Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are a great option to connect your home with the outdoors. They provide a comfortable and easy transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they will save you money on cooling or heating costs.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning routine when you step into an emerald-colored pool of water right by the sliding patio doors. You look around and see 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 bit of patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will show you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacement.
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 type has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great material for areas with high traffic because it doesn't wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws 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 on the other side and attach it to the jamb using a putty knife.
When you're done, reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws so that the door is in the track and shuts correctly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding door and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a time.
Locks and Handles
Patio door handles and locks play an important role in the security of your home. Over time they can become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also need to be changed.
To replace a handle on a patio door first, remove the old handle by removing any screws that hold it in place. After the handle has been removed then use a level to 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.
After you have the new handle installed Close and open it several times to ensure it functions correctly. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware expert for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most common patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and sits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing a mortise lock, it is important to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. You'll need to know the location of the mounting holes and the position in the lock of the keyway.
Certain patio door handles come with the ability to lock the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that fits inside the handle's keyway. This type of patio door includes the inside and exterior locks within one unit. This kind of patio door is commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If the latch on your patio door isn't able to stay closed it could be because the lock tongue may not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the side jamb. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will tell 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 so that it is perfectly parallel with jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. patio doors glass replacement Repair My Windows And Doors can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and drafts to be able to enter your home, which could decrease energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and stop. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. This is a good option in order to keep your doors running at their best.
Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which can be an inconvenience or even a safety risk. In addition, it may prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door must be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and be sure to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when closing and opening.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to normal wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's an easy task you can do yourself. However, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you must seek out a professional.
It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing will remove dust and debris which can hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use an instrument specifically designed to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. Checking and tightening the hinges' screws can aid in re-alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a strong and long-lasting seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation issues, however, it can also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can replace or repair your patio door frame, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great to let the outside in and letting plenty of natural light, but they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle hard to get the door to move, or it isn't sliding as it did in the past, it could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll over. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to see if that helps.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers don't glide freely it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can find them at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to assist you in the removal and install the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get a good picture of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame, so experts can determine the exact model and the type you need. They can also look out for features that can be identified, such as dimples or bumps cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. It's a heavy door, so you may require help. Make sure there are screws securing the track to either side of the frame. If they are you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to fall 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.
Once the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to allow the door to move to the extent it requires.