How To Outsmart Your Boss On 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 way to connect your home to the outside. They offer a relaxing and convenient transition. They can also help you save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air within your home.
Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door can fade. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM, and you end up into a puddle close to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain from last night ripped through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be an easy project. With a little patience and a few basic tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and keep your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
It is important to replace the weatherstripping that closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests, and moisture. It also helps keep your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will show you whether the weatherstripping in good condition or requires replacing.
There are a variety of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze and copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with the aid of a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver, unscrew the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping that was previously in place and scrape any adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, trim the replacement 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 seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping but should be able to last for a period of time.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they may be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior and exterior handles could also be replaced.
To replace a handle for a patio door first remove the previous handle by removing any screws that are holding it in place. After removing the old handle, use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door is not straight it could hinder the lock and cause problems later on.
Once you have the new handle, close and open it a few times to ensure it functions correctly. If you encounter any issues, check the manufacturer's instructions or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It is also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism by using a silicone-based oil to avoid any future issues.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is typically constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. The measurements you need to take include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway within the lock.
Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted inside 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 staying latched, it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the jamb's side. You can open the door for one inch and then position it against the frame. This will reveal the gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door to get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and draughts to be able to enter your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move again. It is a good idea to do this periodically to keep your doors in good working order.
A torn screen can also be an issue. It can be an inconvenience or even an issue. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing properly, causing 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've damaged your window screen, be sure to clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can loosen over time due to heavy use or normal wear. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's a simple job you can do yourself. However, if you're not confident with the task, you should consult an expert.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. 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, long-lasting seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. 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 make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and let in lots of light, but they need some attention to ensure that they're moving smoothly. If you find that you have to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or if it just doesn't slide as easily as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll across. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to see if that helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely it's time to replace the tracks. There is a variety of replacement rollers available to match your door and the type of track you have. They can be found at most hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Get a picture of the rollers installed in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact type and model you require. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can also look for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples and cut-outs and flared edges which can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
When the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door in its frame. Get help on this one since the door is very heavy. Examine if there are any screws holding the track to either side of the frame. If so you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of door to fall into the channel above the frame. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and ensure that it is free of the track and rollers.
When the new rollers are in, carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it down into place. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door a clearance where it needs it.