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 can provide a convenient and comfortable transition between your home and outdoor space. They also help save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air inside your home.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM when you step in a puddle right close to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain of last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. This is not going to 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 as well.
It is important 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 bills down. If you inspect your doors and windows you can determine 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 type has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear out 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 screwscrew, unscrew plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb using a putty knife.
After you're done, put back the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door is in the track and closes correctly. Then, apply caulk to the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will work for some time.
Handles and locks
Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. Over time, they can get damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the exterior and interior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a patio door handle, first remove the old handle by removing any screws that are holding it in place. After you have removed the old handle, you can use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installing it to ensure that it is working properly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To prevent future problems it is a good idea to also lubricate the lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
double glazed patio door repairs www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk used door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is typically made of metal and sits in a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before you purchase a new mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. The measurements you need to take include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway in the lock.
Some handles for patio doors come with a locking mechanism built into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door includes the exterior and interior locks within one unit. This type of patio door is often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed, it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not fully parallel to the jamb on the side. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will tell you the gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or the right side of the patio until it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air into your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and stop. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will make your doors glide smoothly again. This is a good idea for those who want to ensure that your doors are operating at their top performance.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a damaged screen, which is a nuisance or even a safety risk. In addition, it can stop doors from opening and closing properly, leading to loss of energy. In some cases the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door must be replaced. If you've got a damaged window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges may loosen over time due to heavy use or wear and tear. Regularly tightening the screws will help correct this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. It's a simple job you can tackle on your own. However, if you are not comfortable with the task, you should consult a professional.
It's recommended to regularly clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a specific tool to clean away stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to correct misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors could be affected if 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 fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned, allowing it to perform at its peak.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great to let the outside in and providing plenty of natural light, however they do require some maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle to get the door to move or it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to, it could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to roll over. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still not moving freely It's time to replace the tracks. There are many replacement rollers to suit your door and kind of track you have. You can find them at most hardware shops however you will need someone to assist you in the removal and install the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get a good picture of the roller assembly that is placed in the door frame so experts can identify the specific model and type you require. They can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges that could narrow your replacement options.
After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. Get help in this regard as the door is quite heavy. Start by checking to make 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 bottom of the door to slide into the channel that is on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of the track, rollers and track.
After the new rollers are installed then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If the new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance in the areas it requires it.