Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are an attractive and practical way to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces. However, they might require occasional repairs to address common issues. This could include misalignment, damaged weatherstripping or handles, damaged locks and handles foggy or broken glass, and drafts.
Foggy glass is an indication of a weak seal, which could result in air and moisture leaks. This can reduce energy efficiency and lead to higher utility bills.
Misalignment
As time passes, all sliding patio doors are susceptible to wear and tear. They lose their original shape and can be difficult to open or close and allowing drafts from outside to infiltrate your home. These issues can be easily resolved by adjusting the door back to its original fit.
Sliding patio doors rely on rollers to slide smoothly across the tracks, and when they're not aligned properly, it could cause them to become stuck and possibly harm your track system as well as glass panels. This could be due to excessive use of the door, improper maintenance and cleaning, or simply due to the aging process of. You can avoid this by regular inspection of your patio door and acting if you notice it to be out of place.
A common sign that your patio door is not in alignment is when the operating panel has become difficult to close or open especially when trying to secure it. The most common cause is that the rollers on your patio door have lost grip and aren't sliding smoothly across the track. Fortunately, this issue can be remedied by loosening the adjusting screw, usually located in the bottom corners of the door, and then turning it counterclockwise or clockwise to adjust the height.
It is possible that your patio door is not in alignment due to an unbalanced frame, which can be difficult to identify and requires professional intervention. In this instance it might be necessary to add an shim of wood at the point where the door jamb joins the operating panel.
Finally, it's common for double French patio doors to become uneven in time, which could make them more difficult to secure and allow drafts into your home. This is typically caused by the weight of the doors, which causes them to move differently on the opposite side of the opening, so it's essential to check your French doors on a regular basis and tighten any loose fasteners as quickly as they're noticed to avoid any further damage or draughts.
Weatherstripping that is damaged
The gaps that are created by damaged or worn-out weatherstripping could let drafts through your patio door. This can impact your home's comfort as well as energy efficiency. You can replace or repair the weatherstripping on your doors to improve insulation and reduce drafts.
Rollers that are not aligned
Damaged or loose rollers could hinder the sliding motion of your patio door. Regular cleaning and lubrication can ensure the smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
If you've got a layer of dust or dirt on the tracks, it could cause your patio door to feel like it is bumping or sticking when you open or close it. This issue can be fixed by cleaning and lubricating your tracks and rollers.
Broken Glass
French patio doors have large glass panels that let in ample light and beautiful views. However when the glass begins to develop cracks or chips this could affect the integrity of the door. It should be repaired as soon as possible.
Poorly designed Handles
Loose or worn handles can affect the operation of your patio doors. The tightening of loose handles or replacing them can enhance the function and give an energizing grip on the handlebar.
Weatherstripping that is damaged or missing
Weatherstripping that is worn or missing could cause gaps within your home, allowing drafts to enter. Replacing or replacing the weatherstripping can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise.
You can check the weatherstripping for indications of damage, such as visible wear, broken chunks, or a swelling appearance. If the weatherstripping has worn out, you must replace it by following the manufacturer's instructions.
You can also apply a high-quality caulk to fill in gaps or cracks between your frames and doors. This is a simple solution that can be done quickly and cost less than replacing your existing weatherstripping. Make sure to regularly check the seal of your door and fix any issues to avoid costly repairs later on. Properly maintaining your windows and doors can increase energy efficiency and help prevent mold, pests and moisture. It also helps maintain the beauty of your house. A professional can evaluate your door's condition and recommend the best method to maintain or replace it.
Foggy or broken glass
If you notice cracks or chips on your patio door glass It's time to replace it. Broken or foggy patio doors can be a source of displeasure and also can be a security risk due to permitting intruders to enter your home. This is why it's important to repair your patio door when you discover any damage.
The best method to determine whether or not your glass requires to be replaced is by examining the appearance and condition of your door's frame. Most of the time, chips and cracks can be repaired by our professionals without the need for complete replacement. 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 comprised of double- or triple-paned windows that are insulated. This is a clear sign that your window panes are leaky and the inert gas that keeps them warm during cold weather has gone out. This loss of inert gases can make the windows less efficient in energy use. It is among the reasons people decide to replace patio doors instead of repair them.
It's also possible that your windows are creating too much moisture in the first place. Running a dehumidifier in the area where your patio doors are can help to keep humidity levels low. This will make your home more comfortable, and you won't have to replace your patio doors as often.
When removing glass that has shattered be sure to wear safety gear like gloves and footwear to avoid abrasions from tiny fragments. To avoid injury to yourself and others, it is recommended to remove your children and pets from the area while it's being cleaned.
After you have removed all the broken glass, clean the area and prepare for the installation of the new patio door. Before you do this, though, you should take the time to seal the joints using caulk or flex-seal. This will prevent any moisture that might leak into the joints. You can then put a desiccant inside your sliding door to absorb any condensation that may occur in the future.
Drafts
The sliding patio door is one the largest glass pieces of the house. They are often used and can result in drafts and air leakage. Drafts can be caused by a variety of different things that include a lack of proper maintenance, old age or wear and tear, and an incorrect alignment. A professional can help identify and fix the problem to improve comfort and energy efficiency in the home.
Over time the seal around your patio door will expand and contract as it adjusts to changing weather conditions. This can cause drafts or leaks of air that could be uncomfortable for your family members and you and also consume energy. The best method to avoid drafts and air leakage is to regularly clean your doors and moving parts, lubricating them, and replacing worn-out components. If you spot leaks, you should conduct the "Draft Test" to determine whether the issue is caused by the door's seal being inadequately sealed. Stand with a match or lighter near your patio door. If the flame moves when the draft is evident the doors to your patio may not be properly sealing. Replace patio door hardware as you can.
Another reason that can cause drafts is worn or damaged weather stripping. This can be easily fixed by removing the old stripping and installing new, superior quality weather stripping that provides a better seal to reduce drafts and increase your energy efficiency.
If the locking mechanism of your sliding patio door has been damaged, you should consult a professional to fix it. A damaged lock could pose security risks, as well as increase your energy bills because of heat loss through the patio door. A professional with experience can easily replace the lock and is a straightforward fix. This will not only improve your safety and security but will also enhance the value of your home and increase its curb appeal. Before you attempt DIY patio door repair it is essential to consider your own abilities and time availability in comparison with the cost of professional assistance.