"The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Patio Doors Repair
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 outdoor and indoor space. By keeping air inside your home, they will help you save money on cooling or heating costs.
But over time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their appeal. 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 constitutional when you step into a puddle of water right by the sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that the rain of last night came through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared it's not going to be a five-minute project. With a bit of patience and a few tools you can fix the problem and keep your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and jamb, keeping out the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also keeps your energy costs down. If you inspect your windows and door, you can determine whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from, including felt and open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, then peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb using the putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk to the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will last for a while.
Handles and Locks
Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace a patio door handle first, remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place. After removing the handle, use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it can interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure it's functioning properly. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It's also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism by using a silicone-based oil to prevent future problems.
replacement glass for patio doors www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These locks are used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to measure a few things before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you need include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway within the lock.
Certain patio door handles come with an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles feature the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb's side. Try opening the door about an inch and spotting it against the frame to see if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or the right of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts infiltrate your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move smoothly again. It's a good idea to apply this every so often to ensure that your doors are in peak operating condition.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a torn screen, which can be an issue or even a safety hazard. Additionally, it could prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to loss of energy. In some cases, the torn screen can be repaired, however, in some cases it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a torn screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and be sure to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening.
Hinges can loosen over time due to heavy usage or normal wear. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. This is a simple job that can be done yourself, but if not sure about it, you should consult a professional to ensure your doors are securely aligned and secure.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. Simple brushing or vacuuming will take away dust and other debris that can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also employ a specific tool to clean away rust or dirt that has accumulated. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges may aid in re-alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them completely to ensure a solid and long-lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors could be affected when the frames are warped or sliding. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes, but it could also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great to let the outside in while letting plenty of light, but they require a bit of maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you notice that you have to really push the handle to get the 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 could be clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. 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 gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers that will match your door and the type of track you have. These can be purchased at most hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an image of the roller assembly mounted within the door frame so that experts can determine the exact model and type you need. They can also look for specific features like dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down your replacement options.
Once the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door in its frame. You may need assistance with this one as the door is heavy. Begin by making sure there aren't any screws securing the track in position on either side of the frame and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel on the top of the frame. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
After putting in the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. It should be lowered to make sure it is secure. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.