Patio Doors Repair: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
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. They can also save you money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air within your home.
But with time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their luster. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you step into the puddle of water in front of the sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that the rain from last night was able to get through the seals on your patio doors. This won't be an easy task. However, with a little patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and save your dog from cold, wet feet in the process.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. If you check your doors and windows you will be able to tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are several types of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. patio door repairs near me with open cells and felt are cheap, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it holds up well and resists moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, then peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb using a putty knife.
When you're done, reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws until the door is positioned in the track and closes correctly. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping, but it should work for a time.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are important for the security of your home. Over time, they may become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior handles and the exterior handles may also require replacement.
To replace a handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by taking off any screws that hold it in place. After you have removed the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause issues in the future.
After you have the new handle, close and open it several times to make sure it functions effectively. If you have any problems you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It's recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant to avoid any future issues.
The most common door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is usually made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. It is essential to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the position in the lock of the keyway.
Certain patio door handles have a locking mechanism built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder which fits in the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one unit. This type of patio doors is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door isn't able to stay closed it could be because the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the side jamb. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will tell you whether there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door to get it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time over time, the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts to infiltrate your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once again. This is a great idea for those who want to keep your doors running at their peak.
A damaged or ripped screen can be a problem. It can cause inconvenience or even risky. Additionally, it could prevent the doors from closing and opening correctly, which could lead to energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, wash it thoroughly and be sure not to turn the door handles the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening the screws will help correct this issue and ensure your doors shut tightly. It's a simple task that you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not confident, it is best to consult an expert.
It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. Checking and tightening the hinges' screws can help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a strong and solid seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are sagging or warped, this can affect their alignment and performance. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can also be caused by poor installation or simply due to frequent use. A professional can replace or repair your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they need some attention to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you find that you need to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it used to then the problem could be the rollers. As time passes the lower track may be clogged with dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers not moving freely it's time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers that will match your door and the type of track you have. You can find them at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to assist you in removing and replace the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an image of the roller assembly that is placed within the door frame so that experts can determine the exact model and the type you require. You can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples and cut-outs and flared edges that could narrow your alternatives for replacement.
When the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. It's a heavy door, so you may require help. Begin by making sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in place 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 the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of track tracks, rollers and track.
After the new rollers are 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 has enough clearance.