Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors can provide a convenient and comfortable transition between your indoor and outdoor space. They can also help you save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air within your home.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get in a puddle right close to your sliding patio door. You look around and discover that last night's rain was able to get through the seals on your patio doors. This isn't going to be a simple task. With a bit of patience and a few tools, you can fix it and prevent your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold.
It is important to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests and moisture. This will also keep your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze and copper. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Open-cell foam and felt are inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas that have heavy traffic since it will not wear out as fast.
To install 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 keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and clean any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the new to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb with a putty knife.
After you're done, put back the door and re-adjust the roller screws until the door sits in the track and closes correctly. Then, apply waterproof caulk on the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, but it should work for some time.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. Over time, they may become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also require replacement.
To replace a handle for a patio door first remove the previous handle by removing any screws that are holding it in place. Once the old handle is removed then use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't in a straight line, it can interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to make sure it's functioning properly. If you experience any issues, consult the instructions of 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 the mortise latch. It's typically constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These types of locks are used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is essential to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. The measurements you need include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway within the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits in the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door comes with the exterior and interior locks in one unit. This type of patio door is often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched it could be because the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't fully parallel to the side jamb. Open the door by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will reveal whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or the right side of the patio until it is 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 can also allow cold air and drafts to infiltrate your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move smoothly once more. This is a great idea for those who want to keep your doors running at their peak.
A damaged screen could also be an issue. It could be an inconvenience or even risky. In addition, it can prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door needs to be replaced. If you've got a damaged window screen, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or use. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. This is an easy task that you can do by yourself, however if you're not comfortable doing it, you should consult an expert to make sure your doors are properly aligned and secure.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors on a regular basis. Simple brushing or vacuuming will take away dust and other debris that can hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a specific tool to clean away stubborn dirt or rust. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors and tightening of the screws on the hinges may help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a solid, durable seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors can be affected when the frames are warped or sliding. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation issues, but it could also result from poor installation or 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 function at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and let in lots of light, but they need some attention to keep them running smoothly. If you notice that you have to really push the handle to get your door to move, or just doesn't slide as easily as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. As time passes the lower track may become clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They are available at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll require a companion to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an image of the roller assembly that is mounted within the door frame so that the experts can identify the exact model and type you need. They can also look for identifying features such as bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door in its frame. Get help on this one since the door is very heavy. Begin by making sure there aren't any screws securing 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 drop into the channel that is on top of the frame. If there's a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure it's free of track and rollers.
After the new rollers are in place, carefully slide the door into the frame and swing it down into place. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.