What NOT To Do During The Patio Doors Repair Industry
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 outside. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. They also help save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air within your home.
But with time your sliding glass or French doors could 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 step into the puddle of water by the sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that last night's rain blew in through the patio door seals. This won't be an easy project. But with a little patience and a few tools, you can fix this and save your dog from wet, cold feet in the process.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and the jamb, keeping out moisture, pests, and drafts. This will also keep your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will let you know if the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze or copper. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open-cell foam are both inexpensive however they tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with high traffic because it won't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Then, pull out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and scrape any adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, then peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.
Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will work for some time.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time, they may get damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by taking off any screws that hold it in the place. Once the old handle is removed, use a level to make sure the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it can interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure that it's functioning properly. If you encounter any issues, you should consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It's also a good idea to keep the lock mechanism lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant 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 types of locks are typically used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, you need to measure. You will need to know the location of mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors are equipped with a locking mechanism built into the handle. These handles feature a rectangular key cylinder which is inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one unit. This type of patio doors is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door doesn't stay latched it could be because the lock tongue may not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the jamb on the side. The door should be opened by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will show you the gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, adjust the rollers at the bottom left or the right of the patio until it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts to be able to enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide smoothly once more. It's a good idea do this periodically to ensure that your doors are in top operating condition.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a damaged screen, which is a nuisance or even a safety risk. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be repaired, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, wash it thoroughly and make sure to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Hinges may loosen over time due to frequent use or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. This is an easy 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.
You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors frequently. A simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dirt and dust that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. It is possible to correct the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a long-lasting seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are sagging or warped, this can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could be caused by poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure that it is properly aligned and functioning at its peak.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are a great way to bring the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, however they need some attention to ensure they are running smoothly. If you notice that you have to really push the handle to get the door to move, or just doesn't slide as easily 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 hard for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely, it's time to replace the tracks. There are a variety of replacement rollers to match your door and the kind of track you have. You can find them at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to help you remove and reinstall the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an image of the roller assembly that is installed in the door frame so the experts can identify the exact model and type you need. You can also search for specific features like bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down the alternatives for replacement.
When the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door into its frame. You may need assistance in this regard as the door is quite heavy. Make sure there are screws that hold 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 there' sliding patio door repair , take it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.
After putting in the new rollers, gently place the door into the frame. It should be lowered to secure it. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to allow the door to move to the extent it requires.