Common Pella Door Issues and How to Address Them
Pella is a popular brand for patio doors, but homeowners may encounter certain problems with these doors. Being aware of typical issues can help you fix them faster.
By Charlie Davis
When a Pella door's frame is out of square, it cannot close properly.
Many homeowners select Pella patio doors due to the brand's standing and the range of door styles available. However, Pella doors can sometimes develop issues that cause inconvenience for homeowners. If your home has Pella doors, getting to know the most frequent problems could help you address them more efficiently when they arise.
The Frame Is Not Square
At times, the Pella door frame may be uneven or slightly out of square. This can prevent the door from closing correctly and allow air to pass between the frame and the door panel. To fix this, loosen the screws on the frame's hinge leaf and insert or remove plastic shims as needed to square the frame. Afterward, make sure to tighten the hinge leaf screws. However, some Pella doors come with adjustable hinge leafs, so plastic shims are not required. You can use an Allen wrench to turn the hinge's center screw clockwise, which increases the gap between the lock side of the frame and the door panel, squaring the frame properly.
The Door Does Not Seal Tightly Against the Weatherstrip
If you feel a draft near Pella doors, the issue might be with how the doors seal against the weatherstrip. When the doors do not press tightly against the weatherstrip, air can leak in. Many Pella door styles include an adjustable striker shim that can help create a tighter seal. Start by removing the strike and the adjustable shim. Adjust the shim by taking out its tabs and putting it back in the frame with the thicker side facing the strike edge. Then reinstall the strike so the door closes snugly against the weatherstrip, keeping air out.
The Sliding Door Is Hard to Move
Sometimes, you might feel resistance when opening or closing Pella sliding doors. This is usually caused by dirt or debris in the sill track. Use a vacuum, broom, or small brush to clean the track. If the door still does not open and close easily after cleaning, apply a dry silicone spray or another lubricant to help the doors glide along the track more smoothly.
The Flat Screen Door Won't Latch
A Pella flat screen sliding door may fail to latch if it is not aligned with the frame's strike, making it impossible to lock. To align the door and strike, use a screwdriver to loosen the screw in the center of the strike. Adjust the strike up or down until it lines up with the door. Once aligned, put the screw back and tighten it.
