A patio door is the gateway to your outdoor living space. A regular door does not showcase your beautiful backyard, porch, or patio. A regular door does not provide natural light, a beautiful view and the ability to allow fresh air to flow freely throughout your home. Adding style to both the interior and exterior of your home, a patio door is the upgrade your home has been needing.
If you have a patio door that is not functioning properly, that can also be a problem. But just because a patio door is not functioning properly does not necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. We wanted to help you by creating this Patio Door Repair and Replacement Guide. As your one-stop-shop for outdoor living in Flagstaff, Arizona, this guide has everything you need to know about the types of patio doors out there including patio door sizes, patio door repair, patio door replacement, and how to schedule an appointment with us if you need help!
When to Repair Your Patio Door:
Is your sliding patio door difficult to slide open or completely refusing to move? Don’t freak out! As your patio door repair experts, we are going to explain several different causes to help you diagnose and repair your patio doors. The main cause of patio door opening difficulties comes from debris building up due to dirt, mud, hair and fur accumulating in the track clogging the rollers and preventing smooth gliding. Here are our steps on how to clean the rollers and the track:
1. Remove the door from the track – Find the roller adjustment screws and use a screwdriver to loosen them. Then remove the doorstop at the top of the frame by unscrewing it. After completing those two steps the door should be able to be smoothly removed from the track.
2. Check the rollers – place the door carefully on its side and use a screwdriver to pull the rollers out. If they are damaged then that is your problem and they will need to be replaced. If they are dirty, use alcohol or another type of cleaning product to remove the debris. Re-oil them using a silicone spray to prevent debris buildup.
3. Reinstall your rollers – Align each adjustment screw with the access hole using a hammer to tap back into place.
4. Clean the track – Vacuum any loose debris from the tracks then use alcohol or some other type of cleaning product to remove any debris that has solidified in the tracks. You will want to lubricate the tracks and we recommend using a block of paraffin wax.
5. Reinstall your door – Align your door on the bottom rack then tilt it upwards. Reattach the head stop first, then tighten the adjustment screws until the door is parallel with the jam.
Another highly common issue we see in sliding patio door repair is doors will get knocked out of alignment during general everyday use. These alignment problems can be fixed by removing the door from the tracks and reinserting it on the tracks by following our instructions above minus the cleaning if that is not the issue.
If your patio door is leaking air and debris on windy days or water when it rains, you may need to repair the weatherstripping that has either a broken or bad seal. You can do this by loosening the staples or glue residue and installing new weatherstripping per instructions on the package. Sealing the weatherstripping with glue or some other type of adhesive is important to make sure the seal lasts.
Torn screens and broken glass are other patio door repair issues we see pop up during general wear and tear. We have the patio door parts to patch, repair, or replace your screen at HomCo if the frame is still in good condition. Similarly, the glass can be replaced in your patio door but unless you are a DIY expert we recommend leaving this operation to our experts at HomCo, your go-to patio door repair resource in Flagstaff, AZ.
When to Replace Your Patio Door:
There are a few simple signs to look for that can help you come to the realization that the time has come to completely replace your patio door. If you went through the troubleshooting steps above regarding repairing your patio doors and you are continuing to have issues, then it is time to replace them. If you tried cleaning the track and rollers yet the door still gives you a fight when opening it, the rollers may be damaged beyond repair requiring patio door replacement.
Similarly, if your patio door continues to let cold air in during the winter and hot air during the summer despite redoing the weatherstripping then it is time for a new one. You can stand near your door and feel for yourself if there is a noticeable temperature difference. Poor insulation, old windows, and drafty old patio doors are some of the biggest contributors to unusually high electric bills. If you can visibly see gaps between the door and the frame you need to get your patio door replaced as soon as possible for insulation, aesthetics, and safety reasons. Fog between the glass panes is another indication that you may want to opt for new patio door installation. If repairing the seal as we discussed above does not improve the fog situation, that means the insulating status of your door is functioning properly and you will need to replace the door completely. For more information about when is the right time to look into patio door replacement if you live in Flagstaff, Arizona, visit our website page dedicated to patio doors.
Types of Patio Doors
At HomCo, we carry a wide variety of patio doors to choose from. Everyone’s house is unique so we want you to find a patio door that fits your style and accentuates the aesthetics of your indoor and outdoor living space . The following are the most popular types of patio doors we have in stock at HomCo:
Sliding glass doors:
The most popular of all patio doors because they are easy to use, affordable, and versatile. They are completely made of glass so they let the most amount of sunlight into your home and often come with a screen door that keeps bugs and other pests out while letting fresh air circulate. We also carry double sliding patio doors as well.
French doors:
These are hinged like normal doors and come in a variety of different colors, finishes, and decorative glasses. They are aesthetically pleasing and let natural sunlight into your home. The decorative glasses give your door a unique design while giving you privacy within your home.
Vinyl patio doors:
Vinyl is popular for patio doors because it is strong, durable, and energy-efficient in both warm and cold climates. It does not fade, peel, rot or warp. We have several different colors and finishes to choose from depending on the unique style of your home.
Wood patio doors:
The most beautiful, expensive, and difficult to maintain type of patio door we carry. If you do not mind replacing your patio doors more frequently and aesthetically wood calls to you, we invite you to shop our selection of alder, pine, fir and mahogany wood patio doors. They are gorgeous!
Aluminum or steel patio doors:
Highly durable, more cost-effective, but not as energy efficient as the other types of patio doors we offer. They are sleek in design but also tend to dent and scratch more easily.
Fiberglass patio doors:
Lightweight, durable, and weather resistant, this type of patio door is highly similar to vinyl patio doors but more expensive.
At HomCo we carry Low-E Glass for an Energy-Efficient Patio Door that helps lower your energy bills and protect against UV rays that fade carpet, wood, and furniture. and built in blinds when you want to limit the amount of sun pouring into your home. Another feature to consider when purchasing a patio door is built in blinds between the planes of glass. This is a wonderful feature because the blinds will never need to be cleaned because they are entirely contained between two planes of glass in your door.
Schedule an Appointment With a Patio Door Expert
Some people out there are the experienced DIY types but unless you really know what you are doing, we suggest you leave most of the patio door repair and patio door replacement to our experts at HomCo Lumber and Hardware. If our tips on when to repair or replace parts or entire doors are too complicated for you or you worry about your safety, we would be happy to send one of our expert HomCo technicians out to your home to diagnose and fix your patio door.
We have a form on our website to fill out and then one of our experts will get in touch with you to schedule an appointment. We have been the go-to patio door repair and replacement experts in Flagstaff, Arizona for over 40 years. If you live in Northern Arizona, you know having a well insulated patio door is crucial during our hot summers and cold winters. Don’t wait for the weather extremes to hit to fix your patio door. Contact us today!