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 provide a comfortable and convenient transition. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air within your home.
However, over time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their luster. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working 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 by the sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that the rain of last night came through the patio door seals. This is not going to be an easy task. With a little patience, and a few tools, you can fix it and prevent your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping, which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests, and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills lower. A quick examination of your windows and doors will show you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacing.
There are repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze and copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good choice for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. 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 that it is properly placed in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a while.
Locks and Handles
Locks and handles for patio doors play a crucial role in the security of your home. Over time they can get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace the handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first, unscrewing any screws holding it in place. Once the old handle is removed using a level, ensure that the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door is not straight it could hinder the lock and cause issues later on.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure it is working properly. If you experience any issues you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. It's recommended to grease the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid future issues.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is typically made of metal and sits inside a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. The measurements you need to take include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway in the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have a locking mechanism built into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted in the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door has both the inside and exterior locks in one piece. This type of patio doors is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door isn't able to stay closed the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the side jamb. The door should be opened an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will show you the gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers at the bottom left or right of the patio so that it is exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the rollers and tracks of the door may lose their alignment. This can cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and drafts to enter 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. It's a good idea do this periodically to ensure your doors are in peak operating condition.
A damaged or ripped screen can be an issue. It can be a hassle or a danger. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases the damaged screen can be repaired, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a torn screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the door handles the wrong way when closing and opening.
Hinges may loosen over time due to frequent usage or normal wear. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. This is an easy task that can be done yourself, but if not comfortable doing it, seek out an expert to ensure that your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors track and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing will take away dust and other debris that can hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool for tough dirt or corrosion. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can help with misalignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a solid, solid seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are sagging or warped, this can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can 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 it's properly aligned, allowing it to perform optimally.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be ideal for bringing the outside in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to ensure they are moving 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 due to the rollers. Over time the lower track could be clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to see if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then it's time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers to fit your door and the type of track you have. You can find them at most hardware stores however you will need someone to assist you in the removal and reinstall the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an accurate picture of the roller assembly that is placed in the door frame so experts can determine the specific model and type you need. You can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples and cut-outs and flared edges that can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. You may need assistance with this one as the door is heavy. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in place 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 on the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of the track rollers, track and track.
When the new rollers have been installed, carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.