Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors provide a comfortable and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. They can also help you save money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the air inside your home.
But with time your sliding glass or French doors may lose their shine. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you step into an emerald-colored pool of water right by your sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain of last night ripped through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared, this isn't going to be a quick fix. With a bit of patience and a few simple tools, you can fix it and prevent your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping that seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy costs down. If you look at your doors and windows you can determine whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze and copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas that have high traffic because it will not wear out as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the new to the appropriate length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
After you're done, put back the door and re-adjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is in the track and closes properly. Then, apply caulk to the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping, but it should work for a few days.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for patio doors play a crucial role in the security of your home. As time passes, they may get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also require replacement.
To replace a handle on a patio door first remove the previous one by unscrewing any screws that are holding it in place. After the handle has been removed using a level, ensure that the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it could interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Once you have the new handle Close and then open it several times to make sure it functions correctly. If you have any issues, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware expert for assistance. It's also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant to avoid any future issues.
The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's typically constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket cut into the door frame. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing a mortise lock, it is essential to measure a few things before purchasing a new lock. You will need to know the location of mounting holes and the position in the keyway lock.
Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that is inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This type of patio door is most commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel with the jamb's side. You can open the door for by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will reveal if there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio to make it perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts into your home, reducing energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and avoid. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can allow your doors to glide again. This is a good idea for those who want to keep your doors operating at their peak.
Another common problem with patio doors is a damaged screen, which could be an inconvenience or even a safety risk. In addition, it can hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, which can lead to loss of energy. In some cases, the torn screen can be replaced however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, wash it thoroughly and make sure not to turn the door handles the wrong way when closing and opening.
Hinges may loosen over time due to heavy use or wear and tear. Regularly tightening the screws will help correct this issue and ensure your doors close tightly. This is a simple task that can be done yourself, but if not comfortable doing it, you should consult an expert to make sure your doors are securely aligned and secure.
It's recommended to regularly clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dirt and dust that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use an instrument specifically designed to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. Checking and tightening the hinges' screws can aid in re-alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a strong and long-lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors could be affected if the frames are warped or sliding. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could be caused by poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned and functioning optimally.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for bringing the outside in and letting plenty of natural light, but they require a bit of maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you find that you have to really yank on the handle to get the door to move, or just doesn't slide as easily as it did in the past, the culprit may be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to move over. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers don't glide freely, it's time to replace the tracks. There is a variety of replacement rollers that will fit your door and the kind of track you have. You can purchase them at most hardware stores, but will need someone to help you remove and replace the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly installed within the frame to help the experts identify the exact model and type you need. They can also look for identifying features such as bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced then you'll need to install the sliding door back into its frame. You may need assistance in this regard as the door is quite heavy. Check to see if there are patio door repair near me securing the track on either side of the frame. If they are, make sure they are loose enough for the bottom of door to fall into the channel above the frame. If there's a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.
After installing the new rollers, gently insert the door in the frame. It should be lowered to secure it. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.