Watch Out: How Repairing Patio Doors Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Repairing Patio Doors
Patio doors can become difficult over time to open, close, or latch. This can create discomfort and security issues for homeowners.
A professional door repair technician will assess the situation and determine if it's worth repairing or replacing the patio doors. There are a myriad of ways that a homeowner can address common issues with patio doors.
French patio doors
French patio doors let you to take in the outdoors while letting natural light into your home. Like any door French patio doors could be prone to problems. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will extend the life of your door, whether it's because of a broken lock, loose handle, or if they are not aligned properly.
Traditionally, French doors are made of wood, which provides natural insulation and adds warmth to a room. However, since wood is susceptible to swelling, warping, and rotting, it requires regular maintenance. Fiberglass is the most popular alternative to wood French doors. It is abrasive against decay and has a foam-filled center that is energy efficient. Fiberglass can also resist heat transfer and cold air better than wood.
French doors are not only attractive and functional they also provide a sense security to your home. The large glass panes offer an expansive view of your outdoor space and make it difficult for burglars to gain access to your home. French doors that are secured by locks and handles should be simple to operate. This will ensure privacy and safety.
If you're looking to increase the security to your French doors, you might want to consider installing a burglar alarm. These systems utilize motion detectors and wireless sensors to detect burglaries. They will notify you if there is any suspicious activity. You can also buy a shatterproof plastic film to protect your glass and shield it from burglars.
Over time over time, your French doors can become skewed because of frequent use or changes in the foundation of your home. This can be caused by worn or loose rollers and hinges that require to be re-tightened or replaced. A trained door repair technician can adjust your hinges and track to ensure the smooth operation.
Sliding patio doors
Patio sliding doors are a great option to move from indoors to outside. They also let plenty of sunlight to enter the home. However, over time these doors can develop issues, from being difficult to open and close and creaking or squeaking or leaking air into the home. If you identify the source of the problem, and perform timely maintenance or repairs, your patio door will perform as it should for a long time.
If your sliding glass patio door is moving or becoming difficult to move, it could be due to dirt and debris buildup in the track, worn rollers or an alignment issue. Clean the track thoroughly with a sponge dampened with water and a scrub brush and then lubricate the tracks using the right product. We suggest using a spray can of silicone lubricant. This will also help protect the track from corrosion. You can buy these products at any hardware retailer.
A patio door might be difficult to close or open in the event that the handle is loose or wobbly. Often, this is simply the matter of tightening or replacing the loose screw that holds the handle in place.
It is also essential to replace any cracked or damaged weather strip that is around the sliding glass patio doors. The right weather strip will improve the efficiency of your energy, cut down on noise and stop air leaks. To replace the weather strip, first take off the door, then raise the bottom of the frame straight upwards and quickly incline it to lift the rollers from the track. Next, lay a drop cloth on the floor, and then remove the plugs that cover the screws for adjustment of the rollers at the bottom of the frame. Turn the screw counterclockwise using a flathead driver until rollers retract back to the track.
Patio doors sliding down
Patio doors that slide open offer homeowners numerous benefits. They let in natural sunlight and offer easy access to patios, backyards and other outdoor areas. They also help to make homes more comfortable. They allow homeowners to create a space that is unique and suits their aesthetic and lifestyle. But, like every other aspect of a house they can be damaged or broken and need repair. Fortunately, these types of repairs are relatively simple to do and can save you money and stress in the long in the long.
Many sliding door problems are caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. Over time, dust, debris and even rust can build up on tracks, causing them to become stuck or difficult to move. This can be fixed by cleaning the tracks and then applying the lubricant based on silicone. Avoid using grease since it can attract more dirt and cause further problems.
A incorrectly aligned locking system is a common reason why sliding doors can become difficult to open or shut. If your patio door locks have become hard to lock and unlock or you notice that they're not aligned with the door's frame it's recommended to call a professional to inspect the hardware components and determine if adjustments or replacements are needed.
If a sliding glass door starts to look dull and cloudy, it's possible that the insulation seal between the double-panes may have been compromised. This is a common issue that can be caused by condensation, and it's important to contact a professional for assistance if you suspect that this is the situation.
Locks and handles
The handles and locks on patio doors play an important role in the functionality and security of your outdoor living space. Pick from a range of innovative and functional patio door hardware. From color-matched and upgraded finishings to multipoint locking systems there are a variety of choices.
Often times, patio doors become hard to open because the rollers that run at the top and bottom within the runner are wearing out and rubbing against the track. The best way to avoid this from happening is to clean the tracks of your sliding doors each time you vacuum, and apply a thin oil one time each year (do not apply WD40! ).
If you're having trouble opening your patio door, it may be time to replace the handle and lock. To determine whether this is the case, take off the inside handle and lock and look for signs of wear, for example bent latches or loose handle and screw. If the latch is damaged or bent it's likely time to buy a new mortise lock and handle.
It isn't easy to lock sliding glass patio doors. This is because the mechanism for locking is held in place by a rod secured to the frame and is operated by a handle. If the lock is loose you can try tightening the rod or replacing it altogether with a new one.
The sliding glass patio doors are a prime target for burglars since they allow a view of your home and are typically located in the rear of the property. To keep your family safe it is essential to install a door jam bar and anti-snap locks to ensure the doors to your patio are not easily opened by intruders.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping stops air and rain from entering into your home, thus saving you money on cooling and heating. You can conduct a simple test of moisture yourself to determine where you need more seals. Wet your hands and run them across the edges of your door or window. You may need to add more weatherstripping if you feel cold air entering your home.
Felt weatherstripping is sold at most hardware stores in rolls and is a bargain. It can be plain or reinforced with a flexible metal strip that is easy to install. It is less durable than other types and could require replacement in two years.
Another alternative is foam tape which comes in both plain and reinforced versions. It is also easy to install but less durable than rubber and it can be susceptible to moist conditions with time.
Interlocking metal weatherstripping is a better option for a long-term solution however it requires the removal of threshold and should be left to experts. It features two V-shaped pieces that interlock and form a tight seal when the door is closed.
You can find both rubber and vinyl weatherstripping in a wide range of colors, shapes and thicknesses.
Repair My Windows And Doors between the two is mostly a matter choice and budget. Rubber is generally more durable than vinyl and it also seals better in conditions that are wet. It also makes use of a natural, renewable resource and vinyl is a petroleum product.