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 offer a pleasant and convenient transition. By keeping air inside your home, they can save you cash on cooling or heating bills.
However, over time your sliding glass or French doors could lose their appeal. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning routine when you step into the puddle of water by your sliding patio doors. You look around and see that last night's rain blew in through the patio door seals. This isn't going to be an easy project. With a little patience and a few basic tools you can fix the problem and save your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between the door and jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills lower. If you look at your doors and windows you can tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good choice for areas with high traffic because it will not wear as fast.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of the frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping from the previous frame and scrape any adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the new to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.
After that, you can reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws until the door is positioned in the track and closes properly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding door and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should be able to last for a period of time.
patio door glass replacement and Locks
Locks and handles for patio doors play an important role in the security of your home. As time passes, they could become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles can also be replaced.
To replace a patio door handle first, remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure that it is working properly. If you have any problems, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It is also a good idea to keep the lock mechanism lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant to avoid future issues.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually made of steel and fits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. You'll need to know the location of mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock.
Certain patio door handles are equipped with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. The handles have the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door has both the exterior and interior locks in one piece. This type of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked 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 side jamb. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will reveal whether there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door to get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes, the rollers and tracks of the door could lose their alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This could also allow drafts and cold air into your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to fix and stop. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide smoothly once again. This is a great idea in order to ensure that your doors are operating at their peak.
Another common problem with patio doors is a ripped screen, which is an issue or even a security risk. In addition, it can hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Hinges can become looser over time due to heavy use or wear and tear. This can be corrected by tightening screws frequently. It's a simple task that you can tackle on your own. If you're not confident, it is best to consult a professional.
It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. A simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove tough dirt or rust. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a long-lasting seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors could be affected if the frames are warped or sagging. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could be caused by poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be a great way to bring the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they require some maintenance to ensure they are running smoothly. If you need to pull the handle hard to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it used to it could be due to the rollers. In time the lower track could become clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely It's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can buy these at most hardware shops, but will need someone to assist you in removing and reinstall the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact model and type you require. They can also look for distinctive characteristics like dimples, bumps, flared edges and cut-outs that can narrow down replacement options.
Once the rollers are replaced after which you'll have to put the sliding door back into its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might require assistance. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in place on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel that is on the top of the frame. If there's a screen door, take it from the opening and ensure that it is free of the track and rollers.
Once the new rollers are in then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.