Solutions To The Problems Of Patio Door Repairs
Tilt and Slide Patio Door Repairs
A well-functioning tilt and slide patio door offers light, fresh air and easy movement between indoors and outdoor. Modern aluminum doors provide strength and durability along with thermal sturdiness, and an array of glass options to suit an array of styles.
Dirty tracks and rollers are the most common causes of problems with sliding doors. Regularly cleaning and lubricating moving parts can keep your sliding door in good condition.
Track and Roller Replacement
Track and rollers are the primary components of sliding door functionality. They are situated at the bottom of a door made of aluminum and are seated on a raised track that helps them open and close. Over time, dirt can cause the tracks to become blocked and cause the rollers to become damaged. Keeping your patio door clean and well-lubricated can help prevent these problems.
If your track isn't severely bent, it is usually possible to fix the track and rollers without removing the door. Recruit a friend and tilt the panel towards you to lift it off the track at the bottom (Photo 3). It may require some effort to lift the panel as they can be heavy. Once the panel is removed, lay the panel flat on sawhorses to inspect the rollers. Replace them if they are damaged by purchasing a new set. You can alter the rollers' height by turning the adjustment screws, which are typically found in slots along the edge of the panel.
If the rollers look good, they may only require cleaning and lubricated. Take the rollers off with the help of a screwdriver, and then clean them with denatured alcohol. This will eliminate any dirt and grime that has accumulated that might be causing resistance. After that, carefully place each roller back into its slot and fully retract it by using the adjustment screw. Last but not least, spray the rollers with silicone spray. This type of lubricant does not hold dirt like petroleum-based products, and will help your door to glide effortlessly.
After cleaning the rollers and reinstalling them, you can put the door back in place and test it to make sure the track is in alignment with the rollers and the doors are moving smoothly. Contact a local dealer if you need assistance. Keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated will help them last longer and reduce the need for repairs. Repair My Windows And Doors recommend a silicone lubricant since it does not attract dirt like WD-40. It is recommended to apply lubrication to your rollers and tracks at least once a month.
Insect Screen Replacement
Sliding patio door are great to maximize floor space, allow airflow and let in stunning panoramic views. However, they can be a problem when the mechanism isn't functioning properly or has stopped moving completely. Most sliding screen door problems can be fixed easily. Dirty rollers due to debris in the track or a wrinkled screen are common culprits but you can repair them by following these easy steps.
If your screen is sagging or is wrinkling, first lay the frame on an even surface. Then place a 1x4 board under each end to put some slight bows in the middle. This will allow you to pull the screen tighter and straighten it.
Choose a screen that's at least two inches bigger in both directions than the opening of the frame. You'll be able to reduce any excess. Make sure you press the one end of the rubber spline into the channel using an spline-rolling tool. Once you've completed this, you're now ready to roll the remainder of the spline into.
Adjusting the Panel
The tilt and slide mechanism lets you open the patio doors more to allow for more ventilation, while keeping your children, pets, and other household members out. The doors require more force to open than you would think. As time passes this can result in an increase in friction and uneven tracks, or misalignments, which can cause the door not to work. The early detection of problems and minor adjustments can often solve these problems, reducing the cost of replacing hardware.
The first step in adjusting a tilt and slide patio door is to remove the door and set it on a flat work surface. After removing the panels, use a screwdriver and remove the plastic caps from the holes of each adjuster. Once they are removed, the adjuster can be coaxed out of its channel by using an extended shaft screwdriver. After removing the roller, clean it using denatured or rubbing alcohol. This will get rid of any dirt that is causing the roller to resist and allow it to retract back into its channel after the process.
When reinstalling a movable panel align it with the frame and use the drill to drive the screws into the flange. The flange should be secured tightly to the door's edge while making sure that the flaps align correctly. Once the movable panels have been put in place apply silicone-based lubricant onto the top track block for the arm connector, the lead Bogie wheels, and the slave Bogie wheels, and then replace the cap on the hole made of plastic.
Repeat the process for the other two movable panels in order to restore their slide capabilities. Reinstall the plastic flanges. Using a plastic adhesive, attach the jamb-side strip to its fixed panel. Attach the handle when the glue is dry and test the smoothness of the process. If the issue is not resolved, adjust the lead Bogie by getting rid of it cleaning it, then installing it with a silicone-based grease.
Charley Bar Installation
A patio door can be a practical way to let your pets inside and out of your house, but it can also be an easy point of entry for burglars. Put a pin lock on your patio door, or a charley-bar to increase security. These devices offer a combination of security and convenience that is unmatched by any other product on the market.
The bar charley is a fantastic option for your sliding glass door, and can be installed easily at your home. The charley bar can be installed in the center of your door and stops the patio door from being jimmied open by tools or other objects such as a hockey stick or broom handle. The charley bars are made of polycarbonate injection-molded tubes and extruded RPVC telescoping tubing, making them durable and strong.
Installing the charley bars requires you to first determine the length of the bar from the edge the sliding door track to the sliding patio door. Then, mark the points where the charley bars will go with pencil. Use an eighth-inch drill bit to drill holes into the wall jamb and the frame of the patio door, being careful not to penetrate the glass of the patio door. Then, tighten the screws that came with the charley bars.
The charley bar is an excellent choice for your sliding glass patio doors and sash windows. This simple security device keeps your sliding patio door safe and burglar-proof for a long time. It is made of injection-molded polycarbonate, and has been tested to withstand over 400 pounds of pressure by Intertek. The charley bar is also lockable with the included key. It is simple to set up, and it hangs out of the way when not being used. You can purchase the charley bar at most hardware stores. If you'd like to buy one that is guaranteed to work, you should consider buying a charley bar from an online retailer.