Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Patio Door Repairs
Tilt and Slide Patio Door Repairs
A well-functioning tilt and slide patio door provides fresh air, light and easy movement between indoors and outdoors. Modern aluminium doors provide strength and durability, thermal integrity and a range of glass options that offer various aesthetics.
One of the most common problems for sliding doors is dirty tracks and rollers. Cleaning and lubricating regularly the moving parts can keep your sliding door in good order.
Track and Roller Replacement
Track and rollers are the principal elements of sliding doors. They are situated at the bottom of an aluminum door panel and are seated on a raised track that helps them open and close. Over time, dirt in the tracks could cause them to get blocked. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can result in the rollers becoming damaged. Keeping your patio door clean and well-lubricated will help avoid these issues.
It is possible to repair your rollers and track, in the event that the track is badly bent. You can ask a relative to assist you in lifting the panel off the bottom track by tilting it towards you (Photo 3). It could require some effort to lift the panel as they are quite heavy. After the panel has been removed, lay it flat on sawhorses to inspect the rollers. If they're damaged, replace them with a new roller assembly. You can also adjust the height of the rollers by turning the adjustment screwsusually located in slots on the edge of the door panel.
If the rollers are good they might just require to be cleaned and lubricated. Remove the rollers using the help of a screwdriver, and then clean them using denatured alcohol. This will eliminate any caked-on dirt or grime that could be causing resistance. After that, carefully place each roller back into its slot, and then fully retract it by using the adjustment screw. And lastly spray the rollers using silicone spray. This type of lubricant won't retain dirt as petroleum-based products do and will help your door glide smoothly.
After cleaning and reinstalling rollers, you can test and reinstall the door to ensure that the track is aligned correctly with the rollers. Also, ensure that the doors move smoothly. Contact an authorized dealer in your area if you require assistance. Keep your doors clean and well lubricated to extend their life and decrease the need for repairs. We recommend a lubricant made of silicone because it doesn't draw dirt the way WD-40 does. It is recommended to grease your tracks and rollers at least once a month.
Insect Screen Replacement
Sliding patio doors are great for maximizing the floor area, allowing for airflow and allowing beautiful panoramic views. They can however become problematic if the mechanism is not working properly or has stopped moving completely. Most sliding screen door problems can be fixed easily. Dirty rollers due to debris in the track, or a wrinkled window are some of the most common issues. However, you can fix them with these easy steps.
If your screen is sagging or wrinkled, you must first lay the frame on a flat work surface and slide a 1x4 block underneath each end, forming a slight bow in the middle. This will allow the screen to be pulled tightly and straighten it.
Purchase a screen that is at least 2 inches larger in both directions than the opening of the frame. You'll be able to trim any excess. Finally, use a spline roller tool to press the rubber spline's edge into the channel. Once you've done this, it's time to roll the remainder of the spline in.
Adjusting the Panel
In contrast to traditional sliding doors that open by turning the handle, tilt and slide patio door mechanisms permit you to leave the doors open to let air circulate while keeping your children and pets out of your living space. The doors require more force to open than you expect. In time it can lead to increased friction and crooked tracks or misalignments, which can cause the door to not function as it should. Early detection and minor adjustments are often able to solve these issues, thereby reducing the cost of replacement hardware.
The first step to adjust a tilt-and-slide patio door is to remove the panels. Set it on an even surface. After the panels have been removed using a screwdriver, remove the plastic holes caps from each of the adjuster rollers. After these are removed, the adjuster will be removed from its channel using the long shaft screwdriver. After removing the roller, clean it using denatured or rubbing alcohol. This will eliminate any dirt that could be causing resistance and allow the roller to easily retract into its channel once the process is completed.
When reinstalling a movable panel align it with the frame and use the drill to drive the screws through the flange. The flange needs to be secured tightly to the door's edge and ensure that the flaps are aligned correctly. When the movable panel is in position, apply a blob of silicone-based lubricant on the top track arm connector block as well as the lead Bogie wheel, and the slave Bogie wheel and replace the plastic caps on holes.
Repeat the procedure for the other two movable panels to restore their slide functionality. Install the flanges made of plastic. With a plastic adhesive, glue the jamb-side strip to its fixed panel. Once the glue is dry reconnect the handle and test for smooth operation. If there are any issues, adjust the lead Bogie wheel again by removing it from its channel, cleaning and reinstalling it with a bead of silicone-based grease.
Charley Bar Installation
A patio door is a great way to let your pets into and out of the home, but it could also be an easy point of entry for burglars. You can take steps to increase the security of your patio door by installing a pin lock or a charley bar. These devices offer a combination of convenience and security that is unrivaled by any other product on the market.
The bar charley is a fantastic alternative for your sliding glass door, and is easy to install at home. The charley bar is installed in the middle of your door and prevents the patio door from being jimmied open with tools or other objects such as a hockey stick or broom handle. The charley bars are made from injection-molded polycarbonate tubes and extruded RPVC tubing, which makes them strong and durable.
The installation of the charley bars requires you to first determine the length of the bar from the track for sliding doors up to the sliding patio door. Mark the points using an eraser where the bars will be erected. Make use of an eighth-inch tool to drill holes into the wall jambs and patio door frames, but be careful not to scratch the glass of the patio doors. Then, you can place the screws included with the charley bar, and secure them.
The Charley bars are an excellent option for sliding glass patio doors or windows made of sash. This simple security gadget will keep your sliding patio doors safe from burglars and tampering for a long time to come. It is made from injection-molded polycarbonate, and it has been tested by Intertek to withstand over 400 pounds of pressure. In addition, the charley bar can be locked by using the key included with it. It is easy-to-install and is kept out of harm's way when it's not in use. Most hardware stores sell a charley bar. If you want a charley-bar that will work, buy it from an online retailer.