Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are a fantastic way to connect your indoors and outdoor. However, they may require periodic maintenance to address common problems. This includes the misalignment of the weatherstripping, damaged weatherstripping, faulty handles and locks foggy or broken glass, and drafts.
Foggy glass is a sign of a compromised seal, which can cause air and moisture leaks. This could affect the efficiency of your energy and raise your energy bills.
Misalignment
All sliding patio doors will wear out with time. They lose their original form, making them difficult to open and close and allowing unwanted draughts to infiltrate your home. All of these issues can be easily resolved by adjusting the door back to its original size.
The sliding patio doors rely on rollers for smooth sliding along the tracks. So when they're not aligned correctly, it can cause them to stick and possibly damage your track system and glass panels. This can be caused by excessive use of the door, improper maintenance and cleaning, or simply due to the aging process of. To prevent this from happening, regularly inspect your patio door for signs that it is out of alignment and take action promptly if you notice it.
A common sign that your patio door isn't in alignment is when the operating panel has become difficult to open or close especially when trying to lock it. This could be due to many different reasons, but the most common is that the rollers have lost their traction and aren't moving along the track as effortlessly. Fortunately, this issue can be remedied by loosening the adjusting screw, usually located at the bottom corners of the door, and turning it clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the height.
It is possible that your patio door is not in alignment due to an unbalanced frame, which is difficult to identify and requires professional intervention. In this case it is possible to install a wood shim over the door jamb where it joins the operating panel.
It's also typical for the double French patio doors to become uneven with time. This could make it difficult to secure them and let drafts into your home. This is usually due to the weight of the doors making them settle differently on the opposite side of the opening. It is important to check and tighten your French doors immediately you notice any loose fasteners to prevent further damage.
Weatherstripping Damaged
A damaged or worn weatherstripping seal could create gaps around your patio door, which allow drafts to enter. This can affect the comfort of your home and its energy efficiency. You can replace or repair the weatherstripping on your doors to improve insulation and reduce drafts.
Rollers that are misaligned
Damaged or loose rollers could slow the sliding motion of your patio door. Regular cleaning and lubrication can aid in restoring the smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
If there is some dust or dirt on the tracks, it can cause your patio door to feel like it is bouncing or sticking when you open or close it. Cleaning and lubricating the tracks as well as rollers can solve this problem.
Broken Glass
French patio doors have large glass panels that offer ample light and beautiful views. However, if the glass develops cracks or chips it could compromise the strength of the door and should be repaired immediately.
Faulty Handles
Handles that are worn or loose can affect the performance of your patio doors. By tightening the handles or replacing them could increase the functionality and give an energizing grip on the handlebar.
Missing or Damaged Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is worn or missing could cause gaps within your home, allowing drafts to pass through. Weatherstripping that has been damaged or replaced can increase energy efficiency and reduce sound.
Look for visible damage, such as missing pieces or a swollen look. If the weatherstripping is worn-out, you can purchase and install new strips following the manufacturer's instructions for the specific model of door.
You can also apply high-quality caulk around the door frames and cracks. This is a simple solution that is cheaper than replacing the weatherstripping you have and is able to be completed in a short time. Examine your door's weatherstripping on a regular basis and address any issues promptly to avoid costly repairs in the future. In addition to increasing energy efficiency, properly maintaining your doors and windows will help prevent pests, moisture, and rot and maintain the beauty of your home. A professional can evaluate the condition of your door and suggest the best option to maintain or replace it.
Broken or foggy Glass
A crack or chip in your patio door's glass is a sure indication that you require a replacement. Foggy or damaged patio doors are a nuisance and also could pose a security risk by permitting intruders to enter your home. It is crucial to fix your patio doors as quickly as you can if you spot any damage.
The best way to determine whether or not your glass requires to be replaced is to examine the appearance and condition of your door's frame. Often, cracks and chips can be fixed by our experts without needing complete replacement. Then you can use caulk or flex-seal tape to fill cracks and seal any gaps.
If your patio doors start to fog up, they're probably made from double- or triple-paned windows that are insulated. This is a clear sign that your window panes may be leaky and the inert gas that keeps them warm during cold weather has moved on out. The loss of inert gas can cause windows to be less energy efficient than they used to be which is one of the main reasons why people decide to replace their patio doors instead of repair them.
It's possible that your windows are producing too much moisture in the first place. Running a dehumidifier in the room where your patio doors are located can help to keep humidity levels at a minimum. This can make your home more comfortable and reduce the chance of having to replace your patio doors.
When removing glass that has shattered Always wear safety equipment such as gloves and shoes to avoid cuts that could be painful from tiny shards. Also, you should remove your kids and pets from the area until it's cleaned up to prevent any injuries.
Once you've removed the shattered glass and cleaned up the work area and get ready to reinstall the new patio door. Before you do this, though, you should make sure to seal the joints using caulk or flex-seal. This will stop any moisture that might leak into the joints. In the future, you can apply desiccant on the inside of your sliding door glass to absorb any condensation that could occur in the future.
Drafts
Sliding patio doors are considered to be one of the largest glass pieces in the home. They are frequently used and can cause drafts and air leakage. Drafts can be caused by a variety of things, like a lack or proper maintenance or wear and tear, as well as the age. A professional can spot the problem and address it, restoring comfort to the home and increasing energy efficiency.
Over time, the seal around your patio door will expand and contract as it adjusts to changing weather conditions. This can lead to drafts or leaks of air that could be uncomfortable for your family members and you as well as waste energy. The best way to avoid drafts and air leakage is to regularly clean your doors and moving parts by lubricating them and replacing worn-out parts. If you notice leaks, you should conduct the "Draft Test" which will tell you if the problem is due to a poorly sealed door. Place a match or lighter near your patio door. If patio door lock repair near me moves when the draft is evident the doors to your patio may not be adequately sealing. Replace them as soon as you can.
Another reason for drafts is worn out or damaged weather stripping. It is easily repaired by taking off the old stripping and installing new, superior quality weather stripping that provides a better seal to reduce drafts and improve the efficiency of your energy.
If the locking mechanism of your sliding patio door is damaged, you must contact a professional to repair it. A damaged patio door lock could increase your energy costs and pose the risk of security. The replacement of the lock is a simple repair that can be carried out quickly by a skilled technician. This will not only increase your security and safety but also increase the value of your home as well as increase curb appeal. Before attempting to repair your patio door yourself it is essential to consider your own abilities and time availability with the cost of professional service.