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. They also help save money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the air within your home.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and functioning like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM, and you end up in a puddle right near your sliding patio door. You turn around to see that the rain from last night has blown through the patio door seals. This isn't going to be a simple task. With a bit of patience and a few simple tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and save your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold.
It is important to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between your door and jamb. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will keep out drafts, pests and moisture. This will also help keep your energy costs down. If you check your windows and door, you will be able to 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 such as copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas that are heavily used because it doesn't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb using a putty knife.
After that, you can reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws to ensure that the door sits in the track and closes correctly. Apply waterproof caulk on the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will be able to last for a period of time.
Locks and handles
Patio door handles and locks play a crucial role in the security of your home. As time passes, they may become damaged or worn and need to be replaced. The spindle connecting the interior and exterior handles could also need to be changed.
To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the old one first, unscrewing any screws holding it in place. After removing the handle, use a level and make sure that the door is straight. If the door isn't in a straight line, it can interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
After you have the new handle installed Close and open it several times to ensure it is working correctly. If you have any problems, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It's recommended to grease the lock mechanism by using a silicone-based oil to prevent future problems.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and sits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are found on aluminum and wood sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it's important to measure a few things before ordering a new one. You will need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes as well as the location within the lock of the keyway.
Certain patio door handles come with the ability to lock the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that fits in the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the exterior and interior locks in one piece. This kind of patio door are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't able to stay closed the lock tongue might not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb's side. Try opening the door up to an inch and placing it against the frame to determine if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or the right of the patio until it is perfectly parallel with jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts to enter your home, which can decrease energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and stop. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can help your doors move again. This is a great idea if you want to keep your doors running at their peak.
A damaged or ripped screen can be a problem. It could be a hassle or a danger. In addition, it may stop doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to loss of energy. In some cases, the screen can be repaired but in others, the door must be replaced. If you've damaged your window screen, make sure you wash it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be corrected by tightening screws frequently. This is a simple job that can be done yourself, but if you're not comfortable doing it, seek out an expert to make sure your doors are securely aligned and secure.
You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors regularly. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove tough dirt or corrosion. It is possible to correct misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a long-lasting seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could be caused by poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can replace or repair your patio door frame, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, however they need some care to ensure that they're moving smoothly. If you need to pull the handle hard to get the door to move or it isn't sliding as it did in the past, it could be the rollers. Over time, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to roll across. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers don't glide freely, it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. They are available at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a photo of the rollers installed in the frame to assist the experts identify the exact model and type you require. They can also search for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples and flared edges, and cut-outs that can narrow down replacement options.
After the rollers have been replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door into its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might require help. Check to see if there are any screws holding the track to either side of the frame. If so you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of door to slide into the channel above the frame. If you have a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.
Once the new rollers are in, carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it back into position. If your new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door a clearance to the extent it requires.