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 also help save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air within your home.
However, over time your sliding glass or French doors could lose their shine. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and functioning like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM, and you end up into a puddle that is right near your sliding patio door. You look around and discover that the rain of last night blew in through the patio door seals. Don't panic and be prepared for this to be a simple task in five minutes. However, with a little patience and a few tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet as well.
It is important to replace the weatherstripping that seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests, and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will show you whether the weatherstripping in good condition or needs replacement.
There are a variety of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze and copper. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Foam with open cells and felt are cheap however they can be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great 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 the help of a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs 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, trim the new to the correct length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping but should last for a while.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors play a crucial role in the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles can also be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door first, remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle is removed then use a level to ensure that the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure it is working properly. If you have any problems you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most commonly used patio door lock is the 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 take a few measurements before ordering a new one. The measurements you need include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway within the lock.
Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have an elongated key cylinder that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the inside and exterior locks within one unit. This type of patio door is most often 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 hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door for about an inch and spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This could also allow cold air and draughts into your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and stop. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide again. It's a good idea apply this every so often to ensure that your doors are in good working order.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a ripped screen, which is an inconvenience or even a security risk. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be replaced however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and be sure to avoid turning the door handles the wrong way when opening and closing.
Repair My Windows And Doors can loosen over time due to heavy usage or normal wear. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. It's an easy task you can tackle on your own. If you're not sure doing it yourself, you must consult an expert.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to fix any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a long-lasting seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sliding. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can also be caused by poor installation or simply due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly, allowing it to perform optimally.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outside in and let in lots of light, but they need some care to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle hard to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it used to, it could be the rollers. Over time the lower track could become clogged with dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it by 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 to suit your door and type of track you have. They are available at many hardware stores, however you'll require a companion to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a picture of the roller assembly in the frame to help the experts identify the exact type and model you require. You can also search for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down replacement options.
When the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. Get help with this one as the door is heavy. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in the frame on either side of the frame and 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 screen doors, take it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.
After putting in the new rollers, gently slide the door into the frame. It should be lowered to ensure it is secured. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.