The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Patio Door Repairs

Tilt and Slide Patio Door Repairs

A functional tilt and slide patio door provides fresh air, light and a smooth transition between indoors and out. Modern aluminium doors offer strength and durability, thermal integrity and a range of glass options to suit 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 in good working order.

Track and Roller Replacement

The track and the rollers are vital for sliding doors to function. They are housed within the bottom of the aluminum door panel and sit on a raised track that helps them slide open and close. Over time, dirt and dust in the tracks could cause them to get blocked. This can lead to the rollers becoming damaged. Keep your patio door clean and lubricated to prevent these problems.

Unless the track is badly bent, it's possible to repair the track and rollers, without taking the door off. You can ask a friend to assist you in lifting the panel off the bottom track by bending it towards you (Photo 3). It may take some effort as the panels can be heavy. Once the panel is removed and laid flat on sawhorses and inspect the rollers. Replace them if damaged with a new roller set. You can adjust the height of rollers by turning the adjustment screws, which are typically found in slots on the edges of the panel.

If the rollers are in good shape, they may only need to be cleaned and lubricated. Use a screwdriver to remove the rollers and wipe down each one with denatured alcohol. This will remove any caked-on dirt or grime that might be causing resistance. After carefully placing each roller into its slot, fully retract it by using the adjustment screw. Then, last but not least spray the rollers using silicone spray. This type of lubricant won't retain dirt like petroleum-based products, and will help your door move effortlessly.

After cleaning and reinstalling the rollers, you can test and reinstall the door to make sure the track is aligned correctly with the rollers. Also, make sure that the doors move smoothly. If you have any additional issues, you can contact an expert in your area for assistance. Keep your doors clean and well lubricated to prolong their lifespan and decrease the need for repairs. We recommend a silicone lubricant because it doesn't attract dirt like WD-40. It is recommended that you lubricate your tracks and rollers at least once per month.

Insect Screen Replacement

Sliding patio doors are fantastic to maximize floor space, providing airflow and allowing in beautiful views. However, they can be a problem in the event that the mechanism isn't functioning properly or has stopped moving altogether. Luckily, most problems with sliding screen doors are easily resolved. Dirty rollers due to debris in the track or a wrinkly screen are common culprits however, you can repair them by following these easy steps.

If your screen is looking sagging, or wrinkled, you can put a 1x4 on each of the frames to create an incline in the middle. This will allow the screen to be pulled tight and straighten it.

Be sure to buy an alternative screen that is just a few inches larger than the frame openings in both directions. This way, you'll have room to trim off any excess. Then make use of a spline roller tool to push the rubber spline's edge into the channel. After you've done this, it is time to add the rest of your spline.

Adjusting the Panel

Unlike traditional sliding doors that open by turning the handle tilt and slide patio door mechanisms permit you to keep the doors open to let in air while keeping the kids or pets out of your living space. Despite the ease of the system, the doors tend to take more force than anticipated and, over time, this causes increased friction, crooked tracks or misalignments which could cause the door to fail. A quick detection and minor adjustments can usually solve these issues, and reduce the cost of replacement hardware.

The first step for adjust a tilt-and slide patio door is to remove the panel. Set it on an even surface. After removing the panels employ a screwdriver to take the plastic caps from the holes of each adjuster. After these are removed, the adjuster can be removed from its channel by using the long shaft screwdriver. After removing  patio door repair  clean it with denatured or ruby alcohol. This will clear away any grime that may be causing resistance and allow the roller to slide easily into its channel once the process is complete.

When you are reinstalling a moveable panel, align it with the frame and then use the drill to drive the screws along the flange. The flange should be secured tightly to the door edge while making sure that the flaps are oriented correctly. Once the movable panel is in position, apply a blob of silicone-based lubricant to the top track arm connector block and the lead Bogie wheel, and the slave Bogie wheel, and then replace the plastic cap on the hole.

Repeat the procedure for the remaining two movable panels to restore their slide capabilities. Install the plastic flanges. Using a plastic adhesive, glue the jamb-side strip onto its fixed panel. Once the glue is dry reconnect the handle and test for smooth operation. If the issue persists, adjust the lead Bogie by getting rid of it, cleaning it and replacing it with a silicone-based oil.

Charley Bar Installation

A patio door can be a practical option to let your pet into and out of the home, but it could also be a point of entry for burglars. You can take steps to enhance the security of your patio door by putting in a pin lock or a charley bar. These devices provide a combination of security, convenience, and ease that is unmatched in the market.

The bar charley is a fantastic option for your sliding glass door and can be installed easily at home. The charley bars are installed in the middle of the door to prevent the door from being jibbered with objects or tools like a hockey stick or broom handle. The charley bars are constructed of polycarbonate injection-molded tubes and extruded RPVC tubing, which makes them durable and strong.

The installation of the charley bars requires you to first take a measurement of the length of the bar from the edge of the track of the sliding door all the way to the sliding patio door. Mark the points using pencils where the bar will be placed. Make use of an eighth-inch tool to drill holes in the wall jambs and patio door frames, but be careful not to damage the glass of the patio doors. Then, tighten the screws that came with the charcoal bars.

The charley bars are a great choice for sliding glass patio doors or sash windows. This simple security device will keep your sliding patio door secure and burglar-proof for years to come. It is made of injection-molded polycarbonate, and has been tested to withstand over 400 pounds of pressure by Intertek. Additionally the charley bar can be locked using the key that comes with it. It's easy to install and is kept out of harm's way when not being used. Most hardware stores carry a charley bar. If you want a charley-bar that works, purchase it from an online retailer.