The 3 Largest Disasters In Patio Doors Repair History
Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your home and outdoor space. By keeping the air in your home, they can save you money on cooling or heating costs.
Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into the puddle of water near the sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain of last night has blown through the patio door seals. Be prepared it's not going to be a five-minute project. With a little patience, and a few basic tools, you can fix it and save your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests, and moisture. It also keeps your energy costs down. If you check your windows and door, you can tell whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam and vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it will not wear out as fast.
To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping that was previously in place and remove any residual adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, trim the new to the proper 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 it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk to the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping but it should work for a few days.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time, they may become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first, unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. After removing the old handle, use a level and make sure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to make sure it is working properly. If you have any issues, consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a hardware specialist for assistance. It is recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid future issues.
The most common door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is usually made of metal and sits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are found on aluminum sliding and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is essential to take a few measurements before ordering a new one. It is essential to know the location of mounting holes as well as the location within the lock of the keyway.
Some handles for patio doors have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. These handles come with an elongated key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door comes with the exterior and interior locks in one unit. This kind of patio door is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay locked it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. Try opening the door up to an inch and placing 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 lower left or right side of the patio door to get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
In time over time, the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts be able to enter your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide again. This is a good option for those who want to ensure that your doors are operating at their peak.
Another common issue with patio doors is a damaged screen, which is an issue or even a safety risk. Additionally, it could hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to loss of energy. In some cases, the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door must be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Hinges can loosen over time due to frequent use or wear and tear. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. This is a simple job which you can perform yourself, but if you're not confident doing it, consult a professional to ensure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. Simple brushing or vacuuming will take away dust and other debris that could hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove tough dirt or corrosion. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a durable seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors could be affected if the frames are warped or sliding. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes but it could also result from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and make sure 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 ample natural light, however they do require some maintenance to keep them sliding smoothly. If you notice that you have to really pull the handle to get your door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll across. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to determine if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not moving freely, then it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk 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. Before ordering replacements, get a good picture of the roller assembly that is installed in the door frame so experts can determine the exact model and type you need. You can also search for specific features like dimples or bumps or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door in its frame. Get some help on this one since the door is heavy. Check to see if there are any screws holding the track on either side of frame. If there are check that they're loose enough to allow the bottom of door to drop into the channel above the frame. If there's screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure it's free of track and rollers.
Once the new rollers are installed, carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If your new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door a clearance in the areas it requires it.