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 outdoors. They offer a relaxing and easy transition. They can also save you money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air inside your home.
But over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their luster. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get into a puddle close to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain of last night has blown through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared it's not going to be a simple task in five minutes. 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 crucial to replace the weatherstripping which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills lower. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will let you know if the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open-cell foam are both inexpensive however, they are also known to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas with high traffic because it does not wear as fast.
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, unscrew the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the new to the appropriate length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
After that, you can reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is in the track and shuts correctly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will work for some time.
Handles and locks
Patio door handles and locks play an important role in the security of your home. As time passes, they may become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also require replacement.
To replace a patio door handle first, remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that hold it in 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 can interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure that it's working correctly. If you have any problems, consult the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It's also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism by using a silicone-based oil to avoid any future issues.
The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It's typically constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. Before you purchase a new mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. You will need to know the location of the mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors are equipped with a locking mechanism built into the handle. These handles feature the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed, it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the side jamb. Open the door an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will reveal if 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 until you can get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air into your home, which reduces the efficiency of your energy. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move again. This is a good option for those who want to keep your doors operating at their peak.
A damaged or ripped screen can be an issue. It can be an inconvenience or even an issue. In addition, it may hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, which can lead to loss of energy. In some cases the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and be sure not to turn the door handles the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Over time, hinges may become loose due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be fixed by regularly tightening screws. This is an easy task that can be done yourself, but if not confident doing it, consult a professional to ensure your doors are properly aligned and secure.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors on a regular basis. A simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. Inspecting and tightening the hinges' screws can aid in alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a solid and solid seal.
If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused by poor installation or simply by frequent usage. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for bringing the outside in and providing ample natural light, however 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 doesn't move as smoothly as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track can be clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. Clean double glazed patio door repairs and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to determine if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not moving freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They can be found at many hardware stores, however you'll need a friend to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a picture of the roller assembly installed within the frame to help the experts identify the exact model and type you require. They can also look out for features that can be identified, such as dimples or bumps or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down the replacement options.
When the rollers are replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door in its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is very heavy. Check to see if there are any screws holding the track on 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. If you have a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.
After the new rollers are installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it back into position. If the new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door clearance where it needs it.