Tilt and Slide Patio Door Repairs
A well-functioning tilt and slide patio door offers light, fresh air and a smooth transition between indoors and out. Modern aluminum doors provide strength and durability and thermal stability, as well as a variety of glass options that can be adapted to the various aesthetics.
Dirty tracks and rollers are the main causes of problems with sliding doors. Cleaning and lubricating regularly the moving parts will keep your sliding door in good condition.
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 they sit on a raised track that allows them to move when they open and close. Over time, dirt accumulation in the tracks could cause them to get blocked. This could cause the rollers to become damaged. Maintaining your patio door clean and well-lubricated can prevent these issues.
It is possible to repair your track and rollers except if the track is seriously bent. Recruit a friend and then tilt the panel towards you to lift it off of the track at the bottom (Photo 3). It could take some effort to lift the panel as they can be heavy. Once the panel has been removed, lay the panel flat on sawhorses to inspect the rollers. If they're damaged replace them with a new assembly. You can also adjust the height of the rollers by turning adjustment screwswhich are usually found in slots near the edge of the door panel.
If the rollers are in good working order, they may simply require cleaning or lubricated. Use a screwdriver for removal of the rollers, then wipe each one with denatured alcohol. This will get rid of any grime or dirt that could be causing resistance. After carefully putting each roller in its slot, fully retract it by using the adjustment screw. Finally, lubricate the rollers using a silicone spray. This type of lubricant doesn't collect dirt like petroleum-based products and will help your door move effortlessly.
After cleaning the rollers and reinstalling them you can reinstall the door and test it to ensure the track is in alignment with the rollers, and that the doors are sliding smoothly. If you encounter any other issues, you can contact a local door dealer for assistance. Cleaning look these up and keeping them well-lubricated will help them last longer and lessen the need for repairs. We recommend a lubricant made of silicone because it doesn't attract dirt like WD-40. It is recommended to grease your rollers and tracks at least once per month.
Insect Screen Replacement
Patio doors that slide open are a great way to maximize floor space, provide airflow and allow in beautiful panoramic views. However, they can be troublesome if the mechanism stops functioning or isn't working correctly. Luckily, most problems with sliding screen doors can be easily fixed. Dirty rollers due to debris in the track or a wrinkled screen are the most common causes but you can solve them by following these simple steps.
If your screen is sliding or wrinkled, you must first lay the frame down on an even surface. Then place a 1x4 board under each end to create some slight bows in the middle. This will allow you to draw the screen closer and straighten it.
Choose a screen that's at least two inches bigger in both directions than the opening of the frame. This way, you'll have the space to trim any excess. Finally, be sure to press the one end of the rubber spline into your channel using an spline-rolling tool. Once you have done this, it's time to add the rest of your spline.
Adjusting the Panel
In contrast to traditional sliding doors that open by turning the handle, tilt and slide patio door mechanisms allow you to leave the doors wide open for ventilation and keep your children and pets away from your home. Despite the convenience of this system, they tend to take more force than anticipated and over time, this leads to increased friction, crooked tracks or misalignments that can cause the door to fail. The early detection of problems and minor adjustments can usually solve these problems, reducing the cost of replacing hardware.
The first step in adjusting a tilt and slide patio door is to remove the door and set it on a flat surface. After the panels have been removed and set on a flat surface, you can use a screwdriver to remove the plastic holes caps from each adjustment roller. Once they are removed, the adjuster will be removed from its channel using a long shaft screwdriver. After removing the adjuster, clean it with denatured or rubbing alcohol. This will eliminate any grime that may be hindering the roller to easily retract into its channel when the process is complete.
When reinstalling an movable panel align it with the frame and use the drill to drive the screws through the flange. The flange needs to be securely secured to the edge of the door while ensuring the flaps are aligned correctly. After the movable panel has been put in place, apply a small amount 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 process for each of the other two movable panels in order to restore their slide capabilities. Reinstall the plastic flanges. Utilizing a plastic adhesive attach the jamb-side strip to its fixed panel. Once the glue is dry then reattach the handle and verify smooth operation. If there are any issues, adjust the lead Bogie wheel again by taking it out of its channel, cleaning it and installing it again with a small amount of silicone-based grease.
Charley Bar Installation
A patio door is a convenient means to let your pets into and out of the home, but it could also be a convenient point of entry for burglars. You can take steps to improve the security of your patio door by adding a pin lock or a Charley bar. These devices provide a mix of security and convenience that is unparalleled by any other product on the market.
The Charley bar is a great alternative for your sliding glass door and can be easily installed at home. The charley bar installs in the center of your door and stops the patio door from being jibbered open with tools or other objects, like a hockey stick or broom handle. The charley bar is composed of injection-molded polycarbonate and extruded RPVC telescoping tubes making it tough and durable.
To install the charley bars, first ensure that it's the right length for your door by measuring horizontally from the edge of the sliding door track to the sliding glass patio door. Then, you can mark the points where the charley bar is going to be installed using pencil. Use an eighth-inch drill bit to drill holes into the wall jamb and frame of the patio door be careful not to penetrate the patio door glass. Then, tighten the screws that came with the charley bars.
The Charley bar is an excellent choice for your sliding glass patio doors as well as windows made of sash. This simple security gadget will keep your patio sliding doors safe from burglars and tampering for years to come. It is constructed of injection-molded polycarbonate that has been tested to withstand over 400 pounds of pressure by Intertek. Additionally the charley bar is able to be locked using the key that comes with it. It's simple to put up and is kept away from danger when it's not being used. Most hardware stores sell a charley bar. However, if you wish to buy one that is guaranteed to perform, consider purchasing a charley bars from an online retailer.