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 outside. They offer a relaxing and easy transition. By keeping air inside your home, they can save you money on cooling or heating bills.
Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you stumble into an emerald-colored pool of water right by the sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that last night's rain came through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be a simple task. With a bit of patience and a few basic tools you can fix the problem and keep your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills low. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will show you whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacing.
There are many kinds of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals such as bronze or copper. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are both inexpensive however they tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas that have heavy traffic since it will not wear out as quickly.
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 keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping that was previously in place and remove any residual adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb with the putty knife.
When you're done, reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws until the door sits in the track and shuts properly. Then, apply caulk to the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping but should last for a while.
Locks and Handles
Patio door handles and locks play an important role in the security of your home. Over time they can become damaged or worn and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in place. After removing the handle, use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Once you have the new handle, close and open it several times to ensure it is working properly. If you have any problems ask the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid problems in the future, it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
patio door lock repair near me used type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing a mortise lock, it is important to take a few measurements before ordering a new one. The measurements you require include the mounting hole locations 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. The handles have the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that fits into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door comes with the inside and exterior locks in one unit. This type of patio doors is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying locked it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the jamb's side. Try opening the door about 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to see whether 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 make it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts be able to enter your home, which could decrease energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and prevent. Applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers can help your doors move again. It is a good idea to do this periodically to ensure your doors are in top operating condition.
Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which could be an inconvenience or even a safety hazard. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, wash it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening.
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 shut tightly. It's a simple task that you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not confident, it is best to consult a professional.
It's recommended to regularly clean your patio doors track and rollers. Simple brushing or vacuuming will take away dust and other debris that could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or corrosion. It is possible to correct misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a durable seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes but it could also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they require some maintenance to keep them moving smoothly. If you find that you need to push the handle to get the door to move, or it just doesn't slide as easily as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track may get clogged by dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it by 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. These can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll require a companion to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly installed in the frame to help the experts identify the exact model and type you require. They can also look for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples and flared edges and cut-outs that could narrow your the options for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. You may need assistance in this regard as the door is heavy. Examine if there are screws that hold the track on either side of the frame. If they are you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of door to fall into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of track rollers, track and track.
After the new rollers are installed then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door clearance where it needs it.