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 indoor and outdoor space. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air inside your home.
Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get in a puddle right next to your sliding patio door. You look around and realize that the rain from last night ripped through the seals of your patio doors. This isn't going to be an easy task. With a bit of patience and a few basic tools, you can fix it and save your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
It is important to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills low. A quick examination of your windows and doors will tell you if the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacement.
There are several types of weatherstripping to choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas that have heavy traffic since it will not wear out as fast.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb with the putty knife.
When you're done, reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws so that the door is in the track and is closed properly. Then, apply waterproof caulk to the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the 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 may get damaged or worn out and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also need to be replaced.
To replace a patio door handle first remove the previous one by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place. After removing the handle, you can use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door is not straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems in the future.
After you have the new handle Close and then open it several times to ensure it functions properly. If you have any problems you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. It is recommended to grease the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to prevent future problems.
The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and fits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. The measurements you require include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Some patio door handles come with a locking mechanism built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted in the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one unit. This type of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched It could be due to the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the jamb on the side. Open the door an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will reveal the gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to make it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. This could also allow cold air and draughts into your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to move smoothly once again. It's a good idea regularly do this to keep your doors in top operating condition.
A torn screen can also be an issue. It can be an inconvenience or even a danger. In addition, it may prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, wash it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the door handles the wrong way when opening and closing.
Hinges can become looser over time due to frequent use or normal wear. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. It's a simple task that you can tackle on your own. If you're not confident, it is best to consult an expert.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. they said or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ an instrument specifically designed to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges can aid in re-alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a secure, solid seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sliding. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation issues, but it could also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly so that it can function optimally.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outside in and let in lots of light, but they require some maintenance to ensure that they're moving smoothly. If you notice that you need to really push the handle to get the door to move, or isn't as easy to slide as it used to it could be due to the rollers. As time passes, the lower track can be clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to see if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't moving freely, then it's time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers to match your door and the kind of track you have. They are available at most hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take a good picture of the roller assembly that is installed in the door frame, so experts can determine the exact model and the type you require. You can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges, and cut-outs which can narrow down the options for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door in its frame. It's a heavy door, so you may require assistance. Make sure there are screws securing the track to either side of the frame. If they are, make sure they are loose enough for the door's bottom to slide into the channel above the frame. If there is screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure it's clear of the track and rollers.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to make sure it is secure. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.