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 an excellent way to connect your home to the outside. They offer a relaxing and convenient transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they will save you cash on cooling or heating bills.
Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door will fade. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and operating as new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning routine when you stumble into the puddle of water by your sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that the rain from last night was able to get through the seals on your patio doors. This won't be an easy project. But with a little patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and protect your dog from cold, wet feet as well.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping that closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests and moisture.
patio door repairs will also keep your energy costs down. If you look at your doors and windows you can tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are cheap, but they tend to be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas that are heavily used because it won't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using the help of a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of the frame. Then, pull out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and take off any remaining adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the new to the proper length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
After that, you can reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws so that the door sits in the track and is closed correctly. Then, apply caulk on the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a few days.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors 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 and exterior handles can also be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door first, remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle has been removed then use a level to ensure that the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues in the future.
Once you have the new handle, close and open it several times to ensure it functions properly. If you encounter any issues ask the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To prevent future problems it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most popular door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These types of locks are typically used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock, you need to measure. The measurements you need to take include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway within the lock.
Some patio door handles come with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one unit. 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 may not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel with the jamb's side. Try opening the door up to 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to see 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 to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts into your home, which reduces energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and avoid. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly again. This is a great idea if you want to ensure that your doors are operating at their peak.
Another common problem with patio doors is a damaged screen, which can be an inconvenience or even a safety risk. In addition, it may hinder the doors from opening and closing correctly, which could lead to loss of energy. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, wash it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges will loosen due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be corrected by tightening screws frequently. This is an easy task that can be done by yourself, however if you're not confident doing it, you should consult an expert to ensure that your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors track and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing will take away dust and other debris that could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. Inspecting and tightening the hinges' screws can aid in alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a secure, durable seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could be caused by poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outdoors in and let in lots of light, but they require some maintenance to ensure they are running smoothly. If you need to pull the handle hard to get the door to move, or it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track can be clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't moving freely, then it's time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers to suit your door and kind of track you have. You can purchase them at a variety of hardware stores however, you will require someone to assist you in the removal and replace the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an image of the roller assembly that is installed in the door frame so experts can identify the specific model and type you need. They can also look out for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down replacement options.
Once the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door in its frame. It's a heavy door, so you may require assistance. Begin by making sure there aren't any screws holding the track in position on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to drop into the channel on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of the track, rollers and track.
Once the new rollers are in, carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.