Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your home and outdoor space. By keeping the air in your home, they will save you money on heating or cooling costs.
But over time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their appeal. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and operating as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM, and you end up in a puddle right close to your sliding patio door. You turn around to see that the rain from last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. Don't panic, this isn't going to be a simple task in five minutes. However, with a little patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and protect your dog from cold, wet feet.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests, and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills lower. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will show you whether the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacement.
There are a variety of weatherstripping to choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are inexpensive however they can be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a good choice for areas with high traffic because it does not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the new to the proper length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it with a putty knife to the jamb.
When you're done, reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws until the door is in the track and closes properly. Apply waterproof caulk on the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, but it should be able to last for a period of time.
Locks and handles
Patio door handles and locks are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time, they can become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also be replaced.
To replace a handle on the patio door, take out the old one first, taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After the handle has been removed using a level, ensure that the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues in the future.
Once you have the new handle Close and open it several times to ensure it works correctly. If you have any issues, check the instructions of the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is typically made of metal and sits inside a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to measure a few things before ordering a new one. You'll need to know the location of the mounting holes and the position within the lock of the keyway.
Some handles for patio doors have an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits inside the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the exterior and inside locks in one unit. This type of patio doors is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't fixed, it could be because the lock tongue isn't getting the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel to the jamb on the side. The door should be opened an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will show you the gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door to make it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts enter your home, which can decrease energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and avoid. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will make your doors glide smoothly once more. This is a good option in order to ensure that your doors are operating at their best.
A damaged or ripped screen can be a problem. It can be a hassle or risky. Additionally, it could hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired but in others, the door must be replaced. If you've got a damaged window screen, be sure to clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can loosen over time due to heavy usage or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. It's a simple task that you can perform yourself. If you're not confident doing it yourself, you must consult a professional.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors regularly. Simple vacuuming or brushing will get rid of dust and debris that could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to correct any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a long-lasting seal.
If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation issues, but it can also occur from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's properly aligned, allowing it to perform optimally.
Rollers
Sliding patio doors are great for bringing the outside in and providing plenty of natural light, but they require some attention to keep them sliding smoothly. If you find that you need to really push the handle to get the door to move, or it isn't as easy to slide as it used to it could be due to the rollers. In time the lower track may be clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They can be found at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before patio door repair Repair My Windows And Doors purchase replacements, take an image of the roller assembly that is mounted within the door frame so that the experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. You can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples and flared edges and cut-outs that could narrow your replacement options.
Once the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. You may need assistance with this one as the door is quite heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws holding the track in place on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide down into the channel on top of the frame. If there's a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.
After installing the new rollers, gently slide the door into the frame. Swing it down to make sure it is secure. If the new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance in the areas it requires it.