Why Nobody Cares About Patio Doors Repair
Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors can provide a convenient and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. By keeping air inside your home, they will save you cash on cooling or heating costs.
But over time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their appeal. Fortunately,
patio door repairs can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM when you step into a puddle near your sliding patio door. You glance around and realize that last night's rain was able to get through the patio door seals. Be prepared it's not going to be a simple task in five minutes. However, with a little patience and some tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also keep your energy costs down. If you look at your doors and windows you will be able to tell whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.
There are a variety of weatherstripping that you can choose from, including felt and open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Felt and open-cell foam are inexpensive however, they are also known to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas that have heavy traffic since it will not wear as fast.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Then, pull out the weatherstripping that was previously in place and scrape any adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip on one side and then apply it to the jamb with a putty knife.
After you're done, put back the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is in the track and shuts correctly. 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 not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, however, it will last for a time.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for your patio door are important for the security of your home. As time passes, they could get damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the exterior and interior handles could also need to be replaced.
To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the previous one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. After removing the handle, you can use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Once you have the new handle installed, close and open it several times to ensure it works correctly. If you have any issues, consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It is recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated by using a silicone-based oil to prevent future problems.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's usually made of steel and fits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are typically used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it's important to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the position in the keyway lock.
Certain patio door handles are equipped with a locking mechanism built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder which fits inside the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the inside and exterior locks within one unit. This type of patio door is commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked it could be because the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the side jamb. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will show you whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door until you can get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the rollers and tracks of the door may lose their alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and prevent. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers will make your doors glide smoothly once more. It's a good idea to do this periodically to ensure that your doors are in top operating condition.
A torn screen can also be a problem. It could cause inconvenience or even a danger. It can also prevent the doors from opening and closing correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, wash it thoroughly and make sure not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Over time, hinges will loosen due to normal wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. It's an easy task you can do yourself. If you are not comfortable, it is best to consult an expert.
It's recommended to regularly clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing will get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove tough dirt or rust. It is possible to correct any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a durable seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors can be affected when the frames are warped or sliding. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes however, it can also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can replace or repair the frame of your patio door, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some care to ensure that they're moving smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle hard to get the door to move, or it isn't sliding as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to roll over. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to see if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it's time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers available to match your door and the kind of track you have. You can buy these at most hardware shops however you will need someone to assist you in the removal and install the rollers. Get a picture of the roller assembly installed in the frame to help the experts identify the exact type and model you need. They can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges that could narrow your replacement options.
When the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. You may need assistance in this regard as the door is heavy. Examine if there are screws securing the track on either side of frame. If they are, make sure they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to drop into the channel above the frame. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.
Once the new rollers have been installed, carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If the new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance in the areas it requires it.