Bifold Door Repair - How to Fix Common Problems
Bifold doors are a great option to connect your living space and let more light into your home. However, they can be a problem if the hardware is damaged.
Adjusting the pivot will fix the issue if your bifold doors stick to the carpet when they are opened and closed.
Identifying the Hardware
Bifold doors are space-saving and fold away and are stacked on either side of a doorway. They are popular with homeowners who are open-minded. However, like other types of doors they may have issues that need to be addressed. This is particularly true of the hardware which allows doors to be concertina. The hardware can become worn and result in the doors becoming difficult to operate, or even stuck or blocked. Bifold doors may scrape floors when they are opened or closed. Regular maintenance and servicing is the key to keeping your bifold doors in top in good working order.
Bi-fold doors are typically hung by rollers suspended from an overhead track. They are secured to the bottom and top on one side, and a guide pin slides through an opening on the opposite side. It is fairly easy to replace these components in the event that they fail. However, it is important to use hardware that is designed for bifold doors. It is not a good idea to try to use hardware made for doors that are not bifold-compatible in the event that it results in damage to the bifold door system and could cause more problems.
The first step when a bifolding door is malfunctioning is to identify the cause. There are many problems that could cause your bifold doors to fail in a variety of ways, such as improper alignment, broken parts or anchor holes that need to be redrilled or repaired. Once you've identified the problem, it is essential to take corrective action immediately.
A professional bifold repair service includes an extensive inspection of the doors, hinges and other moving parts. It also includes maintenance of the hardware, as well as an adjustment of the tracks of the door to ensure smooth operation. Additionally a professional bifold door repair service will include a report that will identify any future issues that require attention. Contact ARTAN experts today for repairs, maintenance or replacement of your bifold doors. They can assist you in getting your doors back to working order and save you money by avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Identifying the Issue
Bifold doors are a functional and space-saving solution for closets, but just like any door, they can suffer from common maintenance issues. Bifold doors may sometimes become stuck or fall off the track. You can fix the issue yourself or employ a professional to assess your tracks and frames, hinges and frames.
Seals that allow drafts to flow through are the most likely culprits in case your bifolds don't close correctly. It is normal for bifolds to deteriorate over time, particularly when they are exposed the elements. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to stop this from happening, so make sure to use lubricants that are recommended by the industry.
Bifold doors may also move into a slightly open position. This is usually caused by the hinges on the top of the bifold door falling and putting pressure onto the rest of hardware.
This can be fixed by tightening your pivot pin that is located on the top of the bifold door. It's a simple job, but you must be careful not to over-tighten it, as this could cause damage to the frame or bifold door.
If your bifold doors aren't closing or opening smoothly, it can be frustrating and also dangerous. If your bifolds become sticky they may be difficult for people to move them, which may result in pinched fingers. If your bifolds aren't secured, they can also cause injury to those standing below them.
If repairing bifold doors are making a scraping noise when you open them, this is often due to dirt or other debris that has been caught in the running tracks. If you are unable to fix the issue on your own, you should contact an expert who will thoroughly clean and lubricate the bifold doors.
Another issue with bifold doors is that they are not locking anymore and can pose an actual safety risk. This could be because of the lock not being engaged or it could be because the hinges have failed or worsened over time. In this scenario the hinge bolts will need to be replaced.
Identifying the Source of the Problem
If your bifold doors become stuck or jammed as you attempt to open them, this is a clear indication that something needs to be addressed. It could be as simple as a blockage or obstruction of some type, but it could be due to the doors not being in alignment with the track or having damaged parts that need to be replaced.
It is possible to solve the issue by lubricating it using a lubricant recommended by the industry. This should be done frequently to ensure that the lock and key operate smoothly. It is a simple and non-invasive repair that you can perform yourself.
A lack of sealing between the frame and the door is a different issue that is common. This could be caused by a build-up of dirt or debris, however it could be a sign that the seals have started to degrade. Over time, this can cause a draught to come into your home and lead to the doors becoming damaged in the long term.
With the proper attachment, it is recommended to clean your bifold doors and tracks. This will not only make your doors look great but also stop small pieces of grit from getting stuck in the track and obstructing it. It is important to identify this issue early on as the force of pushing a bifold door that is blocked open can damage the locks, mechanisms and hinges.
Also, you should check the doors and frames to ensure they are properly fitted. The frame of a door can shift over time, and this is the most common problem with bifold doors. If the frame is sagging it is usually possible to tighten it with an hammer or a pair of pliers. If this doesn't work the frame might require reinstallation. It might be worthwhile to employ an expert to investigate the issue, if you can't determine the cause. This will ensure that the issue is fixed permanently and prevent it from reoccurring in the future, which will save you money and hassle.
Finding the solution
It's great to know that you can do lots of bifold door repairs yourself. In general, you can fix the bifold door by unloosening the bracket screws and moving the pivot to the frame's bottom. It is obvious that all doors are different however, when done properly and with care, there is little possibility of damaging the door.
A proper bifold door maintenance routine will also help to keep them running smoothly, and will prevent any issues. The tracks that run for instance, must be cleaned and lubricated frequently to prevent them from becoming clogged with dirt or debris that could make the door to become stiff or stuck.
The hinge bolts should be examined frequently for signs of wear and damage. As mentioned, they are essential to the operation of the door and are likely to be responsible for any noises or vibrations you might notice. If you have any issues with the hinge bolts it is recommended to call the manufacturer. They may give advice and help on how to fix them.
As we've mentioned before that a myriad of issues can disrupt the normal operation of your bifold doors. By taking the appropriate steps at the correct times you can keep your doors operating smoothly and efficiently for many years to come.
As with all types of hardware for windows and doors, bifold doors require some regular maintenance to ensure that they are operating correctly. It is important to refer to the instructions of the manufacturer when performing maintenance tasks. By taking a little time and attention to ensure your bifold doors will open and close smoothly for years to come.