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Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are an excellent way to connect your outdoor and indoor spaces. They might require repair on occasion for common problems. Incorrect alignment, damaged seals or handles, defective locks and seals broken or foggy glass and drafts are just a few examples.
Foggy glass could be a sign that the seal has been compromised and can lead to leaks of moisture and air. This could affect energy efficiency and raise the cost of your utility bills.
Misalignment
All sliding patio doors become worn out with time. They lose their original form and are difficult to open or close. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be easily fixed by adjusting your door and restoring it to its original fit.
If the rollers aren't aligned correctly they can cause sliding patio doors to become stuck. This can damage the track system and glass panels. This could be caused by excessive use of the door, insufficient maintenance and cleaning or simply due to age. To stop this from happening, regularly inspect your patio door for signs that it is out of alignment, and take action promptly when you notice it.
If the operating panel is difficult to shut or open, especially when trying to lock your patio door, this is a sign that it is out of alignment. The most common reason is that the rollers on your patio door have lost grip, and aren't sliding smoothly across the track. Fortunately, this can be fixed by loosening the adjusting screw, usually located at the bottom corners of the door, and then turning it clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the height.
It is possible that your patio door is not in alignment due to shifting in the frame, which is tricky to diagnose and require professional intervention. In this case it could be necessary to install an shim of wood where the door jamb meets the operating panel.
In addition, it's normal for double French patio doors to become uneven in time, which could make them harder to secure and allow drafts 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 important to check and tighten your French doors when you notice any loose fasteners in order to avoid further damage.
Weatherstripping that is damaged
A worn or damaged weatherstripping seal could create gaps around your patio door, allowing drafts to enter. This can affect your home's energy efficiency as well as comfort. You can fix or replace the weatherstripping in order to eliminate drafts and improve the insulation around your doors.
Misaligned Rollers
Rollers that are damaged or loose can affect the movement of your patio door. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in restoring smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
A layer of dirt or dust on the tracks can cause bumping or sticking when you open or close your patio door. 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. If the glass begins to chip or cracks, it can weaken the strength and integrity of the door. It should be repaired as soon as possible.
Poorly designed Handles
The performance of your patio door can be affected by worn or loose handles. The tightening of loose handles or replacing them can improve functionality and provide a firm grip to the handlebar.
Missing or Damaged Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is worn or damaged can cause gaps in your home, allowing drafts to enter. Weatherstripping that has been damaged or replaced can improve energy efficiency and reduce sound.
Find visible damages, such as missing pieces or a swollen appearance. If the weatherstripping is worn-out you can buy and install new strips following the manufacturer's instructions for the specific model of door.
You can also use caulk of high-quality around your door frames and cracks. This is a simple solution that can be completed quickly and cost less than replacing your existing weatherstripping. Make sure to regularly check the seal of your door and repair any issues to avoid future costly repairs. In addition to improving efficiency, maintaining your windows and doors can help stop pests, moisture and rot, as well as maintain the aesthetics of your home. A professional can assess the condition of your door and suggest the best method for maintenance or replacement.
Glass that is hazy or broken
If you spot a crack or chip on the glass of your patio door 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 crucial to fix your patio door when you discover any damage.
The best method to determine if your glass needs to be replaced is to examine the appearance and condition of your door's frame. Our professionals can often repair chips and cracks without the need to replace the entire glass. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can then apply caulk, flex-seal or other sealants to fill cracks and seal any gaps.
If your patio doors start to fog up, they're probably constructed from double or triple-paned windows that are insulated. This is a sign the window panes are suffering from a leak and that the inert gases that keep them warm in cold weather are no more present. 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 decide to replace their patio doors instead of fixing them.
It's possible that your windows are creating too much moisture in the first place. Dehumidifiers are able to help keep humidity levels down in the room that houses your patio doors. This will make your home more comfortable, and you won't have to replace patio doors as often.
When you are removing glass that has shattered, always wear safety equipment like gloves and footwear to avoid cuts that could be painful from tiny shards. Also, you should take your pets and children from the area until it's completely cleaned up to avoid injuries.
After you've removed the broken glass, it's time to clean the area of work and get ready to reinstall the new patio door. Before doing this however, it is important to take the time to reseal the joints with caulk or flex-seal. This will stop any future water from leaking into the joints. Then, you can add a desiccant to the inside of your sliding door glass to take away any condensation that may develop in the near future.
Drafts
The sliding patio door is among the largest glass pieces in the house. This means they get lots of use, and are often the source of drafts as well as air leakage. Drafts can be caused by a variety things, such as a lack or proper maintenance or wear and tear as well as the age. A professional can help identify and correct the issue, restoring comfort and boosting energy efficiency in your home.
As the weather changes the seal on your patio door will expand and shrink. This can lead to drafts or leaks of air, which can be uncomfortable for you and your loved ones, as well as use up energy. Regularly cleaning your doors, lubricating moving components and replacing worn out parts is the best way to prevent drafts and air leaking. If you notice leaks, conduct the "Draft Test", which will determine if the problem is due to the door's seal being inadequately sealed. Stand with an open flame or match near your patio door. If the flame moves as the draft happens your patio doors might not be sealing properly. Replace them immediately.
A damaged or worn out weather stripping is another common reason for drafts. This can be easily repaired by removing old weather stripping and replacing it with new, better quality weather strips that provide a tighter seal to reduce drafts.
In the event that the locking mechanism is damaged, it's vital to consult a professional to make repairs. A broken lock could present security risks, as well as increase your energy bills due to heat loss through the patio door. A skilled technician can quickly replace the lock that is a simple fix. This will not only increase your security and safety but also boost the value of your home and boost curb appeal. Before attempting to repair your patio door yourself it is essential to consider your own abilities and time availability in comparison with the cost of professional service.