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. They can also save you money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air inside your home.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM, and you end up into a puddle that is right near your sliding patio door. You look around and see that last night's rain came through the seals of your patio doors. Buckle up and be prepared for this to be a simple task in five minutes. With a bit of patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and save your dog from cold, wet feet in the process.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests 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 many types of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as bronze or copper. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Open-cell foam and felt are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas with high traffic because it will not wear out as fast.
To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that secure the weatherstripping on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and clean any adhesive remnants. Then, trim the new to the proper length, then peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
When you're done, reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door is in the track and is closed correctly. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and where the edge of the panel is the frame. click for info is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will work for some time.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for patio doors play a crucial role in the security of your home. Over time they can become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior and exterior handles can also need to be changed.
To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first by taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After you have removed the old handle, you can use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
After you have the new handle Close and then open it several times to make sure it functions properly. If you have any problems ask the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid problems in the future, it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It's usually made of steel and sits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. The measurements you require include the location of the mounting holes and the location of the keyway within the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have the ability to lock the handle. These handles feature an elongated key cylinder that is inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't fixed, it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. You can open the door for by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will tell you whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, adjust the rollers at the bottom left or right side of the patio until it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
In time over time, the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and draughts to infiltrate your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and avoid. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can help your doors move again. It's a good idea to regularly do this to keep your doors in top operating condition.
A damaged screen could also be a problem. It could cause inconvenience or even a danger. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door has to be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can become looser over time due to heavy use or wear and tear. Regularly tightening screws can help correct this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. This is a simple task which you can perform by yourself, however if you're not confident doing it, you should consult an expert to make sure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors on a regular basis. Simple brushing or vacuuming will take away dust and other debris that could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the hinges' screws can aid in re-alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a solid, solid seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused by poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal to let the outside in while letting plenty of light, however they do require some maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle hard to get the door to move or it doesn't slide like it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to see if that helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. They can be found at many hardware stores, however you'll need a friend to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an image of the roller assembly placed within the door frame so that experts can determine the exact model and type you need. They can also search for identifying characteristics such as dimples, bumps, cut-outs and flared edges which can narrow down replacement options.
After the rollers have been replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door in its frame. You may need assistance on this one since the door is quite heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws that hold 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 drop into the channel that is on the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of the track, rollers and track.
Once the new rollers are installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it back into position. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.