Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are a great way to connect your home to the outside. They offer a pleasant and easy transition. They also help save money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air inside your home.
Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and working as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get in a puddle right near your sliding patio door. You turn around to see that the rain of last night ripped through the seals of your patio doors. This is not going to be a simple task. With a little patience, and a few basic tools, you can fix it and save your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping in good shape or needs replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping to choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are not expensive however they tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear out as fast.
To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver, unscrew the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the new to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb using the putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a while.
Locks and handles
Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. Over time, they may get damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a patio door handle first, remove the old handle by removing any screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle has been removed using a level, make sure the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure it's functioning properly. If you encounter any issues, check the instructions of the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It's recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid any future issues.
The most common door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These kinds of locks are found on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. The measurements you need include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway within the lock.
Some patio door handles have an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door has both the inside and exterior locks within one unit. This kind of patio door is commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the jamb on the side. Try opening the door up to an inch and placing it against the frame to determine whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to make it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
In time over time, the tracks and rollers of the door may lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This could also allow drafts and cold air into your home, which reduces the efficiency of your energy. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks can allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in good working order.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a damaged screen, which can be an inconvenience or even a safety risk. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door has to be replaced. If you've got a damaged window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door the wrong way.
Hinges may loosen over time due to heavy use or wear and tear. This can be corrected by tightening screws frequently. It's an easy task you can do yourself. If you're not sure with the task, you should seek out an expert.
You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors regularly. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use an instrument specifically designed to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a durable seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors can be affected if the frames are warped or sliding. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused by poor installation or through frequent use. patio glass door repair can repair or replace your patio door frame and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for letting the outside in while letting plenty of light, however they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move, or it doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. They can be found at many hardware stores, however you'll need a partner to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an image of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame so experts can determine the exact model and type you require. They can also look out for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down replacement options.
After the rollers have been replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door in its frame. Get help in this regard as the door is very heavy. Examine if there are screws securing the track on either side of the frame. If there are check that they're loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's free of track, rollers and track.
After installing the new rollers, gently slide the door into the frame. It should be lowered to ensure it is secured. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance where it needs it.