of the stripping is composed of a flexible, hard material that is able to withstand the rigors a sliding patio doors. Door Alignment Patio doors that slide open are a great feature for any home, but like anything else, they can benefit from an occasional adjustment to work their best. Over time, the parts of these doors may wear out or get out of alignment, which can result in issues such as hitting frames, sticking, or failing to lock properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can help prevent these issues, which will save you money and hassle. The most common cause of sliding door misalignment stems from damage to the rollers or tracks caused by sudden jolts and excessive force. This problem can be solved quickly using the right tools. Your patio door will slide smoothly for many years. Other causes for misalignment include variations in temperature or humidity, weatherstripping wear and tear and a inadequate installation. The latter can result in parts shifting and becoming loose over time which causes the door to move and not latch or close properly. These changes over time could result in air drafts, and possibly water leakage into your home. It is essential to clean and lubricate your sliding patio door track frequently to avoid these problems. A small amount of spray lubricant can easily be bought at any hardware store, and applying it regularly with a small brush can keep the track running smooth. Another reason for misalignment of sliding patio doors is that the latch hook is not synchronizing with the strike plate on the jamb. To fix this, first open the door to expose the latch mechanism, giving you full visibility and access to it. Find the screw that adjusts this latch hook, and gently rotate it either way to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch hook will guarantee that the latch strikes and is able to engage with the strike plate with no resistance or obstruction. Check your door after you've made the necessary adjustments to ensure it is able to slide and locks properly. If there are any issues, you can repeat the procedure until your sliding patio door is working properly. With these simple steps you can save yourself lots of money by not hiring professionals to carry out costly repairs. Frame Replacement Over time, screws on sliding door frames may loosen. This causes the frame to move a little. By checking and tightening these screws, you will be able to prevent your doors from getting stuck or blocked. A screen that is sagging can be fixed with a bit of clamping. However hinges that are loose may require replacement. It is possible to upgrade the patio's sliding mechanism without having to replace the frame however, you must first evaluate the condition of the existing frame. This approach is more cost-effective than a full frame replacement and can address specific needs such as improved insulation or a new design. A full frame replacement is the complete removal of the old hinged doors, window and frame from the wall opening. This allows a new sliding patio to be installed, and it allows for more flexibility in terms of style, size and materials. Sliding glass doors are designed to provide you with a stunning view of your backyard, but over time they can begin to show signs of wear and tear. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or get stuck it may be necessary to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good condition, replacing just the doors could be enough. Make sure that your workspace is free of any obstructions, and that you've laid down a dropcloth. Next, lay the sliding door on a flat work surface and remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the frame. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the plugs that protect the roller adjustment screws on the bottom of the frame (they are typically covered with caps). Once these screws are removed, you can loosen and pull the door's bottom from the track. Once the frame is exposed, you can replace the track and sliding door wheels. If your sliding door track is damaged or old you should replace it, rather than fix it. You can either purchase a DIY kit or employ a professional to install it. In either case, you must follow the directions of the manufacturer for proper installation.