20 Myths About Patio Doors Repair: Debunked
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 outside. They provide a comfortable and convenient transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they can save you cash on cooling or heating costs.
But with time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their appeal. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and operating as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get into a puddle that is right next to your sliding patio door. You look around and discover that the rain from last night came through the seals on your patio doors. Buckle up, this isn't going to be a five-minute project. With a bit of patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and jamb, preventing drafts, pests and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will show you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping available that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. Foam with open cells and felt are inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with high traffic because it won't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then using a flathead screwdriver unscrew the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, cut the new to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb with a putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk on the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping however, it should last for a time.
Locks and handles
Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they could get damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a patio door handle, first remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place. Once the old handle has been removed, use a level to make sure the door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't in a straight line, it could interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
After you have the new handle Close and open it several times to ensure it functions effectively. If you have any problems, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It's also a good idea to keep the lock mechanism lubricated using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid future issues.
The most popular door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. It is essential to know the location of mounting holes and the location in the lock of the keyway.
Some patio door handles have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted in the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched the lock tongue might not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel with the jamb on the side. Try opening the door up to an inch and spotting it against the frame to see whether there is any 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 perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
In time, the rollers and tracks of the door may lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts be able to enter your home, which can decrease energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to correct and avoid. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once again. This is a great idea if you want to ensure that your doors are operating at their top performance.
A damaged screen could also be an issue. It could cause inconvenience or even a danger. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be replaced however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you've got a damaged window screen, make sure you wash it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door the wrong way.
Over time, hinges can become loose due to normal wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. It's a simple task that you can do yourself. However, if you're not sure, it is best to seek out a professional.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dirt and dust that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. It is possible to fix any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a durable seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could also be caused by poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's properly aligned and functioning at its peak.
patio door repair sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outside in and let in plenty of light, but they need some care to keep them running smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle hard to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it used to, it could be the rollers. Over time the lower track could become clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers available to match your door and the kind of track you have. You can buy these at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to help you remove and replace the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an accurate picture of the roller assembly installed in the door frame so experts can determine the exact model and type you require. You can also look for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples and flared edges and cut-outs which can narrow down the options for replacement.
After replacing the rollers, you'll need to put the sliding door back into its frame. You may need assistance in this regard as the door is heavy. Check to see if there are screws that hold the track to either side of the frame. If there are check that they're loose enough to allow the door's bottom to drop into the channel that is above the frame. If there is screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
After putting in the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. Swing it down to make sure it is secure. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.