Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are a great way to connect your home to the outside. They provide a comfortable and easy transition. By keeping air inside your home, they will help you save money on heating or cooling costs.
However, over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their appeal. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and operating as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM, and you end up into a puddle that is right close to your sliding patio door. You look around and realize that the rain of last night has blown through the patio door seals. Be prepared it's not going to be a five-minute project. With a little patience, and a few basic tools you can fix the problem and keep your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing moisture, pests, and drafts. It also keeps your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will show you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacing.
There are many types of weatherstripping to choose from, including felt and open-cell foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it holds up well and resists moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas with high traffic because it will not wear out as quickly.
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 using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping that was previously in place and take off any remaining adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, trim the replacement to the appropriate 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 is properly placed in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk on the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping however, it should last for a few days.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. Over time, they may be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also require replacement.
To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the old one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in place. After removing the old handle, use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. 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 make sure it works correctly. If you have any issues, you should consult the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid problems in the future it is a good idea also to lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually made of steel and fits in a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock it is important to measure. You will need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the location in the lock of the keyway.
Certain patio door handles come with an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the jamb on the side. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will tell you whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door until you can get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the rollers and tracks of the door may lose their alignment. This could cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and draughts to be able to enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. This is a great idea for those who want to keep your doors operating at their peak.
A torn screen can also be a problem. It could cause inconvenience or even an issue. In addition, it can prevent the doors from opening and closing correctly, which could lead to energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be repaired, however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you've damaged your window screen, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door the wrong way.
Over time, hinges can loosen due to normal wear and tear or use. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure your doors close tightly. This is a simple job that you can do yourself, but if not comfortable doing it, you should consult an expert to make sure your doors are securely aligned and secure.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to correct misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a lasting seal.
If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes, however, it can also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly so that it can function at its best.
Rollers
Sliding patio doors are great for bringing the outside in and providing ample natural light, however they do require a bit of maintenance to keep them sliding smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle to get the door to move, or it isn't sliding as it used to it could be due to the rollers. In time the lower track could become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can buy these at most hardware stores, but will need someone to assist you in removing and install the rollers. Before patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors purchase replacements, take a good picture of the roller assembly that is placed in the door frame so experts can identify the exact model and type you need. They can also search for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges that can narrow down the options for replacement.
When the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door into its frame. Get help on this one since the door is very heavy. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in the frame on either side of the frame and that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to drop into the channel that is on the top of the frame. If there's a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently slide the door into the frame. Swing it down to make sure it is secure. If the new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door clearance where it needs it.