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 outdoor and indoor space. By keeping the air inside your home, they can save you cash on cooling or heating costs.
However, over time, your sliding glass patio door repair or French doors may lose their luster. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
You’re walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get into a puddle near your sliding patio door. You look around and see that the rain from last night was able to get through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared, this isn’t going to be a simple task in five minutes. With a little patience and a few tools you can fix the problem and keep your dog’s feet from becoming cold and wet.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests, and moisture. This will also keep your energy costs down. If you check your windows and door, you can determine if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are a variety of weatherstripping to choose from, including felt and open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like copper or bronze. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are cheap however they can be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas that have heavy traffic since it will not wear out as quickly.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwdriver remove 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 clean any adhesive residue. Then, trim the replacement to the correct length, then peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it with a putty knife to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding glass patio door repair door and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a few days.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they may become damaged or worn and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, remove the old one first by dislodging any screws that held it in the place. After the handle has been removed then use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn’t straight it could interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure that it’s working correctly. If you encounter any issues ask the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. It is also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to prevent future problems.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits in a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood patio door repair. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to measure. You’ll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors have a locking mechanism built into the handle. These handles feature an elongated key cylinder that can be inserted into the handle’s keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one unit. This kind of patio door is commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch doesn’t stay fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn’t getting the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel with the jamb’s side. Try opening the door up to an inch and placing it against the frame to determine whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or the right side of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
In time the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, which reduces energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to move smoothly once again. This is a good option in order to ensure that your doors are operating at their top performance.
A torn screen can also be a problem. It could be a hassle or a danger. It can also prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired, but in other cases the door has to be replaced. If you’re experiencing a tear in your screen, clean it thoroughly and make sure not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. It’s an easy task you can perform yourself. If you’re not sure doing it yourself, you must consult an expert.
It’s also a good idea to clean your patio doors’ tracks and rollers. Simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that can hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool for tough dirt or corrosion. It is possible to fix any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a durable seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors can be affected when the frames are sagging or sagging. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can also be caused by poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it’s properly aligned so that it can function at its peak.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal for bringing the outside in and providing plenty of natural light, but they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you need to pull the handle 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 difficult for the rollers to move over. You can clean it 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 able to move freely It’s time to replace the tracks. There is a variety of replacement rollers to match your door and the type of track you have. You can buy these at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to assist you in removing and install the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly installed within the frame to help the experts identify the exact model and type you require. They can also look for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down replacement options.
After replacing the rollers, you’ll need to put the sliding door back into its frame. Get help on this one since the door is very heavy. Examine if there are any screws holding the track on either side of the frame. If there are, make sure they are loose enough for the door’s bottom to fall into the channel that is above the frame. If there’s a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it’s clear of the track and rollers.
After installing the new rollers, gently place the door into the frame. Swing it down to secure it. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.