Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors can provide a convenient and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. By keeping air inside your home, they could help you save cash on cooling or heating costs.
But with time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their luster. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into the puddle of water in front of the sliding patio doors. You look around and realize that the rain of last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be an easy project. With a little patience, and a few tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and prevent your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and jamb, keeping out drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills lower. If you check your doors and windows, you can determine whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.
There are many kinds of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze or copper. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are not expensive however they tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas that are heavily used because it won't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, 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 loosen the screws that secure the weatherstripping 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, peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb using a putty knife.
After you're done, put back the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door is in the track and shuts correctly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, but it should work for a few days.
Handles and Locks
Patio door handles and locks are essential to the security of your home. Over sliding patio door lock repair , they may become worn or damaged and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the exterior and interior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace a handle for a patio door first, remove the old handle by removing any screws that hold it in place. After you have removed the old handle, use a level and make sure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't in a straight line, it could interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Once you have the new handle installed Close and open it a few times to ensure it works effectively. If you have any issues, check the instructions of the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid future issues it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. When replacing a mortise lock, it's important to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. The measurements you need to take include the location of the mounting holes and the location of the keyway inside the lock.
Certain patio door handles come with a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted in the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the exterior and inside locks in one unit. This kind of patio door is 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 in the right way. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the side jamb. Try opening the door for about an inch and spotting it against the frame to see whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or the right side of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time over 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 can also allow cold air and draughts enter your home, which can decrease energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move again. This is a good idea if you want to ensure that your doors are operating at their best.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a ripped screen, which can be an inconvenience or even a security risk. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, however in other instances, the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, clean it thoroughly and be sure not to turn the door handles the wrong way when closing and opening.
Over time, hinges may become loose due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. It's a simple job you can perform yourself. However, if you are not comfortable with the task, you should consult a professional.
You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors regularly. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges may help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a solid, solid seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected if 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 repair or replace your patio door frame, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
Sliding patio doors are great for letting the outside in and providing ample natural light, however they do require a bit of maintenance to keep them sliding smoothly. If you have to yank the handle to get the door to move, or it doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past, it could be the rollers. Over time the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't able to move freely It's time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers to match your door and the type of track you have. They can be found at many hardware stores, however you'll require a companion to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an image of the roller assembly installed within the door frame so that the experts can identify the exact model and type you require. They can also look out for identifying features such as bumps or dimples cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down the alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers, you will need to reinstall the sliding door in its frame. Get help in this regard as the door is heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in position 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 the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is clear of the track, rollers and track.
After the new rollers are installed, carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it down into place. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.