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 outdoors. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. They can also save you money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air inside your home.
But with time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their shine. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and working as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get into a puddle that is right near your sliding patio door. You glance around and realize that the rain from last night blew in through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be an easy project. However, with a little patience and a few tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet as well.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and jamb, which prevents drafts, pests and moisture. This will also keep your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will show you whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze or copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are not expensive however they tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas that have high traffic because it does 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, with a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and scrape any adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the new to the proper length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it with a putty knife to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly seated in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, but it should work for a few days.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. Over time, they can be damaged or worn out and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace a patio door handle first, remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that are holding it in place. Once the old 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 in a straight line, it could interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to make sure it's working correctly. If you experience any issues, check the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware specialist for assistance. It's recommended to lubricate 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 usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. When replacing a mortise lock, it is essential to measure a few things before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you need to take include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the location of the keyway inside the lock.
Certain patio door handles come with an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. The handles have an elongated key cylinder that is inserted into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the inside and exterior locks in one piece. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel with the jamb's side. Try opening the door for about an inch and spotting it against the frame to determine if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers at the bottom left or the right of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the rollers and tracks of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This could also allow drafts and cold air into your home, which reduces energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. This is a good option for those who want to keep your doors operating at their best.
Another common problem with patio doors is a damaged screen, which could be a nuisance or even a safety risk. It can also prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door must be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Also, patio door lock repair Repair My Windows And Doors turn the handles of the door the wrong way.
Hinges can become looser over time due to heavy use or normal wear. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. It's a simple job you can perform yourself. However, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you must seek out an expert.
It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dirt and dust that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a specific tool to clean away rust or dirt that has accumulated. 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 durable seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes, but it can also occur from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for letting the outside in while letting plenty of light, however they do require some maintenance to keep them sliding smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move, or it isn't sliding as it did in the past, it could be the rollers. Over time the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't sliding freely, it's time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers to fit your door and the type of track you have. They are available at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Get a picture of the roller assembly installed in 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 bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down the replacement options.
After replacing the rollers you will need to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is heavy. Begin by making sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in the frame on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel that is on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of track tracks, rollers and track.
When the new rollers are in then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it into place. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.