Why No One Cares About Patio Doors Repair
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 outdoors. They offer a relaxing and convenient transition. They also help save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air within your home.
Over time, the shine of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and operating like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you stumble into a puddle of water right by the sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that last night's rain blew in through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be a simple task. With a bit of patience and some tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between your door and jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills low. If you look at your windows and door, you can determine whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.
There are many kinds of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze and copper. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are both inexpensive however they tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas that are heavily used because it won't wear out as quickly.
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 screwdriver, remove the plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and clean any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb using a putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel bypasses sliding door and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping but should last for a while.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for your patio door are important for the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the interior handles and the exterior handles may also need to be changed.
To replace a patio door handle, first remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle is removed using a level, ensure that the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. 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 ensure it's working correctly. If you have any problems, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is a good idea also to lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It's usually made of steel and sits inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing a mortise lock, it is important to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. You will need to know the location of the mounting holes and the position in the lock of the keyway.
Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder that fits inside the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This type of patio doors is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't getting the hasp of the jamb 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 spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is a 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 until you can get it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes, the rollers and tracks of the door could lose their alignment. This can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air enter your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers can allow your doors to glide again. This is a great idea for those who want to keep your doors operating at their best.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a ripped screen, which is a nuisance or even a safety hazard. In addition, it can hinder the doors from opening and closing correctly, which could lead to energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be repaired, however, in some cases it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you have a torn window screen, be sure you clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door the wrong way.
Over time, hinges can loosen due to wear and tear or use. This can be corrected by tightening screws frequently. This is an easy task which you can perform yourself, but if you're not sure about it, seek out an expert to ensure that your doors are properly aligned and secure.
It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dirt and dust that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a specific tool to clean off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. It is possible to fix misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a durable seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could also be caused due to poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's properly aligned, allowing it to perform optimally.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal for bringing the outside in and providing plenty of light, however they do require some attention to keep them sliding smoothly. If you notice that you have to really pull the handle to get the door to move, or if it isn't as easy to slide as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. As time passes, the lower track can fill with dirt, sand, and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. 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 aren't able to move freely It's time to replace the tracks. There are many replacement rollers that will match your door and the kind of track you have. Repair My Windows And Doors can find them at most hardware shops, but will need someone to assist you in the removal and install the rollers. Take a picture of the rollers installed within the frame to help the experts identify the exact type and model you need. You can also search for specific features like bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced, you'll need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is quite heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in the frame 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 the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is clear of the track rollers, track and track.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently insert the door in the frame. Swing it down to secure it. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.