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 air inside your home, they can help you save cash on cooling or heating bills.
However, over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their luster. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get into a puddle that is right close to your sliding patio door. You look around and discover that last night's rain was able to get through the seals on your patio doors. Don't panic and be prepared for this to be a simple task in five minutes. With a little patience and a few simple tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and keep your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between the door and jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills lower. If you inspect your doors and windows, you can tell whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.
There are several types of weatherstripping available that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze or copper. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Felt and open cell foam are both inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it holds up well and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with high traffic because it will not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwscrew, unscrew 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 replacement to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip on one side and then apply it to the jamb with the putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping, but it should work for a time.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors play an important role in the security of your home. Over time they can get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. In addition, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first, dislodging any screws that held it in place. After removing the old handle, use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause problems in the future.
Once you have the new handle installed Close and open it several times to ensure it works properly. If you experience any issues ask the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. It is recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated using a silicone-based lubricant in order to prevent future problems.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It's typically made of steel and sits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These types of locks are typically used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock it is important to measure. The measurements you need to take include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway in the lock.
Some handles for patio doors come with a locking mechanism built into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that fits into 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 is commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying latched, it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb's side. The door should be opened one inch and then position it against the frame. This will reveal whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door to get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
In time the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and draughts to enter your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea to do this periodically to ensure that your doors are in top operating condition.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a ripped screen, which can be a nuisance or even a security risk. In RepairMyWindowsAndDoors , it may prevent the doors from opening and closing correctly, which could lead to energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be replaced but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening.
Hinges may loosen over time due to heavy usage or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can help correct this issue and ensure your doors close tightly. It's a simple job you can perform yourself. However, if you're not confident doing it yourself, you must consult an expert.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming can get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or rust. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can aid in re-alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a strong, long-lasting seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can also be caused by poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for letting the outside in and providing plenty of natural light, but they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you have to yank the handle to get the door to move, or it isn't sliding as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track may become clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers that will match your door and the type of track you have. You can purchase them at a variety of hardware stores however you will need someone to assist you in removing and replace the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take a good picture of the roller assembly placed within the door frame so that the experts can identify the specific model and type you require. You can also look for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges and cut-outs that could narrow your the options for replacement.
After replacing the rollers, you'll have to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. It's a heavy door, so you may require assistance. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in position on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel on the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of track rollers, track and track.
After the new rollers have been installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it into place. If the new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to allow the door to move in the areas it requires it.