10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden Which Will Aid You In Obtaining Patio Doors Repair
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 relaxing and convenient transition. They can also save you money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air within your home.
But with time your sliding glass or French doors may lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into a puddle of water right near the sliding patio doors. You look around and see that last night's rain came through the seals of your patio doors. Don't panic and be prepared for this to be a five-minute project. With a little patience, and a few basic tools you can fix the problem and save your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and jamb, keeping out the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills low. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping in good condition or needs replacement.
There are a variety of weatherstripping that you can choose from, including felt and open-cell foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are both inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it will not wear out as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using the aid of a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping that was previously in place and remove any residual adhesive from the bottom of the frame. 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.
After that, you can reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws until the door is in the track and is closed properly. Apply waterproof caulk to the place where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping but it should work for a few days.
Locks and Handles
Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they could become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior handles and the exterior handles may also be replaced.
To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the old one first, dislodging any screws that held it in the place. After removing the handle, use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems later on.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to make sure it's functioning properly. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To prevent future problems it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It's usually made of steel and fits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These locks are used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is essential to take a few measurements prior to ordering a new one. You will need to know the location of the mounting holes and the location in the lock of the keyway.
Some handles for patio doors have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder which fits inside the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This type of patio door is often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch does not stay locked it could be because the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the side jamb. Open the door by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will show you if there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right side of the patio so that it is exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
In time, the rollers and tracks of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let cold air and draughts into your home, reducing energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to fix and prevent. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will make your doors glide smoothly again. It's a good idea regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in peak operating condition.
Repair My Windows And Doors that is common to patio doors is a torn screen, which can be a nuisance or even a safety hazard. In addition, it may stop doors from closing and opening properly, leading to loss of energy. In some cases the screen can be repaired, however in other instances, the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Over time, hinges can loosen due to normal wear and tear or use. Regularly tightening screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. This is a simple task that can be done yourself, but if not comfortable doing it, seek out an expert to ensure that your doors are securely aligned and secure.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. Simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris which can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool to remove stubborn dirt or corrosion. It is possible to correct any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors could be affected if the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could be caused by poor installation or simply due to frequent use. A professional can replace or repair the frame of your patio door, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
Sliding patio doors are great for bringing the outside in and providing plenty of light, however they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you notice that you need to really pull the handle to get your door to move, or it just doesn't slide as easily as it used to it could be due to the rollers. As time passes, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll over. 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 them. There is a variety of replacement rollers that will match your door and the kind of track you have. You can buy these at most hardware stores however, you will require someone to help you remove and install the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an accurate picture of the roller assembly that is mounted in the door frame, so the experts can identify the exact model and the type you require. They can also look out for identifying features such as dimples or bumps or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down the replacement options.
After replacing the rollers, you'll have to reinstall the sliding door in its frame. This is a very heavy door, and you might require assistance. Begin by making 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 into the channel 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 have been installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it back into position. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.