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 pleasant and easy transition. They also help save money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air inside your home.
But over time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their luster. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM when you step into a puddle that is right near your sliding patio door. You glance around and realize that last night's rain came through the patio door seals. Don't panic and be prepared for this to be a five-minute project. However, with a little patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet as well.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, keeping out the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping in good condition or requires replacing.
There are a variety of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze and copper. sliding patio door replacement has its pros and drawbacks. Felt and open cell foam are inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas that are heavily used because it won't wear out as easily.
To install 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, loosen the screws that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and remove any residual adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, trim the new to the proper length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk to the place where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should last for a while.
Handles and Locks
Patio door handles and locks are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time, they may become worn or damaged and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the exterior and interior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle for a patio door first remove the previous one by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. After removing the old handle, use a level and make sure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't in a straight line, it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installing it to ensure it's working correctly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer's instructions 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 popular type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is typically constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These types of locks are found on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. The measurements you need to take include the mounting hole locations and the location of the keyway within the lock.
Some handles for patio doors are equipped with a locking mechanism built 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 outside and inside locks are combined into one unit. This type of patio door is most often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch isn't fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. You can open the door for an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will show you if there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or the right of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel with jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and drafts to infiltrate your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can help your doors move again. It's a good idea to do this periodically to ensure your doors are in good working order.
A damaged screen could also be an issue. It could be an inconvenience or even risky. In addition, it may hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to loss of energy. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced, however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, clean it thoroughly and make sure to avoid turning the door handles the wrong way when closing and opening.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or excessive usage. Regularly tightening screws can help correct this issue and ensure that your doors close securely. It's a simple task that you can do yourself. If you're not sure with the task, you should seek out an expert.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming can get rid of dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool for stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a long-lasting seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected if the frames are warped or sagging. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes but it can also occur due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you notice that you need to really pull the handle to get the door to move, or it just doesn't slide as easily as it did in the past, the culprit may be the rollers. Over time the lower track can fill with dirt, sand, and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still not moving freely, it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can find them at most hardware shops however you will need someone to help you remove and install the rollers. Take a picture of the rollers installed in the frame to assist the experts identify the exact type and model you require. They can also search for specific characteristics like dimples, bumps, flared edges, and cut-outs that could narrow your replacement options.
After replacing the rollers, you'll need to put the sliding door in its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might require help. 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 door's bottom to slide down into the channel that is on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's clear of the track, rollers and track.
After installing the new rollers, gently insert the door into the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to make sure it is secure. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to allow the door to move where it needs it.