Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are a great option to connect your home to the outdoors. They offer a relaxing and easy transition. By keeping air inside your home, they can help you save money on cooling or heating costs.
Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and functioning 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 near your sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that last night's rain blew in through the seals of your patio doors. Don't panic it's not going to be a five-minute project. With a little patience and a few simple tools you can fix the problem and keep your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping in good condition or requires replacing.
There are several types of weatherstripping to choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are inexpensive however, they are also known to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. patio door lock repair near me is more costly, but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas that are heavily used because it won't wear out as quickly.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and remove any residual adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, trim the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it with a putty knife to the jamb.
Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will last for a while.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. Over time, they can get worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also need to be changed.
To replace a handle on the patio door, take out the old one first, dislodging any screws that held it in place. Once the old handle has been removed using a level, ensure that the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure that it is working properly. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer's instructions or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It is recommended to lubricate the lock mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant to avoid future issues.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are found on wood and aluminum sliding doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, you need to measure. The measurements you need to take include the location of the mounting holes and the location of the keyway inside the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that fits inside the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the exterior and interior locks within one unit. This kind of patio door is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door 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. Try opening the door for about an inch and placing it against the frame to determine if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to get it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
In time the tracks and rollers of the door may lose their alignment. This can cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air into your home, reducing energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide smoothly once again. It is a good idea to apply this every so often to keep your doors in peak operating condition.
A damaged or ripped screen can be an issue. It could be a hassle or risky. It can also prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door needs to be replaced. If you've damaged your window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can loosen as time passes due to heavy use or normal wear. Regularly tightening screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. It's a simple task that you can do yourself. However, if you're not confident, it is best to consult an expert.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing will remove dust and debris which could interfere with the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also employ a specific tool to clean away stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to correct the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a lasting seal.
If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes but it can also occur from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned so that it can function at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great to let the outside in and letting ample natural light, but they require some attention to keep them sliding smoothly. If you have to yank the handle 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 can fill with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers not moving freely, it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can find them at most hardware stores however, you will require someone to assist you in the removal and install the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact type and model you require. You can also search for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down your replacement options.
After the rollers have been replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door in its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might need some help. Make sure there are screws securing the track to either side of the frame. If they are you must ensure that they are loose enough for the bottom of door to slide into the channel above the frame. If there is a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure that it is free of the track and rollers.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. Swing it down to ensure it is secured. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.