Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors provide a comfortable and comfortable transition between your home and outdoor space. By keeping the air in your home, they can save you cash on cooling or heating costs.
But over time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their appeal. However, patio door repairs near me can keep them looking and working as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get into a puddle that is right near your sliding patio door. You look around and see that the rain from last night came through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be an easy task. But with a little patience and a few tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and protect your dog from cold, wet feet in the process.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping that closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests, and moisture. This will also help keep your energy costs down. If you check your windows and door, you will be able to tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam and vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze or copper. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are inexpensive however, they are also known to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic since it won't deteriorate as quickly.
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, loosen the screws that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping that was previously in place and take off any remaining adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the new to the proper length, then peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it with a putty knife to the jamb.
After that, you can reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws until the door sits in the track and shuts properly. Then, apply waterproof caulk to the place where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping however, it will last for a while.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they may get worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior handles and the exterior handles may also need to be changed.
To replace a patio door handle first remove the previous handle by removing any screws that are holding it in place. After removing the handle, use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause problems later on.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to make sure it's working correctly. If you have any issues, you should consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid problems in the future, it is a good idea to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most popular door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It's usually made of steel and sits inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These locks are typically used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to take a few measurements before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you need to take include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway within the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted in the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one unit. This type of patio doors is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay locked it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door up to an inch and placing it against the frame to determine if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers to the bottom left or the right of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This can cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. This can also let cold air and draughts into your home, which reduces energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide smoothly once more. It is a good idea to regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in peak operating condition.
Another common issue with patio doors is a damaged screen, which could be an inconvenience or even a safety hazard. It may also hinder the doors from closing and opening correctly, which can result in 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 to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Over time, hinges can loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. This is a simple task that you can do yourself, but if not confident doing it, you should consult an expert to make sure your doors are securely aligned and secure.
It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a specific tool to clean away stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the hinges' screws can aid in re-alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a secure, durable seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes but it could also result from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are an excellent way to let the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, however they need some attention to ensure that they're moving smoothly. If you find that you need to really pull the handle to get your door to move, or simply doesn't move as smoothly as it used to then the problem could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely, it's time to replace the tracks. There are many replacement rollers that will fit your door and the type of track you have. You can find them at a variety of hardware stores however you will need someone to assist you in the removal and reinstall the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an image of the roller assembly mounted within the door frame so that experts can determine the exact 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 replacing the rollers, you'll need to put the sliding door back into its frame. It's a heavy door, so you may need some help. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in position on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to slide into the channel on top of the frame. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure it's clear of the track and rollers.
After the new rollers have been installed, carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If your new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to allow the door to move in the areas it requires it.