Bi Folding Door Repair Tips
Bi-fold doors enable you to fully open up a space and connect indoors to outdoors. They are ideal to let the sun and fresh air in, but they need to be maintained in a timely manner to avoid damage.
There are a variety of common issues that you may have to deal with when using your bifold door. Fortunately, they are simple to repair.
Cracked Pivot Pins
If you've recently added carpeting or changed the flooring material in your home, you may notice that your bi folding doors are scraping along the bottom. This is a simple fix. The first step is to loosen the screw on the bottom bracket so that you can move it horizontally and then adjust the pivot pin. This will raise the door and keep it from scraping the floor. If the door is still scraping then you'll have to loosen the screw on the top bracket and slide that one in place.
Another common issue with bifold closets is that the door's corner is constantly falling off the track. This is often caused by a damaged or loose pivot pin. You can either use a drill to enlarge the hole or wood glue to repair the crack. If you decide to use glue, make sure to dampen the area and then apply the glue to both sides of the crack. This will strengthen the crack and prevent it from happening again.
The crack on the pivot is usually caused by excessive stress on the pin. This can result in back tension, which eventually delaminates or cracks the actual thin wood that is framed in the door. This is usually not apparent when looking at the door from outside.
It is crucial to begin with a pivot pin that is solid and secure, as this is the place where the hinge system is the most stressed. Keep the original cover of your pivot pin and find an industrial machine shop that can duplicate the dimensions.
You can also save the broken pin by drilling it out and replacing it with a brand new one that is longer, more robust, and a stronger one. This will stop the door from getting incorrectly aligned and will make it easier to close and open. You can use a drill and re-use an old pin after enlarging the holes.
Shag Carpeting
Adding a shag carpet to an area can help to reduce the amount of noise in your home. It's also a great idea to create a cozy corner. However, it is important to keep in mind that a shag rug requires special care and maintenance. Its long strands can draw dirt, dust and other debris, which can lead to a buildup of unwanted allergens in your home.
The thick pile of shag carpets could also be difficult to clean. You can use a carpet rake to maintain the surface's uniformity or clean it regularly using an air-based vacuum cleaner that makes use of suction. The most efficient way to clean carpets is using carpet cleaners with a powerful pump.
Bi-folding doors are equipped with metal rails that allow them to be moved correctly. Metal rails that are damaged could cause the doors to become stuck and not be able to close. This could lead to additional problems that may require bi fold door repairs. It is a good idea to seek out a professional to ensure the proper operation of the doors.
Misalignment
If your bifold doors are hard to open, creating a draft in your home or even scratching your carpet under them, it's likely that they've become unbalanced. This is a common issue that can be easily fixed by loosening the track hinge screws and adjusting the structure until alignment is in the right place.
Depending on the age of your bi-fold doors, this could be an easy task or more complicated however, it's always better to call in an expert instead of trying to force a door that isn't working properly. This can lead to more damage and could result in more expensive repairs in the here future.
Close and open the door to discover the exact location of the problem. This is typically the situation with the door that is most frequently used, since it's often closed and opened the most. It could also be that the top or bottom of the frame is not securing to the jamb, or isn't being properly placed within the frame.
Once you have identified the misalignment in the track, make sure to lubricate the hinges and the track the hinges. This will allow the door move more smoothly and create a better seal. It's also recommended to wash the frame of your bi-fold door with a non-abrasive cleaner, such as a mild detergent solution.
A set of well-functioning bifold doors can help make your home appear larger and let in more light. If you're having any problems with your bifold doors don't hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to help! If you're looking for repairs or maintenance we have the experience to bring your doors back on track. Contact us today or fill in the contact form to request an estimate! We provide services to customers throughout the UK. We'll give you an affordable price and a quick turnaround time. Our friendly and experienced technicians are able to handle any door installation or repair. Call us now!
Broken Hardware
The bi-folding door's hardware is under a lot of stress. It is crucial to maintain your bi-folding door and inspect it regularly.
If a pivot pin becomes broken or loose, the door can become difficult to open and close. The misalignment caused by this can also cause further damage to other components, and may require costly repairs or replacements.
In most cases, the issue can be solved by replacing the pivot pin or guide roller on the upper track. This can be accomplished by measuring the existing hardware to ensure that you purchase the right replacement parts.
Another common issue is bottom door guides getting displaced from the head track. This can occur in the event that the floor is not level or if the door is not properly aligned with the frame. This issue can be rectified by setting the guide within the head track.
Sometimes the problem can be more severe and require a complete overhaul of your bi-folding door. This is usually required in the event of extensive damage or if the existing hardware is not up to date. It can be costly, but is the only way to restore the bi folding door back to its original performance. Regularly cleaning your bi-folding doors will prevent minor issues from becoming costly and serious.