5 Laws Anyone Working In Patio Doors Repair Should Be Aware Of
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 indoor and outdoor space. By keeping the air inside your home, they will help you save cash on cooling or heating costs.
But with time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM when you step into a puddle that is right near your sliding patio door. You glance around and realize that the rain of last night was able to get through the patio door seals. This isn't going to be a simple task. However, with a little patience and some tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and jamb, preventing drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy costs down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will tell you if the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacement.
There are a variety of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze and copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it is durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas that have heavy traffic since it will not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, then peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly placed in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk to the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping but it should work for a time.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are crucial to the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first, dislodging any screws that held it in the place. After removing the handle, you can use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door is not straight it could hinder the lock and cause problems later on.
Close and open the handle several times after installing it to ensure that it is working properly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer's instructions or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It is recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid future issues.
The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are typically used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it's important to measure a few things before ordering a new one. It is essential to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the position in the keyway lock.
Certain patio door handles come with an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that fits in 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 aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying fixed it could be because the lock tongue isn't getting the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't fully parallel to the jamb's side. Try opening the door for about an inch and spotting it against the frame to see if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers to the bottom left or the right side of the patio until it is perfectly parallel with jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts to infiltrate your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can help your doors move again. This is a good option in order to keep your doors operating at their top performance.
A torn screen can also be an issue. It could be an inconvenience or even an issue. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door must be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges may loosen as time passes due to heavy usage or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. This is a simple task that you can do by yourself, however if you're not confident doing it, you should consult a professional to ensure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming can get rid of dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use an instrument specifically designed to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges may help with misalignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a strong 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 changes, but it can also occur from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for bringing the outside in and providing ample natural light, however they do require some attention to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you notice that you have to really yank on the handle to get the door to move, or just doesn't slide as easily as it did in the past then the problem could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to roll over. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers aren't able to move freely, it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. These can be purchased at most hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an accurate picture of the roller assembly installed in the door frame, so experts can determine the exact model and type you need. patio doors repair near me can also look out for features that can be identified, such as dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down replacement options.
After replacing the rollers, you will need to reinstall the sliding door in its frame. It's a heavy door, so you may need some help. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in position on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide down into the channel on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of the track tracks, rollers and track.
After installing the new rollers, gently place the door into the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to ensure it is secured. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.