Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are an excellent option to connect your indoors and outdoor. However, they might require periodic maintenance to address common issues. Incorrect alignment, damaged seals as well as faulty locks and handles glass that is foggy or cracked and drafts are just a few examples.
Foggy glass can be an indication that the seal is compromised and can lead to leaks of moisture and air. This can decrease energy efficiency and increase utility bills.
Misalignment
As time passes all sliding patio doors are susceptible to wear and tear. They lose their original fit and become difficult to open or close. All of these problems are easily resolved by adjusting the door back to its original size.
If the rollers aren't aligned correctly they can cause sliding patio doors to sag. This can cause damage to the track system and glass panels. This can be caused by excessive use of the door, insufficient maintenance and cleaning or simply due to age. You can prevent this by regular inspection of your patio door and taking action if it appears to be out of place.
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 out of alignment. This could be due to many different reasons, but the most common is that the rollers of your door have lost their traction and aren't moving along the track as smoothly. Fortunately, this issue can be remedied by loosening the screw for adjusting, typically located at the bottom corners of the door, and then turning it clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the height.
It is also possible that your patio door is not in alignment due to an unbalanced frame, which could be tricky to diagnose and require professional intervention. In this instance, you may need to add a wood shim to the door jamb, where it meets the operating panel.
It's also common for double French patio door to shift in position over time. This could make it difficult to lock them, and also let drafts into your home. This is usually caused by the weight of doors, which makes them settle differently on each side of the opening. It is essential to check and tighten your French doors when you spot any loose fasteners in order to avoid any further damage.
Weatherstripping damaged
The gaps created by a damaged or worn-out weatherstripping can let drafts through your patio door. This could affect your home's energy efficiency as well as comfort. You can replace or repair the weatherstripping on your doors to improve insulation and reduce drafts.
Rollers that are not aligned
Your patio door can be impeded by damaged or loose rollers. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help restore smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
If there is an accumulation of dust or dirt on the tracks, it may cause your patio door to feel as if it is bouncing or sticking when you open or close it. Cleaning and lubricating the tracks and rollers can resolve this problem.
Broken Glass
French patio doors are made of large glass panels that let in plenty of natural light and stunning views. However should the glass develop chips or cracks it could compromise the strength of the door and should be repaired as soon as possible.
Handles are faulty Handles
Wear or loose handles can affect the operation of your patio doors. By tightening the handles or replacing them could increase the functionality and give a firm grip to the handlebar.
Weatherstripping damaged or missing
Weatherstripping that is worn or missing creates gaps that allow drafts into your home. Weatherstripping that has been damaged or replaced can improve energy efficiency and reduce sound.
You can inspect the weatherstripping for indications of damage, such as visible wear, missing chunks, or a swelling appearance. If the weatherstripping has worn out it is possible to buy and install new strips following the manufacturer's instructions for your particular type of door.
You can also apply a high-quality caulk to fill in gaps or cracks between your frames and doors. This is a straightforward solution that can be done quickly and is less expensive than replacing existing weatherstripping. Check your door's weatherstripping frequently and address any issues promptly to prevent costly repairs in the future. Along with improving energy efficiency, properly maintaining your windows and doors will help prevent pests, moisture, and rot and maintain the beauty of your home. A professional can assess the condition of your door and recommend the best method for maintenance or replacement.
Foggy or Broken Glass
If you notice a crack or chip on your patio door glass, it's time to replace it. Doors that are foggy or broken are a nuisance and can also can be a security risk due to allowing intruders into the home. This is why it's important to fix your patio door when you notice any damage.
Examining the appearance and condition of the door frame is the best method to determine if the glass needs to be replaced. Our professionals are able to repair chips and cracks without having to replace the entire glass. Then you can apply caulk or flex-seal tape to fill cracks and close any gaps.
When your patio doors 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 losing their inert gas that keeps them warm in cold weather has gone out. The loss of inert gas could cause windows to be less efficient in energy use than they were previously and is one of the main reasons why people choose to replace their patio doors rather than repairing them.
It's possible that your windows are producing too much moisture in the first place. Installing a dehumidifier in the area where your patio doors are located can help keep humidity levels low. This will make your home more comfortable, and you won't have to replace your patio doors as frequently.
When you are removing glass that has shattered, always wear safety equipment like gloves and shoes to avoid nasty cuts from small fragments. It is also important to remove your kids and pets from the area until it's cleaned up to prevent any injuries.
After you have removed all the broken glass, scrub the area and get ready for the installation of the new patio door. It is recommended to seal the joints first using flex-seal or caulk. This will stop any further water from leaking into the joints. Then, you can add an air-tight desiccant to the sliding door to absorb any condensation that may occur in the future.
Drafts
Sliding patio doors are considered to be one of the largest glass pieces in the home. They are therefore subject to a lot of use and are often the source of drafts and air leakage. Drafts are caused by a number of different factors such as a lack of proper maintenance or repair, aging or wear and tear and misalignment. A professional can help identify and fix the issue, restoring comfort and boosting efficiency of the home's energy usage.
Over time the seal around your patio door will expand and contract according to changing weather conditions. This can lead to air leaks or drafts which can cause discomfort for your family and you, and also create excessive energy consumption. The best way to avoid drafts and air leakage is to clean regularly your doors, lubricating moving parts, and replacing worn-out parts. If you spot leaks, conduct the "Draft Test" to determine if the problem is caused by an un-sealed door. Stand with an open flame or match near your patio door. If the flame moves when the draft is evident your patio doors might not be adequately sealing. Replace them as soon as you can.
A worn-out or damaged weather stripping is another common reason for drafts. patio door repair near me is easily repaired by removing the old stripping and installing new, higher quality weather stripping that will provide more of a seal, which will reduce drafts and improve your energy efficiency.
In the event that the locking mechanism is damaged, it's important to consult a professional to make repairs. A damaged lock could pose security risk, as well as increase your energy costs due to the loss of heat through the doorway. Replacing the lock is a simple repair that can be completed quickly by an experienced technician. This will not only increase your security and safety, but also boost the value of your home and increase curb appeal. It is important to evaluate your own capabilities and availability against the cost of hiring a professional before trying to repair your patio door yourself.