7 Simple Changes That'll Make The Difference With Your Patio Doors Repair
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 with the outdoors. They offer a relaxing and convenient transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they can save you money on heating or cooling bills.
But with time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their luster. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and functioning like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you stumble into a puddle of water right near your sliding patio doors. You look around and realize that the rain of last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. This isn't going to be an easy task. However, with a little patience and a few tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and jamb, preventing drafts, pests and moisture. It also keeps your energy costs down. If you inspect your doors and windows, you will be able to tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
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 bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are not expensive however, they are also known to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas that have high traffic because it does not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver unscrew the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the old weatherstripping and scrape any adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb using a putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure it sits properly in the track. Then, apply caulk to the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a few days.
Locks and Handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are crucial to the security of your home. Over time, they can become damaged or worn and need to be replaced. The spindle connecting the interior and exterior handles could also require replacement.
To replace a handle on the patio door, take out the old one first, dislodging any screws that held it in the place. After removing the old handle, use a level and make sure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installing it to ensure it's functioning properly. If you have any issues, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware specialist for assistance. It is also a good idea to keep the lock mechanism lubricated by using a silicone-based oil to avoid any future issues.
The most common patio door lock is the mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and sits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are typically used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock it is important to measure. The measurements you require include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway in the lock.
Some patio door handles have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have an elongated key cylinder that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the exterior and inside locks in one piece. This kind of patio door is often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If the latch on your patio door doesn't stay latched it could be because the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will tell you whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door to make it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts to be able to enter your home, which can decrease energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to correct and prevent. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to move smoothly once more. It's a good idea to regularly do this to keep your doors in good working order.
A torn screen can also be an issue. It can cause inconvenience or even an issue. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced however, in some cases it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you have a torn window screen, be sure you clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to normal wear and tear or excessive usage. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure your doors close tightly. It's a simple task that you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not sure with the task, you should consult an expert.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing can take away dust and other debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool for stubborn dirt or rust. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges may aid in re-alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a solid and long-lasting seal.
If patio door repairs near me for your patio doors are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation issues, however, it can also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning optimally.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for letting the outside in while letting ample natural light, but they do require some maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move, or it doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past, it could be the rollers. In time the lower track could become clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then 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 help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an accurate picture of the roller assembly placed in the door frame so experts can identify the specific model and type you require. They can also look for identifying features such as dimples or bumps cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
Once the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door into its frame. You may need assistance with this one as the door is quite heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws holding 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 on the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's free of the track, rollers and track.
After the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and then swing it into place. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance where it needs it.