Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors can provide a convenient and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. By keeping air inside your home, they could help you save cash on cooling or heating costs.
But over time your sliding glass or French doors may lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning jog when you step into an emerald-colored pool of water right by your sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that the rain from last night was able to get through the patio door seals. This isn't going to be an easy task. With a little patience, and a few tools, you can fix it and keep your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between your door and jamb, keeping out the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also help keep your energy costs down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know if the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacing.
There are a variety of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze and copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it won't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb with a putty knife.
Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly placed in the track. Then, 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 not a more secure seal than weatherstripping but should last for a while.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for patio doors are important for the security of your home. Over time, they can become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior handles and the exterior handles may also be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door first remove the previous one by unscrewing any screws that are holding it in place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the patio door is straight. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues in the future.
Once you have the new handle installed Close and open it several times to make sure it functions correctly. If you encounter any issues ask the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most common patio door lock is the mortise latch. It's usually made of steel and sits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock it is important to measure. The measurements you need to take include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the location of the keyway within the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. These handles feature a rectangular key cylinder which is 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 type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the side jamb. Try opening the door for about 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, reposition the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio so that it is exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let cold air and draughts into your home, which reduces the efficiency of your energy. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once more. It's a good idea to regularly do this to keep your doors in good working order.
A torn screen can also be an issue. It can be a hassle or a danger. In addition, it can hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some cases, the torn screen can be replaced but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and make sure to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. It's a simple job you can perform yourself. However, if you're not sure doing it yourself, you must consult a professional.
It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dust and debris which can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges may help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a solid, solid seal.
If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped, this 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 repeated 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
Patio doors that slide open are ideal for bringing the outside in and providing ample natural light, however they do require some attention to ensure they slide smoothly. If you notice that you need to yank on the handle to get the door to move, or it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past, the culprit may be the rollers. As time passes the lower track could get clogged by dirt, dirt, and sand. 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 have been cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely It's time to replace the tracks. There are many replacement rollers that will suit your door and 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. Take a picture of the roller assembly installed in the frame to help the experts determine the exact model and type you need. sliding glass patio door repair can also search for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges and cut-outs that can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door in its frame. This is a very 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 bottom of the door to slide down into the channel that is on the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is clear of the track rollers, track and track.
When the new rollers are installed then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.