Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are a great way to connect your home to the outside. They provide a comfortable and easy transition. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air inside your home.
However, over time your sliding glass or French doors could lose their appeal. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get into a puddle next to your sliding patio door. You look around and see that the rain of last night came through the seals of your patio doors. This is not going to be an easy task. However, with a little patience and some tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and jamb, which prevents moisture, pests, and drafts. It also helps keep your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacing.
There are several types of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are inexpensive however they can be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great material for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using the help of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping from the previous frame and take off any remaining adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb with the putty knife.
When you're done, reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws to ensure that the door sits in the track and is closed properly. Apply waterproof caulk to the place where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping but it should work for a while.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors play an important role in the security of your home. Over time, they can become damaged or worn and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace the handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first, dislodging any screws that held it in the place. After you have removed the old handle, use a level to 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 it's functioning properly. If you have any problems, consult the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. It's also a good idea to lubricate 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 lock. It is typically made of steel and fits inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the position in the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles feature an elongated key cylinder that is inserted into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door has both the exterior and interior locks in one unit. This type of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't locked, it could be because the lock tongue isn't getting the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't fully parallel to the jamb on the side. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will reveal whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or the right side of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel with jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts to be able to enter your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will make your doors glide smoothly once again. Main Page is a good option for those who want to ensure that your doors are operating at their peak.
A torn screen can also be a problem. It can be an inconvenience or even an issue. It can also prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be repaired, however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, wash it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Hinges can loosen over time due to heavy use or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can help correct this issue and ensure your doors shut tightly. This is a simple job that can be done yourself, but if not comfortable doing it, you should consult a professional to ensure your doors are properly aligned and secure.
It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors on a regular basis. Simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that can hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or corrosion. Inspecting and tightening the hinges' screws can aid in alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a strong and long-lasting seal.
If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped they could affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation issues, but it can also occur from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be a great way to bring the outdoors in and let in lots of light, but they need some attention to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you notice that you have to really yank on the handle to get the door to move, or just doesn't slide as easily as it did in the past then the problem could be the rollers. Over time the lower track can fill with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to roll over. 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 sliding freely, it's time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers that will suit your door and type of track you have. 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 picture of the roller assembly in the frame to help the experts identify the exact model and type you need. They can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples, flared edges and cut-outs which can narrow down replacement options.
After replacing the rollers you will need to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. Get help on this one since the door is very heavy. Make sure there are any screws holding the track to either side of the frame. If they are you must ensure that they are loose enough for the door's bottom to drop into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of track rollers, track and track.
Once the new rollers are in place, carefully slide the door into the frame and swing it into place. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.