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 outdoors. They offer a relaxing and convenient transition. By keeping the air in your home, they will save you money on cooling or heating costs.
But with time your sliding glass or French doors could lose their appeal. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM, and you end up in a puddle right close to your sliding patio door. You look around and see that the rain from last night blew in through the patio door seals. This is not going to be a simple task. However, with a little patience and some tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet as well.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between your door and jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills low. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping in good shape or needs replacing.
There are many types of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas that have high traffic because it does not wear out as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, cut patio doors repairs to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb with the putty knife.
When you're done, reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws so that the door is in the track and is closed properly. Apply waterproof caulk on the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, but it should work for a while.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for patio doors play an important role in the security of your home. As time passes, they may get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. 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 old one first by taking off any screws that hold it in the place. Once the old handle is removed, use a level to ensure that the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight, it can interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure that it's working correctly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid problems in the future, it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is typically made of metal and sits inside a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. They are usually used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is essential to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. It is essential to know the location of the mounting holes and the location within the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted 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 most often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch isn't locked, it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel with the jamb on the side. Try opening the door for about 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to see if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door to make it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and drafts to infiltrate your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and prevent. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks can allow your doors to glide again. This is a great idea in order to ensure that your doors are operating at their peak.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a damaged screen, which could be an issue or even a safety risk. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, however in other instances, the door has to be replaced. If you've got a damaged window screen, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door the wrong way.
Hinges may loosen over time due to heavy use or wear and tear. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. This is a simple task which you can perform yourself, but if not confident doing it, seek out an expert to make sure your doors are securely aligned and secure.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool to remove stubborn dirt or corrosion. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a lasting seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors can be affected if the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can also be caused due to poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned, allowing it to perform optimally.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal for letting the outside in and providing plenty of light, however they do require some attention to keep them sliding smoothly. If you have to yank the handle to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it did in the past, it could be the rollers. Over time, the lower track can get clogged by 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 determine if it helps.
If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still not moving freely it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can find them at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to assist you in the removal and replace the rollers. Take a photo of the rollers installed in the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you require. You can also look for identifying characteristics such as dimples, bumps, flared edges and cut-outs which can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers, you will need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. You may need assistance on this one since the door is very heavy. Examine if there are screws that hold the track on either side of frame. If they are you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel that is above the frame. If there's screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
When the new rollers have been installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If the new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance to the extent it requires.