Ten Common Misconceptions About Patio Door Repair That Aren't Always True

Tilt and Slide Patio Door Repairs Near Me

Whether you enjoy hosting friends or spending time outdoors patio doors are a great way to transition from indoors to outdoor. If your patio door isn't moving smoothly, it may be necessary to alter it.

Locate the adjusting screws in the bottom rail, then remove the plastic plugs to raise or lower the door. Make sure the door appears smooth and even (Photo 1).

Window Treatments

Be aware of privacy, light control and aesthetics when choosing window treatments for sliding doors. Do you wish to stop natural light from shining on your furniture or artwork? Or would you prefer that sunlight only enters when the sun is low enough in the sky.

The kind of window treatment you pick can also give you an individual appearance. For instance, if the sliding patio door is just one pane of glass, you could add mullions to separate it into multiple smaller glass panes for an attractive appearance. Window treatments are available in soft and hard materials. They range from cellular shades, roller shade and woven wood shades and drapes to curtains, drapes, and valances. They can be combined with other window treatments, like a swag, or used as a stand-alone item.

One of the most sought-after kinds of window treatments for patio doors is vertical blinds with wide fabric panels known as vanes that can be opened and closed by tilting and allow you to control the amount of light that enters your home. They can be operated with the use of a wand, or a chain and cord.

Another option for sliding patio doors is window films that offer energy savings and glare control. These can be incorporated into your sliding door or used as an alternative to window treatments, such as an cellular shade.

You can choose a valance or swag to cover your sliding door to give it an older-fashioned look. They come in a range of fabrics and colors, as well as traditional tabs, pinch pleats and grommet styles. You can also purchase them with a blackout lining for more privacy and light control.

Keep in mind that patio doors must be able to open and close. It is recommended to hang window treatments high enough so that they can perform this function. This will make them safe for children and pets.

If your window treatments aren't in the form of a valance or have no rod pocket, you can install a traverse bar that allows them to slide horizontally across your sliding doors. Hang them about an inch above your patio doors so they don't touch heads.

Rollers

If your patio door starts to sound squeaky, it's most likely to be due to worn rollers. These rollers, which are located at the bottom of the door to allow it to slide on tracks, may get stuck or rust over time. This can make it difficult for you to open and shut the doors and cause loud noises when in motion. There are a few ways to repair your sliding door to allow it to slide and close again.

The first thing you should do is to apply lubrication to the tracks. This will help the door move more smoothly and it is recommended to do it at least twice per year. A high-quality lubricant is purchased at your local hardware store. Make use of an oil made of silicone if have vinyl tracks and a wax-based lubricant if you have wooden ones. If  patio door repair  fails to work, you may have to replace the rollers.

You could also try to adjust the rollers. This is a two-person task as you will need to lift the door and then locate the plastic adjustment screws on the bottom of the track. They have a small screw that must be removed using the help of a screwdriver. Then, turn the screws to raise or lower the rollers and allow the door to come in contact with a lesser amount of the track.

Another possibility is that the doors aren't aligned properly in the track. This can cause a gap between the frame and door which could result in cold air entering on a cold day, or hot air finding its way out on a hot one. If this is the case you'll need to remove the frame and door to find out what caused it to split.

If the gap is caused by the track, you can fix this by removing the top portion of the track and then fixing it. Installing new tracks could also repair the gap, and give the door something to rest on while it is in use.

Tracks

It may be time to grease your tracks if your doors are not opening or closing smoothly. It's a simple task that will improve the operation of your patio doors.

Remove the door and place it on a flat surface of the way as you work. It may be necessary to ask someone else to assist you in lifting the heavy door and hold it while you work. Use a brush soaked in hot soapy water to thoroughly vacuum the track of your sliding door. If your doors have blinds between the glass, make sure to clean them as well.

For Next Dimension vinyl patio doors dirt and dust can build up near the tilt and raise/lower controls and can affect the operation. If your door has these, ensure that you regularly clean the surface with a vinegar and water solution or a common window cleaner.

Signature and Pro patio doors have an anti-lift block that is located in the head pocket, so they require an opening of 3- 6" opening to eliminate this feature and allow the sill track to slide down. Slide the sash or panel to the open position and then lift up to tilt it inward to clear the sill pocket and allow the track to slide down from the head jamb. Repeat the procedure on both sides of the sash/panel.

Glass

It can be a problem when the glass on your patio door is cracked. It may block sunlight from coming into the home, and can make the area inaccessible until the glass is replaced. It can be risky when glass is damaged as it can break and cause serious injuries if someone is hit on the head with shards.

It's a good thing that it's relatively easy to fix broken doors and frames. The first step is to clean the glass and eliminate any dirt or dust that's accumulated over time. After cleaning the glass, you can apply a clear coat to protect it from the elements. You can also add an attractive film to the door to enhance its privacy and style.

If your sliding glass door isn't moving smoothly, it may be due to an improperly aligned roller. Typically, the adjustment screws are located at the bottom of your door. They might be covered by trim caps. If you are unable to locate the screws, try raising or lowering your door until it appears to be at a level with the track.

Before you attempt to fix a sliding glass door, ensure you have the tools needed. You'll also need a screwdriver and a wrench and caulk or plastic putty. It is also necessary to remove any furniture from the door so that you can work on it easily. You can also place blankets or foam sheets under the door to shield it from scratches when you remove and replace it.

Our engineers will determine the manufacturer's name as soon as they arrive on the job site. This is usually done by removing the cover from the actual rollers (bogies) that sit on the bottom of the door. You can also look for a label inside the side panel or on the handle. If you are unable to locate the label, your best bet is to contact the manufacturer directly.