Why You Should Not Think About Improving Your 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 way to connect your home to the outdoors. They offer a pleasant and easy transition. They can also save you money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air within your home.
However, over time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their shine. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get into a puddle next to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain from last night blew through the patio door seals. This isn't going to be an easy project. With a little patience and a few simple tools, you can fix it and save your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing moisture, pests, and drafts. This will also keep your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping to choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Foam and open-cell foam are both inexpensive however, they are also known to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it holds up well and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, trim the new to the appropriate 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 that it is properly placed in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will last for a while.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for your patio door are important for the security of your home. As time passes, they may get worn or damaged and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems later on.
After you have the new handle Close and then open it several times to make sure it is working properly. If you experience any issues you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid future issues it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is typically constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These kinds of locks are found on wood and aluminum sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to measure a few things before purchasing a new lock. You will need to know the location of the mounting holes as well as the location within the lock of the keyway.
Some handles for patio doors have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum 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 parallel to the side jamb. Open the door by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will show you if there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door to make it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This can cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. This could also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your energy. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks can allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea do this periodically to keep your doors in top operating condition.
A damaged or ripped screen can be a problem. It could be an inconvenience or even risky. It can also prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, however in other instances, the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, wash it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure your doors close securely. It's a simple job you can perform yourself. If you are not comfortable, it is best to consult an expert.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. Simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dust and debris which can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove stubborn dirt or rust. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges may aid in re-alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a strong and solid seal.
If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can be caused by poor installation or simply through frequent use. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly, allowing it to perform at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for letting the outside in while letting plenty of light, however they do require some attention to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move or it doesn't slide like it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to determine if it helps.
If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still aren't able to move freely It's time to replace the tracks. There are a variety of replacement rollers that will suit your door and type of track you have. You can purchase them at a variety of hardware stores however you will need someone to help you remove and replace the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly within the frame to help the experts determine the exact model and type you require. You can also search for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down the alternatives for replacement.
After Repair My Windows And Doors have been replaced, you'll need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. Get help with this one as the door is heavy. Check to see if there are screws securing the track on either side of frame. If there are you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of door to fall into the channel above the frame. If there's a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
After putting in the new rollers, gently slide the door into the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to ensure it is secured. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door clearance where it needs it.