Ten Patio Door Repairs That Really Make Your Life Better

Tilt and Slide Patio Door Repairs Near Me If you love hosting guests or simply enjoying the outdoors, patio doors provide a convenient way to transition from indoors to outdoors. You may need to adjust your patio door if it's not moving smoothly. Remove the plastic plugs and locate the screws for adjusting on the bottom rail to adjust the height or lower of your door. Check that patio doors repairs is level and moves smoothly (Photo 1). Window Treatments Consider light control, privacy and aesthetics when selecting window treatments for sliding doors. Do you want to block natural light from shining on your furniture or artwork? Or do you prefer that the sunlight only enters when the sun is at a low level in the sky. You can also design a unique appearance by selecting the appropriate window treatment. For example, if your sliding patio door is a single pane of glass, you can add mullions to separate it into multiple smaller glass panes for an elegant appearance. Window treatments are available in soft and hard materials. They can range from shades that are cellular, roller shade or woven wood shades and drapes, to curtains, drapes and valances. They can be used alone or layered with other window coverings, such as a swag. Vertical blinds are one of the most popular window treatments for patio door. They have large fabric panels, called vanes, which tilt open and close, allowing you to control the amount of light that comes into your home. They can be operated using an wand, chain or cord that can be pulled or pushed or push, or motorized. Window films can be used to cut down on glare and save energy on a sliding patio. These are a great way to enhance your sliding door, or as an alternative window treatment such as cell shading. For a more traditional appearance, you might prefer a swag or valance over your sliding door. They are available in a range of fabrics and colors, as well as traditional tabs, pinch pleats and grommet designs. They can also be purchased with a blackout lining to provide additional privacy and control of light. Remember that patio doors should be able to open and close. It is recommended to hang window treatments high enough to allow them to perform this purpose. This will also keep them out of the reach of pets and children. If your window treatments aren't in the form a window valance, or do not have a rod pocket, you can use a traverse bar to allow them to slide horizontally across the sliding door. Hang them around an inch above the patio doors so that they don't brush heads. Rollers If your patio door starts to squeak, it's likely to be due to worn rollers. These rollers, which are located at the bottom of the door, allowing it to slide on a track, can become stuck or rust with time. This could make it difficult to open and shut the doors, and can cause loud noises when they are in motion. There are several ways to repair your sliding door to allow it to slide and then close. It is recommended to start by lubricating the tracks. This will make the door move more smoothly and should be done twice a year. A high-quality lubricant is bought at your local hardware store. If you have vinyl tracks, use a silicone spray. If you have wooden tracks, try a wax-based lubricant. If the lubricant doesn't work, you might need to replace the rollers. You can also adjust the rollers. This is a job for two people as you'll have to lift the doors and locate the screws in plastic on the bottom of the track. The screws have a tiny plug which needs to be removed with the screwdriver. The screws can be rotated to raise or lower the rollers and allow the door to contact less of the track. Another possibility is that the doors are not being properly positioned in the track. This could cause gaps between the door and frame which could result in cold air entering on a cold day, or hot air getting out on a hot day. If this is the case you'll need to remove the frame and door to find out what caused it to open. If the gap was caused by the track you can repair it by removing the upper portion of the track. Then, you can screw it back to its original position. The gap can also be filled by installing the track in a new way and giving the door something to rest against when it is in use. Tracks It may be time to grease your tracks if the doors aren't closing and opening smoothly. A simple task that can be a huge help in improving the operation of your patio door. Take the door off the frame and set it on a level, flat surface so that it is not in your way when you work. If the door is heavy, it may be required to have a second person assist you in lifting and holding it while you work. Use a brush with hot soapy water to thoroughly clean the track of your sliding door. Vacuum the blinds that are between the glass of your sliding doors. For Next Dimension vinyl patio doors dirt and dust may build up around the tilt and raise/lower controls which can cause problems for the operation. If your door is equipped with these, be sure to wash the surfaces regularly with a vinegar-water solution or a window cleaner. Signature and Pro patio door include an antilift block in their head pockets. They require an opening of 3-6 inches to remove this feature and lower the sill track. Slide the sash or panel into the open position and then lift it up to tilt it inward. This will clear the sill pocket so that the track can lower from the head jamb. Repeat the procedure for both sides of the panel or sash. Glass If your glass for the patio door is damaged, it could cause a lot of problems. It can prevent sunlight from entering the home and make the space inaccessible. It can be dangerous to have cracked glass as it can break and cause serious injuries if a person is hit in the head with fragments. It's relatively easy to fix damaged frames and doors. The first step is to clean the glass and remove any dust or dirt that's accumulated over time. After cleaning the glass, you can apply a clear coating to protect it from the elements. You can also apply a decorative film to the door to enhance its privacy and aesthetic. If your sliding glass door isn't gliding smoothly, it may be due to an unaligned roller. It is typical to find adjustment screws at the bottom of the door, and they are often covered by trim caps. If you are unable to locate the screws, try raising or lowering your door until it appears at a level with the track. Be sure to have all the tools you need before you begin repairing a sliding door. You'll need a screwdriver, an abrasive and some plastic putty or caulk. You'll also need to move furniture away from the door so that you can work on it easily. It's also a good idea to place foam sheets or blankets under the door to protect it from scratches as you take it out and then set it down. Our engineers will determine the manufacturer's name when they arrive at the job site. This can be done by removing the covers from the rollers (bogies) which are located on the bottom of the door. You can also look for an indication on the side panel or handle. If you are unable to locate the label, your best option is to contact the manufacturer directly.