What are sliding door rollers, and when do they wear out?
Rollers are the small wheels under a sliding panel that ride in the track. They wear faster with salt, grit and a heavy panel, and the door begins to drag or jump. Replacement rollers are often available and the panel can be re-hung on them, which is cheaper than a new door if the frame is sound.
What does fogging between the panes mean?
It means the seal around the insulated glass unit has failed, letting moisture in. The glass cannot be cleaned or resealed on site. The unit usually has to be replaced, though the existing frame can often stay if it is sound. Fogging is cosmetic at first, but the unit no longer insulates well.
What sealant is used outside, and how often is it redone?
Exterior perimeter joints use a flexible sealant made for sun and movement, and it ages in Florida's heat and UV. Check it each year, and expect to renew exposed joints after many years or when it cracks or pulls away. Re-sealing is a repair. It does not fix a frame that has moved.
Can a sliding glass shower door be repaired?
Often the rollers, guides and seals can be adjusted or replaced to make the door glide and close properly. The glass itself is tempered and cannot be cut or patched, so a chipped or cracked panel has to be replaced. The photos here show that kind of door in finished bathrooms, not a repair.
What can I check myself before you come?
Clear dirt and debris from the tracks and the weep holes at the bottom of the frame, wipe the seals, and lubricate hinges and rollers with a silicone-based product. Avoid oil, which holds grit. If the problem remains, note when it happens, take a photo and a video, and we will see more at the visit.
What should I fix before hurricane season?
Check the locks and latches, the weatherstrip and the tracks, and fix any window that does not close fully. Make sure screws and anchors are not loose. Repairs help with ordinary weather, but they do not make an old unit hurricane-rated. For rated protection, you need an approved window or door, or an approved shutter.
What hardware fails first near the coast?
Salt and humidity corrode steel screws, hinges and lock mechanisms first. Look for rust streaks and stiff operation. Stainless or coated hardware lasts better in salt air. Rinse frames and hardware periodically with fresh water, and replace corroded parts before they stain the finish or strip the screw holes.
Will a repair void my window or door warranty?
It can if the repair uses parts that do not match the manufacturer's, or if someone else alters a rated unit. Check the warranty terms before work begins. We use the correct parts for the unit where they are available, and we note what was done so the record stays clear for any future claim.
