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 offer a pleasant and convenient transition. They can also help you 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 appeal. 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 an emerald-colored pool of water right in front of the sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that last night's rain blew in through the patio door seals. This won't be an easy project. With a little patience, and a few basic tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and prevent 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 jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills lower. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacing.
There are several types of weatherstripping available that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Open-cell foam and felt are both inexpensive however they tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas with high traffic because it will not wear out as fast.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then using a flathead screwdriver, unscrew the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, cut the new to the correct length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb.
When you're done, reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws so that the door sits in the track and is closed properly. Then, apply caulk to the place that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will work for some time.
Locks and handles
Patio door handles and locks are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time, they can become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior handles and the exterior handles may also be replaced.
To replace a handle for a patio door first, remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that hold it in 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 can interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to make sure it's functioning properly. If you encounter any issues you are having trouble, contact 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 avoid any future issues.
The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These types of locks are typically used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. You will need to know the location of mounting holes as well as the location in the lock of the keyway.
Certain patio door handles come with a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder which fits in the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the exterior and interior locks in one unit. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch does not stay locked, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. Try opening the door for about an inch and spotting it against the frame to see whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door until you can get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
In time the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. This could also allow cold air and draughts into your home, reducing energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and stop. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will make your doors glide smoothly once more. It's a good idea regularly do this to ensure your doors are in peak operating condition.
A damaged or ripped screen can be an issue. It can be an inconvenience or even an issue. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced, however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and be sure not to turn the door handles the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges can loosen due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. It's an easy task you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not sure, it is best to seek out a professional.
It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool for the most stubborn dirt or corrosion. 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 lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors may be affected if the frames are warped or sliding. https://www.openlearning.com/u/macleanmcintosh-sde6h5/blog/WhatSTheJobMarketForGlassPatioDoorRepairProfessionals warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could also 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, allowing it to perform at its best.
Rollers
Sliding patio doors are great for letting the outside in and letting ample natural light, but they require a bit of maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you notice that you need to really pull the handle to get the door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past then the problem could be the rollers. Over time, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand, and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll across. 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 moving freely, then it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can buy these at most hardware stores however, you will require someone to assist you in removing and reinstall the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an image of the roller assembly placed within the door frame so that the experts can identify the specific model and type you require. They can also search for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples and flared edges, and cut-outs that can narrow down replacement options.
After the rollers have been replaced then you'll need to install the sliding door back into its frame. Get some help in this regard as the door is heavy. Examine if there are any screws holding the track on either side of frame. If so you must ensure that they are loose enough for the door's bottom to drop into the channel that is above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of track rollers, track and track.
After installing the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. Swing it down to ensure it is secured. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.