Tilt and Slide Patio Door Repairs
A functional tilt and slide patio door brings fresh air, light and a smooth transition between indoors and outdoors. Modern aluminium doors offer durability and strength and thermal integrity, and various glass options to fit an array of styles.
Dirty tracks and rollers are the most common causes of problems with sliding doors. Cleaning and regular lubrication of these moving parts will ensure that your door is operating well.
Track and Roller Replacement
The track and rollers are crucial for sliding doors to function. They are situated at the bottom of a door made of aluminum and are seated on a raised track which guides them when they open and close. Over time, dirt and dust in the tracks could cause them to become clogged. This could result in the rollers becoming damaged. Cleaning your patio door and well-lubricated can help prevent these issues.
Unless your track is severely bent, it's usually possible to repair the track and rollers without removal of the door. Recruit a friend and tilt the panel toward you to lift it off the bottom track (Photo 3). This may require some effort because the panels are heavy. After removing the panel and laid flat on the sawhorses and examine the rollers. If they're damaged replace them with a new roller assembly. You can also alter the height of the rollers by turning the adjustment screwsusually located in slots along the edges of the door panel.
If the rollers are in good working order they might require to be cleaned or lubricated. Use a screwdriver to remove the rollers, then wipe each one with denatured alcohol. This will eliminate any caked-on dirt or grime that could be creating resistance. After carefully putting each roller into its slot, fully retract it by using the adjustment screw. Lastly, lubricate the rollers using a silicone spray. This type of lubricant does not hold dirt like petroleum-based products, and will help your door glide effortlessly.
After cleaning the rollers and reinstalling them you can put the door back in place and test it to make sure the track is aligned with the rollers and the doors are moving smoothly. Contact a local dealer if require assistance. Keep your doors clean and lubricated to extend their life and minimize the need for repairs. We recommend a silicone-based lubricant, as it will not attract dirt like WD-40. It is recommended to grease your tracks and rollers at least once every month.
Insect Screen Replacement
Patio doors that slide open are a great way to maximize floor space, create airflow, and provide stunning panoramic views. They can also pose a problem if the mechanism is not functioning properly or has stopped moving altogether. Fortunately, most issues with sliding screen doors are easily resolved. Dirty rollers caused by debris in the track or a wrinkled screen are typical causes however, you can solve them by following these simple steps.
If your screen is sliding or wrinkling, you should first place the frame on an even surface. Then place a 1x4 board under each end to put a slight bow in the middle. This will help pull the screen tightly and straighten it.
Choose a screen that's at least two inches larger in both directions than the opening of the frame. This will allow you to have the space to trim any excess. Then make use of a spline roller tool to push the rubber spline end into the channel. Once you've completed this, it's time to roll the remainder of the spline into.
Adjusting the Panel
The tilt and slide mechanism lets you open the patio doors wider to let in more air while keeping your pets, children and other household members safe. Despite the convenience of this system, they tend to take more force than anticipated and, over time, this causes an increase in friction, uneven tracks or misalignments that can cause the door to fail. Finding these issues early and making minor adjustments can often fix these issues, reducing the necessity for expensive replacement hardware.
The first step to adjust a tilt and slide patio door is to remove the door and set it on a flat work surface. After removing the panels, use a screwdriver and remove the caps made of plastic from the holes of each adjuster. Once these are removed, the adjuster will be coaxed out of its channel using the long shaft screwdriver. After removing the roller, clean it with denatured or rubbing alcohol. This will eliminate any dirt that causes the roller to resist and allow it to easily retract into its channel after the process.
When reinstalling an movable panel align it with the frame and then use the drill to drive the screws along the flange. The flange should be secured securely to the door's edge and ensure that the flaps are oriented correctly. After the movable panels are in place apply silicone-based lubricant onto the top track arm connector blocks, the lead Bogie wheels, and the slave Bogie wheels and replace the cap on the hole made of plastic.
Repeat the procedure for each of the other two movable panels in order to restore their slide functionality. Install the plastic flanges. Finally, attach the jamb side strip to the equivalent fixed panel using a glue made of plastic. When the glue is dry, reattach the handle and test for smooth operation. If there are any issues, you can 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 option to let your pet into and out of the house, but it can also be a convenient point of entry for burglars. Install a pin lock on your patio door, or a charley-bar for extra security. These devices provide a combination of security, convenience, and ease that is unmatched on the market.
The Charley bar is a great alternative for your sliding glass door, and it can be easily installed at your home. The charley bars are placed in the middle of the door to prevent the door from being jibbered with tools or objects like a hockey stick or Broom handle. The charley bar is constructed of injection-molded polycarbonate, and extruded RPVC tubes that telescoping which makes it sturdy and durable.
The installation of the charley bars requires that you first measure the length of the bar from the sliding door track all the way to the sliding patio door. Mark the points using a pencil where the charley bars will be installed. Make use of an eighth-inch tool to drill holes in the wall jambs and patio door frames Be careful not to scratch the glass of the patio doors. Then tighten the screws that came with the bar charley.
The charley bars are a great option for sliding glass patio doors or sash windows. This simple security device will keep your sliding patio doors safe from burglars and tampering for years to be. It is made from injection-molded polycarbonate, and has been tested to withstand over 400 pounds of pressure by Intertek. The charley bar can also be lockable with the included key. It's easy to install and stays out of harm's way when it's not in use. Most hardware stores sell the charley-bar. If tilt and slide patio doors problems 'd like to buy one that will work, you should consider buying a charley bar from an online retailer.