Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are attractive and convenient way to connect your outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they might require periodic maintenance to address common issues. Incorrect alignment, damaged seals, faulty locks and handles, foggy or cracked glass and drafts are a few examples.
Foggy glass could be an indication that the seal has been compromised and can lead to air and moisture leaks. This can decrease energy efficiency and lead to higher utility bills.
Misalignment
Over time all sliding patio doors are susceptible to wear and tear. They lose their original fit and can be difficult to open or shut. All of these problems are easily fixed by adjusting your door back to its original fit.
Sliding patio doors depend on rollers for smooth sliding across the tracks, and when they're misaligned it can cause them to become stuck and even damage your track system and glass panels. This can be due to excessive use, poor maintenance and cleaning, or even age. You can avoid this by regular inspection of your patio door and acting if you notice it to be out of alignment.
If the operating panel is difficult to open or close particularly when you attempt to lock your patio door, it is a sign that the door is not in alignment. The most common reason is that the rollers of your patio door have lost their grip, and aren't moving smoothly along the track. This can be fixed by loosening the adjusting screws, that are usually found on the lower corners of your door. You can then turn them clockwise or anticlockwise to adjust the door's height.
It is also possible to consult a professional if your patio door isn't aligned due to shifting of the frame. This may be difficult to identify and requires the intervention of a professional. In this situation, you may need to install a wood shim over the door jamb where it joins the operating panel.
Finally, it's common for double French patio doors to become uneven in time, which could make them harder to lock and permit drafts into your home. This is typically caused by the weight of the doors making them to settle differently on the opposite side of the opening. It is important to check and tighten your French doors as soon as you notice any loose fasteners to prevent any further damage.
Weatherstripping that is damaged
The gaps created by a damaged or worn-out weatherstripping may let drafts in through your patio door. This can impact your home's comfort and energy efficiency. You can fix or replace the weatherstripping to eliminate drafts and improve the insulation around your doors.
Rollers that are not aligned
Loose or damaged rollers can affect the movement of your patio door. Regular cleaning and lubrication can ensure the smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
If there is an accumulation of dirt or dust on the tracks, it may cause your patio door to feel like it is bouncing or sticking when you open or close it. Cleaning and lubricating the tracks and rollers can help resolve this problem.
Broken Glass
French patio doors have large glass panels that let in ample light and beautiful views. However, if the glass develops cracks or chips it could compromise the integrity of the door. It should be repaired as soon as possible.
Handles are faulty Handles
Handles that are worn or loose can also impact the performance of your patio doors. The tightening of loose handles or replacing them can improve functionality and provide a firm grip to the handlebar.
Weatherstripping damaged or missing
Weatherstripping that is damaged or worn out creates gaps that allow drafts to enter your home. Replacing or replacing the weatherstripping can enhance energy efficiency and decrease the noise.
Look for visible damage, such as missing pieces or a swollen look. If the weatherstripping has been damaged, it is recommended to replace it according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
You can also use high-quality caulk around your door frames and cracks. This is an easy solution that can be accomplished quickly and is less expensive than replacing your existing weatherstripping. Inspect your door's weatherstripping regularly and take care to address any issues immediately to avoid costly repairs in the future. Properly maintaining your windows and doors can increase energy efficiency and help prevent moisture, pests and rot. It also enhances the beauty of your house. A professional can assess the condition of your door and suggest the best course for replacement or maintenance.
Broken or foggy glass
A crack or chip in your patio door's glass is a sure indication that you'll need to replace it. Broken or stained patio doors are not only an eyesore. They can also become an issue for security by allowing burglars to get in. This is why it's crucial to fix your patio door as soon as you discover any damage.
The best method to determine if the glass in your home needs to be replaced is by examining the appearance and condition of your door frame. Our professionals are able to repair cracks and chips without having to replace the entire glass. You can then use caulk, flexible seal or other sealants to fill in any cracks and seal any gaps.
If your patio doors start to fog up, they are likely made from double- or triple-paned windows that are insulated. This is a clear indication that the window panes are losing their inert gas that keeps them warm in cold winter months has shifted out. The loss of inert gas can cause windows to be less efficient than they were previously, which is one of the main reasons people choose to replace their patio doors instead of repair them.
It's also possible that your windows are generating excessive moisture in the first place. Dehumidifiers are able to help keep humidity levels down in the room which houses your patio doors. This can make your home more comfortable, and lower the chance of having to replace your patio doors.
Wear safety gear like gloves and shoes when removing broken glass to avoid causing cuts. To prevent injuries from shards, you must take your pets and children from the area while it's being cleaned.
After you've removed all the broken glass, scrub the area and prepare to install the new patio door. Before you do this, though, you should take the time to seal the joints with caulk or flex-seal. This will stop any future moisture from leaking into the joints. You can then put an air-tight desiccant to your sliding door to absorb any condensation that may occur in the future.
Drafts
Sliding patio doors are among of the biggest pieces of glass in a home. This means that they see lots of use, and can be the source of drafts and air leakage. Drafts can be caused by a variety things, like a inadequate or improper maintenance, wear and tear and the aging process. A professional can spot the problem and fix it, restoring the comfort of the home and boosting energy efficiency.
As the weather changes the seal of your patio door will expand and contract. This can result in drafts or leaks of air that can be uncomfortable for your family and friends, as well as use up energy. Regularly cleaning your doors and the lubrication of moving parts and replacing worn out parts is the best way to prevent drafts and air leaking. If you detect a draft, you can try the "Draft Test" to see whether it's due to a poorly sealing door: Place yourself near your patio doors with an open flame from a match or lighter. If the flame moves in response to the draft, this is an indication that your doors are no longer sufficiently sealed and should be replaced as soon as possible.
A damaged or worn out weather stripping is a common cause of drafts. This can be easily fixed by removing the old weather stripping and replacing it with new, high quality weather stripping that will provide a tighter seal to reduce drafts.
If the locking mechanism of your sliding patio door has been damaged, you should seek out a professional for help to repair it. A broken patio door lock can increase your energy costs and present a security risk. The replacement of the lock is a straightforward repair that can be done quickly by a professional. This will not only enhance your safety and security but also increase the value of your home and boost curb appeal. Before attempting to DIY patio door repair , it is important to assess your capabilities and time availability in comparison with the cost of professional services.