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 with the outside. They offer a relaxing and easy transition. By keeping air inside your home, they could help you save money on cooling or heating costs.
However, over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their shine. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and working as new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you stumble into a puddle of water right in front of your sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain from last night ripped through the patio door seals. Buckle up it's not going to be a five-minute project. With a little patience, and a few simple tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and save your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping that seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests, and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will show you whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacing.
There are several types of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. patio doors repair near me and open-cell foam are inexpensive however, they are also known to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with the help of a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame, and then remove any adhesive remnants. Then, trim the replacement to the correct length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it with a putty knife to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly placed in the track. Then, apply caulk to the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping however, it will last for a time.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to ensure the security of your home. As time passes, they could become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior and exterior handles could also need to be changed.
To replace a handle on a patio door first, remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that are holding it in place. Once the old handle is removed using a level, make sure the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight, it can interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installing it to ensure that it's working correctly. If you experience any issues ask the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is a good idea to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is usually made of metal and sits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. The measurements you need to take include the location of the mounting holes and the location of the keyway within the lock.
Some patio door handles have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. These handles come with a rectangular key cylinder which can be inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one unit. This kind of patio door are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door doesn't stay latched the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the jamb's side. Try opening the door about 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to get it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts be able to enter your home, which could decrease energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and prevent. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly again. It is a good idea to apply this every so often to keep your doors in top operating condition.
Another common problem with patio doors is a damaged screen, which is an issue or even a safety hazard. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, clean it thoroughly and be sure not to turn the door handles the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Hinges can loosen over time due to frequent usage or normal wear. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's a simple job you can do yourself. If you're not confident doing it yourself, you must consult an expert.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors on a regular basis. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to correct the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a long-lasting seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are sagging or sagging. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes, however, it can also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be ideal for bringing the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they need some care to ensure that they're moving smoothly. If you find that you need to really push the handle to get the door to move, or isn't as easy to slide as it used to it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track may become clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to see if it helps.
If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely it's time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers that will suit your door and type of track you have. These can be purchased at most hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly within the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you require. You can also search for identifying features such as dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down your replacement options.
When the rollers are replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door into its frame. Get help with this one as the door is very heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws holding the track in position on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to slide into the channel that is on the top of the frame. If there is screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
When the new rollers are in place, carefully slide the door into the frame and swing it back into position. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.