10 Wrong Answers To Common Patio Doors Repair Questions Do You Know The Right Answers?
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 with the outside. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. By keeping the air in your home, they will save you money on heating or cooling bills.
But over time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their luster. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and operating as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM, and you end up in a puddle right near your sliding patio door. You turn around to see that the rain from last night has blown through the patio door seals. Buckle up, this isn't going to be a simple task in five minutes. 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 in the process.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between the door and jamb, preventing moisture, pests, and drafts. This will also keep your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping in good condition or needs replacement.
There are a variety of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Open cell foam and felt are both inexpensive however they can be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it holds up well and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas that have high traffic because it will not wear out as fast.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then using a flathead screwdriver unscrew 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, trim the new to the correct length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
After you're done, put back the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door is positioned in the track and is closed correctly. Apply waterproof caulk to the area 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 weatherstripping but should work for some time.
Locks and Handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. Over time, they may get damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door first, remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. After the handle has been removed using a level, ensure that the door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't in a straight line, it can interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure it's working correctly. If you have any problems you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most commonly used patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits in a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These types of locks are used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. The measurements you need include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway in the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. These handles come with a rectangular key cylinder which fits into 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 often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't latched it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't fully parallel to the side jamb. Try opening the door for about an inch and spotting it against the frame to determine if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to make it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes over time, the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This can cause the door to stick or become 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. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and stop. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly once more. It's a good idea regularly do this to keep your doors in top operating condition.
Another common issue with patio doors is a damaged screen, which could be a nuisance or even a safety hazard. It can also prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be repaired, however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and be sure to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening.
Over time, hinges can become loose due to normal wear and tear or use. This can be fixed by regularly tightening screws. It's a simple task that you can do yourself. However, if you are not comfortable, it is best to consult a professional.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges may aid in alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a solid and durable seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are sagging or warped, this can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation issues, but it could also result from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for letting the outside in and letting plenty of light, but they require some attention to keep them sliding smoothly. If you notice that you need to push the handle to get the door to move, or isn't as easy to slide as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track can fill with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't moving freely, then it is time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers that will fit your door and the kind of track you have. These can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before patio door glass replacement cost Repair My Windows And Doors , get an image of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame, so experts can identify the exact model and the type you require. You can also search for specific features like dimples or bumps or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down the alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you will need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might require help. Make sure there are screws securing the track on either side of frame. If there are you must ensure that they are loose enough for the door's bottom to slide into the channel above the frame. If there is a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure it's free of track and rollers.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently slide the door in the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to ensure it is secured. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.