10 Mistaken Answers To Common Patio Doors Repair Questions Do You Know The Correct Answers?
Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors provide a comfortable and comfortable transition between your home and outdoor space. They also help save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air inside your home.
Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and operating like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM when you step in a puddle right next to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain of last night has blown through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared it's not going to be a five-minute project. However, with a little patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and protect your dog from cold, wet feet as well.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills down. If you look at your windows and door, you can determine whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are a variety of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze and copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are both inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas that have high traffic because it does not wear out as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using the help of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, unscrew the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, then peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb using a putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated 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 a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping, however, it will last for a while.
Locks and Handles
Locks and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. Over time they can get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles can also need to be changed.
To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the previous one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. Once the old handle has been removed, use a level to make sure the door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't in a straight line, it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure it is working properly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware 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 usually made of metal and sits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. You will need to know the location of the mounting holes as well as the location within the keyway lock.
Certain patio door handles are equipped with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. The handles have a rectangular key cylinder which can be 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 kind of patio door is commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel to the side jamb. click this link should be opened one inch and then position it against the frame. This will reveal whether there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to make it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
In time, the rollers and tracks of the door may lose their alignment. This can cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air enter your home, which reduces the efficiency of your energy. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. This is a good idea if you want to keep your doors operating at their top performance.
A damaged or ripped screen can be a problem. It could be a hassle or an issue. It may also hinder the doors from closing and opening correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some cases the damaged screen can be replaced, however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you've got a damaged window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Over time, hinges can loosen due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. It's an easy task you can perform yourself. If you're not confident, it is best to seek out an expert.
It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing can take away dust and other debris that could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges may aid in re-alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a solid and durable seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors can be affected if the frames are warped or sliding. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could also be caused by poor installation or simply due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle hard to get the door to move or it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to, it could be the rollers. As time passes the lower track may be clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't moving freely, then it's time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers to suit your door and type of track you have. You can purchase them at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to assist you in removing and reinstall the rollers. Get a picture of the roller assembly installed in the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you require. You can also search for identifying features such as bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door into its frame. This is a very heavy door, and you might require assistance. Begin by making sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in the frame on either side of the frame and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel that is on the top of the frame. If there's screen doors, take it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.
After the new rollers are installed then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it back into position. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to allow the door to move to the extent it requires.