Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are an excellent way to connect your home to the outdoors. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air within your home.
However, over time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their appeal. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning routine when you stumble into an emerald-colored pool of water right by your sliding patio doors. You look around and realize that the rain of last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. Buckle up it's not going to be a five-minute project. With a little patience, and a few simple tools you can fix the problem and prevent your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping that closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests, and moisture. This will also keep your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will let you know if the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacing.
There are many kinds of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as bronze or copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are not expensive, but they also 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 choice for areas that are heavily used since it won't deteriorate as quickly.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then using a flathead screwdriver unscrew the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, trim the new to the appropriate length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it with a putty knife to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly placed in the track. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should work for some time.
Locks and handles
Patio door handles and locks play a crucial role in the security of your home. As time passes, they may get worn or damaged and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, first remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. After you have removed the old handle, you can use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause issues later on.
After you have the new handle, close and open it several times to make sure it is working correctly. If you have any issues, you should consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid problems in the future it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually made of metal and sits inside a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are typically used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock it is important to measure. The measurements you need include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway in the lock.
Certain patio door handles come with an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits inside the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't able to stay closed it could be because the lock tongue may not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. The door should be opened one inch and then position it against the frame. This will reveal if there is a gap between the door 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 perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time over time, the tracks and rollers of the door may lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let cold air and draughts into your home, which reduces energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once more. It is a good idea to apply this every so often to keep your doors in good working order.
Another common problem with patio doors is a torn screen, which is an inconvenience or even a safety hazard. In addition, it may stop doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, clean it thoroughly and be sure to avoid turning the door handles the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Hinges can become looser as time passes due to heavy use or wear and tear. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's a simple job you can perform yourself. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you must seek out a professional.
It's recommended to regularly clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming can get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool to remove stubborn dirt or rust. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can aid in alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them completely to ensure a solid, long-lasting seal.
If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes but it can also occur from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's properly aligned and functioning optimally.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal to let the outside in and letting plenty of natural light, but they do require some maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you need to pull the handle hard to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it used to, it could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track can get clogged by dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely It's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can buy these at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to assist you in the removal and reinstall the rollers. Take a photo of the rollers installed in the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you require. They can also look for distinctive characteristics like dimples, bumps, cut-outs and flared edges which can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door in its frame. Get help in this regard as the door is heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't tilt and slide patio door repairs near me securing the track in place 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. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of track rollers, track and track.
Once the new rollers have been installed, carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.