Its History Of Patio Doors Repair
Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are an excellent way to connect your home with the outside. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. They can also save you money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air inside your home.
Over time, the shine of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and functioning like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you step into the puddle of water near your sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain of last night ripped through the patio door seals. This is not going to be an easy project. However, with patio door repairs Repair My Windows And Doors and some tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet as well.
It is important to replace the weatherstripping, which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills lower. If you inspect your windows and door, you will be able to tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are many kinds of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze or copper. Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. Felt and open-cell foam are inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it holds up well and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic since it won't deteriorate as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, then peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb with the putty knife.
When you're done, reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws so that the door sits in the track and shuts correctly. Then, apply caulk to the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a time.
Locks and handles
Patio door handles and locks play a crucial role in the security of your home. Over time, they can get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also be replaced.
To replace a patio door handle first, remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle has been removed then use a level to make sure the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it could interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to make sure it's functioning properly. If you have any issues, you should consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It's usually made of steel and fits in a pocket cut into the door frame. They are usually used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is essential to measure a few things before ordering a new one. It is essential to be aware of the location of the mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors have a locking mechanism built into the handle. These handles come with a rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the exterior and interior locks within one unit. This kind of patio door are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying latched it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't fully parallel to the side jamb. Try opening the door for about 1 inch and then 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 perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
In time over time, the tracks and rollers of the door may lose their alignment. This can cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air enter your home, reducing the efficiency of your energy. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to correct and stop. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly again. This is a great idea in order to keep your doors running at their top performance.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a damaged screen, which can be an inconvenience or even a security risk. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door must be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Over time, hinges will loosen due to normal wear and tear or use. Regularly tightening screws can help correct this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. This is a simple task that can be done yourself, but if you're not confident doing it, seek out an expert to ensure that your doors are securely aligned and secure.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. A simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. Checking and tightening the hinges' screws can help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a solid, long-lasting seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes, but it could also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly, allowing it to perform at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal for letting the outside in and letting plenty of natural light, but they require some attention to ensure they slide smoothly. If you find that you need to yank on the handle to get the door to move, or it isn't as easy to slide as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track can fill with dirt, sand and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to roll over. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not sliding freely, it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can purchase them at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to assist you in removing and replace 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. They can also look for specific features like bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down the alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. You may need assistance on this one since the door is quite heavy. Start by checking 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 drop into the channel on the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of the track rollers, track and track.
When the new rollers are installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it into place. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.