Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are an excellent way to connect your home to the outside. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. By keeping sliding patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors inside your home, they will save you money on cooling or heating bills.
But with time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into the puddle of water by your sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that the rain of last night came through the seals on your patio doors. Be prepared, this isn't going to be a quick fix. But with a little patience and some tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and protect your dog from cold, wet feet in the process.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping, which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests, and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills down. If you look at your doors and windows you can determine if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are a variety of weatherstripping that you can choose from, including felt and open-cell foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are both inexpensive however they can be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it holds up well and is resistant to 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 doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb with a putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it sits properly in the track. Then, apply caulk on the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping but should last for a while.
Handles and locks
Patio door handles and locks play an important role in the security of your home. Over time, they may be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also need to be changed.
To replace a handle for a patio door, first remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure it's working correctly. If you have any issues, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware specialist for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most popular patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is usually made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to measure. You will need to know the location of the mounting holes and the location within the keyway lock.
Some patio door handles have a locking mechanism built into the handle. The handles have the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one unit. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch does not stay locked the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. The door should be opened one inch and then position it against the frame. This will reveal the gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door to get it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes, the rollers and tracks of the door could lose their alignment. This can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts enter your home, which can decrease energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to fix and prevent. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly once again. It's a good idea regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in good working order.
Another common problem with patio doors is a torn screen, which is an issue or even a security risk. Additionally, it could hinder the doors from opening and closing correctly, which could lead to energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you have a torn window screen, be sure to clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can become looser over time due to heavy use or wear and tear. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's an easy task you can perform yourself. If you're not sure, it is best to consult a professional.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris 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.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sliding. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can be caused due to poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for letting the outside in and providing plenty of natural light, but they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you find that you have to really push the handle to get your 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 will fill up with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll over. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers aren't able to move freely It's time to replace the tracks. There are many replacement rollers that will fit your door and the kind of track you have. You can buy these at most hardware stores however you will need someone to help you remove and install the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an accurate picture of the roller assembly that is mounted in the door frame, so experts can determine the specific model and type you require. They can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges, and cut-outs that can narrow down the options for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you will need to reinstall the sliding door in its frame. Get some help in this regard as the door is very heavy. Check to see if there are screws that hold the track on either side of the frame. If they are check that they're loose enough for the bottom of door to fall into the channel above the frame. If there's a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently place the door into the frame. Swing it down to make sure it is secure. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.