Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are an attractive and easy option to connect your outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they could require periodic maintenance to address common issues. Incorrect alignment, damaged seals, faulty locks and handles broken or foggy glass and drafts are just a few examples.
Foggy glass is a sign of a compromised seal, which can cause air and moisture leaks. This can compromise the efficiency of your energy and raise your energy bills.
Misalignment
All sliding patio doors get older with time. This causes them to lose their original fit, making them difficult to open and close and allowing unwanted drafts to enter your home. All of these issues can be easily resolved by adjusting the door and restoring it to its original form.
The sliding patio doors rely on rollers to slide smoothly along the tracks. So when they're not aligned properly, it could cause them to become stuck and possibly damage your track system and glass panels. This could be caused by excessive use of the door, insufficient maintenance and cleaning, or simply by age. In order to prevent this from happening, you should regularly check your patio door for signs that it's out of alignment, and immediately take action whenever you notice.
A common sign that your patio door is not in alignment is when the operating panel has become difficult to open or close particularly when you try to secure it. This can be caused by a number of different issues, but the most common is that the rollers of your door have lost their traction and aren't sliding along the track as effortlessly. Fortunately, this is easily remedied by loosening the adjusting screw, usually located in the lower corners of the door, and turning it counterclockwise or clockwise to adjust the height.
It is also possible to consult a professional when your patio door is not aligned due to shifting of the frame. This can be difficult to determine and requires the intervention of a professional. In this case it could be necessary to put in an unfinished shim to the place where the door jamb meets the operating panel.
Finally, it's common for double French patio doors to become uneven over time, which can make them harder to lock and allow draughts into your home. This is usually caused by the weight of the doors making them settle differently on each side of the opening. It is essential to check and tighten your French doors as soon as you spot any loose fasteners to prevent any further damage.
Damaged Weatherstripping
A damaged or worn-out weatherstripping seal can create gaps around your patio door, allowing drafts to enter. This can impact the comfort of your home and its energy efficiency. You can replace or repair the weatherstripping on your doors to increase insulation and stop drafts.
Rollers that are misaligned
Your patio door may be hampered by damaged or loose rollers. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help restore smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
A layer of dirt or dust on the tracks could cause bumping or a stick when you open or close your patio door. Cleaning and lubricating the tracks and rollers can resolve this problem.
Broken Glass
French patio doors feature large glass panels that offer ample light and beautiful views. However when the glass begins to develop chips or cracks, this can compromise the integrity of the door and must be repaired as soon as possible.
Poorly designed Handles
Loose or worn handles can also impact the functioning of your patio doors. Tightening or replacing loose handles can improve the functionality of your patio door and provide a solid grip on the handlebar.
Missing or damaged weatherstripping
Worn or missing weatherstripping creates gaps that allow drafts to enter your home. Weatherstripping that is damaged or replaced can improve the efficiency of your home and also reduce noise.
Find visible damage, such as missing pieces or a swollen appearance. If the weatherstripping has been damaged, it is recommended to replace it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
You can also use a high-quality caulk to fill in cracks or gaps around your doors and frames. This is an easy solution that can be done quickly and cost less than replacing existing weatherstripping. Check your door's seal regularly and fix any issues to avoid future costly repairs. Maintaining your doors and window can improve energy efficiency and prevent the growth of pests, moisture and rot. It will also maintain the beauty of your house. A professional can evaluate your door's condition and recommend the best course of action for maintenance or replacement.
Broken or foggy 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 an eyesore and also pose a security threat by allowing intruders into the home. It is crucial to fix your patio doors as soon as possible if you notice any damage.
Examining the condition and appearance of your door's frame is the best way to determine if your glass requires replacement. The majority of times, chips and cracks can be repaired by our professionals without the need for total replacement. You can then use caulk, flexible seal or other sealants to fill in any cracks and close any gaps.
If your patio doors are made of triple-pane or double-pane windows, you should be concerned when they begin to get cloudy. This is a clear indication that the window panes are leaky and the inert gas that keeps them warm during cold weather has moved on out. This loss of inert gas could cause windows to be less energy efficient than they used to be and is one of the main reasons why people choose to replace their patio doors rather than repair them.
It's possible that your windows produce too much moisture. Running a dehumidifier in the area in which your patio doors are located can help to keep humidity levels down. This will make your home more comfortable and decrease the likelihood of having to replace your patio doors.
Wear safety gear like gloves and shoes when removing broken glass to avoid cuts. To avoid injury, you should take your pets and children from the area while it's being cleaned.
After you've removed the broken glass, it's time to clean the area of work and get ready to install the new patio door. It is recommended to seal the joints first using caulk or flex-seal. This will stop any further water from leaking into the joints. In the future, you can apply a desiccant to the inside of the sliding door glass to absorb any condensation that could appear in the future.
Drafts
The sliding patio door is one the largest glass pieces in a home. This means that they see a lot of use, and are often the source of drafts and air leakage. Drafts can be caused by a variety things, like a inadequate or improper maintenance or wear and tear, as well as age. A professional can spot the problem and fix it, restoring comfort to the home and boosting energy efficiency.
Over time, the seal around your patio door will expand and contract in response to changing weather conditions. This can result in drafts or leaks of air, which can be uncomfortable for you and your loved ones, as well as use up energy. The best way to avoid drafts and air leaks is by regularly cleaning your doors and moving parts, lubricating them, and replacing worn-out components. If you notice leaks, you should conduct the "Draft Test" which will tell you if the problem is due to a poorly sealed door. Stand with a lighter or match in front of your patio door. If the flame moves as the draft happens your patio doors might not be properly sealing. Replace them as soon as you can.
Another reason for drafts is worn or damaged weather stripping. This can easily be repaired by removing the old stripping and replacing it with new, superior quality weather stripping that will provide a better seal to reduce drafts and enhance your energy efficiency.
Finally, if the locking mechanism is damaged, it is important to contact an expert to make repairs. A faulty lock can pose security dangers, and increase your energy bills due to the loss of heat through the patio door. Replacing 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 add to the value of your home as well as increase curb appeal. Before attempting to DIY patio door repair it is crucial to consider your own abilities and time availability in comparison with the cost of professional services.