20 Myths About Patio Doors Repair: Debunked
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 home and outdoor space. By keeping the air in your home, they will save you money on cooling or heating bills.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning routine when you stumble into the puddle of water by your sliding patio doors. You turn around to see that the rain of last night has blown through the patio door seals. Don't panic it's not going to be a quick fix. But with a little patience and a few tools, you can fix this and protect your dog from wet, cold feet as well.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also keep your energy costs down. If you check your doors and windows, you can tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are a variety of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze and copper. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for high-traffic areas since it won't deteriorate as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb using a putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping however, it will last for a while.
Locks and handles
Patio door handles and locks are essential to the security of your home. Over time they can become damaged or worn and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the old one first by unscrewing any screws holding 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 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 effectively. If you encounter any issues you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To avoid future issues it is recommended to also lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. When replacing a mortise lock it is essential to take a few measurements before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you require include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Some patio door handles come with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. These handles come with the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one unit. This type of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't able to stay closed the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door for about an inch and spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door until you can get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
In time, the rollers and tracks of the door may lose their alignment. This could cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts infiltrate your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks can allow your doors to glide again. It is a good idea to regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in good working order.
Another common problem with patio doors is a damaged screen, which is a nuisance or even a security risk. Additionally, it could prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to loss of energy. In some instances, the screen can be repaired, but in other cases the door has to be replaced. If you've got a damaged window screen, be sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door the wrong way.
Hinges may loosen over time due to frequent usage or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in resolving this issue and ensure your doors shut tightly. This is a simple job which you can perform by yourself, however if you're not sure about it, seek out an expert to ensure that your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. A simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove stubborn dirt or rust. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors 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 long-lasting seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors can be affected if the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could also be caused by poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's properly aligned, allowing it to perform optimally.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outdoors in and let in lots of light, but they need some attention to ensure that they're moving smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle hard to get the door to move or it doesn't slide like it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. In time the lower track could become clogged with dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. 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 sliding freely, it is time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers that will match your door and the kind of track you have. These can be purchased at most hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take a good picture of the roller assembly placed in the door frame so experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. They can also look for identifying features such as dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down your replacement options.
Once the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. It's a heavy door, and you might require assistance. Start by examining to make 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 down into the channel that is on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of track, rollers and track.
Once the new rollers are installed, carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.
