Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are a great option to connect your home with the outdoors. They provide a comfortable and easy transition. By keeping the air in your home, they could help you save cash on cooling or heating bills.
But with time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their appeal. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and operating like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you step into a puddle of water right by your sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain of last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. Buckle up it's not going to be a simple task in five minutes. However, with a little patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and save your dog from cold, wet feet.
It is important to replace the weatherstripping that seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills lower. If you look at your doors and windows, you will be able to tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze or copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it holds up well and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it won't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with the aid of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, remove the old weatherstripping and take off any remaining adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, trim the new 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 it is properly placed in the track. Apply waterproof caulk to the place that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, however, it will last for a time.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for patio doors play a crucial role in the security of your home. As time passes, they may become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also need to be changed.
To replace a handle on a patio door first, remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place. After removing the handle, you can use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues later on.
After you have the new handle Close and open it several times to ensure it is working correctly. If you have any problems ask the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To prevent future problems it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and sits inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is important to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. The measurements you require include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Certain patio door handles come with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits inside the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the exterior and inside locks within one unit. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the side jamb. 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 a gap, reposition the rollers to the bottom left or right side of the patio so that it is exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes, the rollers and tracks of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This could also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, reducing energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly once again. This is a good option in order to keep your doors running at their top performance.
A damaged screen could also be a problem. It could be a hassle or an issue. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door needs to be replaced. If you've damaged your window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. This is an easy task that you can do yourself, but if not confident doing it, you should consult a professional to ensure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool for tough dirt or rust. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can aid in alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them completely to ensure a solid and durable seal.
If balcony door repair are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes, but it can also occur from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal to let the outside in while letting ample natural light, however they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you need to pull the handle hard to get the door to move or it isn't sliding as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still not moving freely It's time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers that will match your door and the type of track you have. They can be found at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a picture of the roller assembly installed in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact model and type you require. They can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples and cut-outs and flared edges that can narrow down the options for replacement.
After replacing the rollers, you'll need to put the sliding door back into its frame. This is a heavy door, so you may require assistance. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in position on either side of the frame and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel that is on the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is clear of the track tracks, rollers and track.
Once the new rollers are in, carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it into place. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.