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 outdoors. They offer a relaxing and convenient transition. They can also help you save money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the air inside your home.
But over time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their luster. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning routine when you stumble into a puddle of water right in front of the sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that the rain of last night blew in through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be a simple task. With a bit of patience and a few basic tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and keep your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and the jamb, which prevents drafts, pests and moisture. It also keeps your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will tell you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacing.
There are a variety of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals such as bronze or copper. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are both inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas with high traffic because it will not wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver remove the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, then peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb with the putty knife.
After that, you can reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door sits in the track and is closed correctly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping, however, it will last for a time.
Handles and locks
Patio door handles and locks are essential to the security of your home. Over time, they may get damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in place. After the handle has been removed, use a level to make sure the door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door is not straight it could hinder the lock and cause problems later on.
After you have the new handle Close and then open it several times to ensure it is working correctly. If you have any problems, consult the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It's recommended to grease the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to prevent future problems.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is typically constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. sliding glass patio door repair of locks are used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock, it is essential to measure. It is essential to be aware of the location of the mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock.
Some patio door handles have an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that fits inside the handle's keyway. This type of patio door includes the exterior and interior locks in one piece. This kind of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the jamb's side. The door should be opened by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will show you if there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, adjust the rollers at the bottom left or right side of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts to infiltrate your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease to the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. This is a good idea for those who want to keep your doors operating at their best.
A torn screen can also be a problem. It could be a hassle or a danger. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door needs to be replaced. If you've damaged your window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Over time, hinges will loosen due to normal wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. It's a simple task that you can do yourself. However, if you're not sure doing it yourself, you must consult a professional.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors on a regular basis. A simple brushing or vacuuming can get rid of dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool for the most stubborn dirt or corrosion. It is possible to correct misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a long-lasting seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes, but it can also occur from poor installation or 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 are great for bringing the outside in while letting plenty of light, but they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you notice that you need to pull the handle to get the door to move, or isn't as easy to slide as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track can get clogged by dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still aren't able to move freely it's time to replace the tracks. There are a variety of replacement rollers to match your door and the type of track you have. You can purchase them at most hardware stores, but will need someone to assist you in the removal and reinstall the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an accurate picture of the roller assembly mounted within the door frame so that experts can determine the exact model and the type you require. They can also look out for features that can be identified, such as dimples or bumps or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers, you'll need to put the sliding door in its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might require assistance. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in position on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide down into the channel on the top of the frame. If you have a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.
When the new rollers are installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it into place. If the new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to allow the door to move to the extent it requires.