5 Laws Anyone Working In Patio Doors Repair Should Know
Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are a great option to connect your home to the outdoors. They provide a comfortable and easy transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they will help you save money on cooling or heating costs.
But with time your sliding glass or French doors may lose their shine. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you step into an emerald-colored pool of water right in front of the sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain from last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared and be prepared for this to be a quick fix. With a little patience and a few simple tools, you can fix it and prevent your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
It is important to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills lower. If you inspect your doors and windows you can determine whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.
There are several types of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are cheap however they can be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas that have high traffic because it will not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, trim the new to the correct length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly placed in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. upvc patio door repairs near me is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will last for a while.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors play an important role in the security of your home. As time passes, they could be damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a patio door handle, first remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that are holding it in place. After removing the handle, use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to make sure it's working correctly. If you experience any issues you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. It's recommended to grease the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to prevent future problems.
The most commonly used patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. Before you purchase a new mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. The measurements you need to take include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway within the lock.
Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles feature a rectangular key cylinder which can be inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched, it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door up to an inch and placing it against the frame to see whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or right side of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes over time, the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts into your home, reducing energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks can help your doors move again. This is a good idea if you want to keep your doors operating at their best.
A torn screen can also be an issue. It could be a hassle or a danger. Additionally, it could stop doors from closing and opening properly, which can lead to loss of energy. In some instances, the torn screen can be replaced but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and make sure not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when opening and closing.
Hinges can become looser over time due to frequent use or normal wear. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. This is an easy task that you can do by yourself, however if you're not confident doing it, you should consult an expert to make sure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris which can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or corrosion. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges can help with misalignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a secure and durable seal.
If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. 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 repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal for bringing the outside in while letting plenty of natural light, however they do require a bit of maintenance to keep them sliding smoothly. If you notice that you need to pull the handle to get your door to move, or it isn't as easy to slide 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 difficult for the rollers to roll over. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still aren't able to move freely it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They can be found at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Get a picture of the roller assembly installed within the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you need. You can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples, flared edges, and cut-outs which can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
Once the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. You may need assistance in this regard as the door is heavy. Check to see if there are screws securing the track on either side of frame. If there are check that they're loose enough for the bottom of door to drop into the channel that is above the frame. If you have a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.
When the new rollers have been installed, carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If the new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door a clearance in the areas it requires it.