Three Ways To Make Your Patio Door Work Like New
Posted on: 20 July 2015
Making a stubborn glass patio door look and feel like new is a great way to make the best use of an asset to your home, and it can also help you save money on total replacement. So if you're having trouble operating your door, as in opening, locking, or keeping thermal efficiency, consider three ways you can complete patio glass door repair and make your patio door work like new.
1. Getting Back On Track
If you have a sliding patio door, getting the unit back on track can often be easily accomplished with a simple DIY tune-up. A DIY tune-up is not only something you should do when your doors aren't operating correctly, but it's something you should consider performing as maintenance as well. A tune-up should start with removing dirt and debris, aka vacuuming the tracks, removing the rollers, then cleaning and lubricating both the rollers and tracks. Clean with denatured alcohol to eliminate dirt and debris, then use a silicone-based lubricant to get things going again. Simply put back the rollers back into place and the process is complete.
2. Update Your Hardware
Swapping out your patio door's hardware can make a big difference in the way it looks and works, especially if you're using a broomstick in your track to help keep things secure. Changing out handles and hinges can help improve the look, giving a minor facelift for aging patio doors, but if you have faulty hardware, like sliders that don't lock or close completely, hardware improvements are a must. Consider replacing faulty hardware and definitely upgrade to an affordable and easy-to-install hands-free lock.
3. Upgrade For Efficiency
Beyond upgrading your weatherstripping, which can be a simple part of your maintenance or tune-up routine, you may want to consider upgrading your doors to ones that are energy efficient. Regardless of if you have sliders or hinged doors, upgrading the door, if not the entire frame and door unit, can not only make your patio work like new, it can refresh the way it works for your home. Energy efficient and double-paned glass offer you thermal relief in both cool and warm temperature extremes, and employing patio doors that have reflective or tinted coatings can make a big difference in your energy bills. If you aren't savvy with making upgrades yourself, here's where you may want to hire a professional. Though hiring a professional to install a new patio door can cost you up to $300 , it can ensure that you have a reliable and efficient upgrade that can provide you the comfort and access you want for your home.
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