5 Laws Everybody In Patio Doors Repair Should Be Aware Of
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 to the outside. They offer a pleasant and easy transition. They can also help you save money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the air within your home.
But with time your sliding glass or French doors could lose their appeal. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning constitutional when you stumble into an emerald-colored pool of water right by your sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that last night's rain came through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be a simple task. With a bit of patience and some tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and save your dog from wet, cold feet as well.
It is essential 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 lower. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will let you know if the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping available, including felt and open-cell foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Felt and open-cell foam are inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it does not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using the help of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.
When you're done, reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is in the track and shuts correctly. Then, apply caulk on the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will be able to last for a period of time.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also be replaced.
To replace the handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first by taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After removing the handle, use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues 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, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid problems in the future it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most common door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is typically made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. They are usually used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, you need to measure. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the position in the lock of the keyway.
Some patio door handles have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that fits in the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one unit. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door isn't able to stay closed it could be because the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the side jamb. Try opening
Repair My Windows And Doors for about an inch and spotting it against the frame to see whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. 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
Over time, the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let cold air and draughts into your home, reducing the efficiency of your energy. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and prevent. Applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers can allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea to do this periodically to ensure your doors are in top operating condition.
A torn screen can also be an issue. It can cause inconvenience or even an issue. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced, however, in some cases it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening.
Over time, hinges will loosen due to normal wear and tear or use. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. It's a simple task that you can perform yourself. However, if you are not comfortable, it is best to consult a professional.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. Simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris which could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool for tough dirt or corrosion. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges may aid in re-alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them altogether to ensure a solid, solid seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes, however, it can also result from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's properly aligned, allowing it to perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are an excellent way to let the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you find that you need to push the handle to get the door to move, or if it just doesn't slide as easily as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track can fill with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to roll across. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They can be found at many hardware stores, however you'll need a partner to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Get a picture of the rollers installed in the frame to assist the experts identify the exact type and model you need. You can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges, and cut-outs that could narrow your the options for replacement.
Once the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install the sliding door back into its frame. You may need assistance with this one as the door is heavy. Start by examining 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 door's bottom to slide down into the channel that is on the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of the track rollers, track and track.
When the new rollers are in then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it back into position. If your new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door clearance in the areas it requires it.