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 inside your home, they could save you cash on cooling or heating bills.
But over time your sliding glass or French doors can 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 when you step into a puddle that is right near your sliding patio door. You look around and realize that the rain from last night has blown through the seals of your patio doors. Buckle up and be prepared for this to be a quick fix. But with a little patience and some tools, you can fix this and protect your dog from cold, wet feet in the process.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping that closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests, and moisture. This will also keep your energy costs down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacing.
There are a variety of weatherstripping to choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. Foam with open cells and felt are cheap however they can be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great material for areas with high traffic because it won't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using the aid of a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver unscrew the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and clean any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb using the putty knife.
After you're done, put back the door and adjust the roller screws until the door sits in the track and shuts correctly. Then, apply waterproof caulk on the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will 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 become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior handles and the exterior handles may also need to be changed.
To replace the handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first by dislodging any screws that held it in place. Once the old handle has been removed using a level, make sure the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it can interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure it's working correctly. If you encounter any issues ask the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To prevent future problems it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most common patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are typically used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. The measurements you need include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Certain patio door handles come with an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles feature a rectangular key cylinder which can be inserted into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the inside and exterior locks in one piece. more tips here of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed 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. The door should be opened one inch and then position it against the frame. This will show you if there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or right of the patio to make it perfectly parallel with jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This could also allow cold air and draughts into your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your energy. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to move smoothly once more. It is a good idea to do this periodically to ensure your doors are in peak operating condition.
A torn screen can also be an issue. It could be an inconvenience or even an issue. In addition, it may prevent the doors from opening and closing correctly, which could lead to loss of energy. In some cases the damaged 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 to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening.
Hinges can become looser over time due to heavy usage or normal wear. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. This is a simple job that you can do yourself, but if not comfortable doing it, consult a professional to ensure your doors are securely aligned and secure.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple brushing or vacuuming will take away dust and other debris that can hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool for stubborn dirt or corrosion. Checking and tightening the hinges' screws can aid in alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them all together to ensure a secure and long-lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors could be affected when the frames are sagging or sagging. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could also be caused by poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's properly aligned and functioning at its peak.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for letting the outside in while letting plenty of natural light, but they require some attention to keep them sliding smoothly. If you notice that you need to really push the handle to get the door to move, or just doesn't slide as easily as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. Over time, the lower track can fill with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to determine if it helps.
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. Take a photo of the rollers installed in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact type and model you require. They can also search for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples and flared edges and cut-outs which can narrow down replacement options.
When the rollers are replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door in its frame. Get help with this one as the door is quite heavy. Make sure there are screws securing the track on either side of frame. If so you must ensure that they are loose enough for the bottom of door to drop into the channel that is above the frame. If there is a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.
Once the new rollers have been installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it into place. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.