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 with the outside. They offer a relaxing and convenient transition. They also help save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air inside your home.
But with time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their luster. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you stumble into a puddle of water right near your sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain of last night ripped through the patio door seals. Be prepared and be prepared for this to be a five-minute project. But with a little patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and protect your dog from wet, cold feet as well.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests, and moisture. This will also help keep your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will show you whether the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacing.
There are several types of weatherstripping that you can choose from, including felt and open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are both inexpensive however they tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas that have high traffic because it will not wear out as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive remnants. Then, trim patio door lock repairs near me to the correct length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly placed in the track. Then, apply caulk to the place where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping but should be able to last for a period of time.
Locks and handles
Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. Over time, they may become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also need to be changed.
To replace the handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first by taking off any screws that hold it in place. After you have removed the old handle, use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
After you have the new handle installed, close and open it several times to make sure it works properly. If you have any problems, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is usually made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These types of locks are found on aluminum and wood sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is important to measure a few things before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you need to take include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Certain patio door handles are equipped with a locking mechanism built into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door has both the inside and exterior locks in one piece. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't getting the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't fully parallel to the side jamb. You can open the door for an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will tell you whether there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio to make it perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air into your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks can help your doors move again. This is a good idea if you want to keep your doors running at their best.
A damaged or ripped screen can be a problem. It could be an inconvenience or even a danger. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, but in other cases the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, clean it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening.
Over time, hinges will loosen due to wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. It's a simple job you can do yourself. However, if you're not sure doing it yourself, you must seek out a professional.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors could be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused due to poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning at its peak.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal for bringing the outside in and letting plenty of light, however they do require some maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you need to pull the handle to get the door to move or it isn't sliding as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track may be clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to see if it helps.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers aren't able to move freely, it's time to replace the tracks. There is a variety of replacement rollers available to fit your door and the type of track you have. You can purchase them at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to assist you in removing and install the rollers. Take a picture of the rollers installed in the frame to help the experts determine the exact model and type you require. They can also look out for specific features like dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down your replacement options.
When the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may need some help. Check to see if there are any screws holding the track to either side of the frame. If there are check that they're loose enough for the bottom of door to drop into the channel that is above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's free of track rollers, track and track.
After the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and then swing it into place. If your new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to allow the door to move where it needs it.