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 save you money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air within your home.
Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get in a puddle right near your sliding patio door. You turn around to see that the rain from last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. This is not going to be an easy task. But with a little patience and some tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also keeps your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping in good condition or needs replacing.
There are many types of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze and copper. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Felt and open-cell foam are not expensive however, they are also known to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver unscrew the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping that was previously in place and remove any residual adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk to the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping but should work for some time.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for patio doors are crucial to the security of your home. Over time, they may become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside handles and the exterior handles may also need to be changed.
To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in the place. After you have removed the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the door is straight. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure it's functioning properly. If you encounter any issues, you should consult the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware expert for assistance. To prevent future problems it is a good idea also to lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most common door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and fits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are found on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, you need to measure. The measurements you require include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted in the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one unit. This kind of patio door are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door doesn't stay latched, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Repair My Windows And Doors is that the sliding door is not fully parallel to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door about an inch and spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers to the bottom left or right side of the patio until it is perfectly parallel with jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts into your home, reducing energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will make your doors glide smoothly once more. It's a good idea to regularly do this to keep your doors in top operating condition.
Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which is an issue or even a safety risk. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced, however, in some cases it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a torn screen, clean it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or use. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in fixing this issue and ensure your doors close securely. It's a simple task that you can perform yourself. However, if you're not confident, it is best to seek out an expert.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or corrosion. It is possible to fix misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a long-lasting seal.
If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped, this can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused by poor installation or simply by frequent usage. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in lots of light, but they require some maintenance to keep them running smoothly. If you have to yank the handle to get the door to move or it doesn't slide like it used to it could be due to the rollers. In time the lower track could 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 don't glide freely It's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. They are available at many hardware stores, however you'll need a friend to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an image of the roller assembly that is placed in the door frame so the experts can identify the specific model and type you require. They can also search for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges that can narrow down the options for replacement.
Once the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install the sliding door back into its frame. Get some help in this regard as the door is very heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in place on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to slide down into the channel on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's clear of the track, rollers and track.
When the new rollers have been installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and swing it into place. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.