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 home and outdoor space. By keeping air inside your home, they could save you cash on cooling or heating bills.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and working as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM, and you end up into a puddle that is right near your sliding patio door. You glance around and realize that the rain of last night came through the seals of your patio doors. This isn't going to be an easy project. But with a little patience and some tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet as well.
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 keep your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping in good condition or needs replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping to choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with high traffic because it won't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of the frame. Then, remove the old weatherstripping and remove any residual adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, trim the new to the correct length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should be able to last for a period of time.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for patio doors are important for the security of your home. Over time, they can be damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, first remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle is removed, use a level to make sure the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems later on.
After you have the new handle installed Close and open it a few times to ensure it works correctly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is a good idea to also lubricate the lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to take a few measurements before ordering a new one. The measurements you need to take include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway within the lock.
Certain patio door handles come with an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door has both the exterior and interior locks in one unit. This type of patio doors is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door isn't able to stay closed the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. The door should be opened one inch and then position it against the frame. This will show you 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 until you can get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts to be able to enter your home, which could decrease energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to correct and stop. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea regularly do this to ensure your doors are in good working order.
A torn screen can also be a problem. It could cause inconvenience or even risky. Additionally, it could stop doors from closing and opening correctly, which could lead to loss of energy. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, however in other instances, the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, wash it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when opening and closing.
Hinges can loosen over time due to frequent use or wear and tear. sliding patio door repair can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. It's an easy task you can do 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. Simple vacuuming or brushing will take away dust and other debris that could hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges may help with misalignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them all together to ensure a secure and durable seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes, but it could also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can replace or repair your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are a great way to bring the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some care to ensure they are 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. As time passes, the lower track can fill with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't sliding freely, it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They are available at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll require a companion to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Get a picture of the rollers installed in the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you require. They can also look out for identifying features such as bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced after which you'll have to put the sliding door back into its frame. Get help with this one as the door is heavy. Examine if there are any screws holding the track to either side of the frame. If so check that they're loose enough for the door's bottom to drop into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of the track, rollers and track.
When the new rollers are in then carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it into place. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door clearance where it needs it.