The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Patio Doors Repair
Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. By keeping the air inside your home, they can help you save money on cooling or heating bills.
Over time, the shine of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning jog when you step into the puddle of water near the sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that last night's rain blew in through the patio door seals. This is not going to be an easy project. With a little patience and a few basic tools you can fix the problem and save your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping, which closes 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 examination of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacement.
There are a variety of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Open cell foam and felt are inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it is durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great material for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, trim the new to the proper length, then peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it sits properly in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk on the area 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 but it should work for a few days.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for your patio door are essential to ensure the security of your home. As time passes, they could become worn or damaged and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace a handle on the patio door, take out the previous one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Once you have the new handle installed, close and open it several times to make sure it is working correctly. If you encounter any issues, consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It is recommended to lubricate the lock mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant to avoid any future issues.
The most common door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock it is important to measure. It is essential to know the location of mounting holes and the location in the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles come with an elongated key cylinder that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This type of patio door is most commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If the latch on your patio door doesn't stay latched, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the side jamb. Try opening the door up to an inch and spotting it against the frame to see whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right side of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel with jamb.
Misalignment
Over time over time, the tracks and rollers of the door may lose their alignment. sliding glass patio door repair could cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts into your home, reducing the efficiency of your energy. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and prevent. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to move smoothly again. This is a good idea if you want to keep your doors running at their peak.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a ripped screen, which is an inconvenience or even a security risk. In addition, it can stop doors from closing and opening correctly, which could lead to energy loss. In some cases the damaged screen can be replaced however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, wash it thoroughly and make sure to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when opening and closing.
Hinges may loosen as time passes due to heavy usage or normal wear. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. It's an easy task you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not confident with the task, you should seek out a professional.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors track and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing will remove dust and debris which can hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool for stubborn dirt or corrosion. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors could 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 replace or repair your patio door frame, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great to let the outside in and providing ample natural light, however they do require some attention to keep them sliding smoothly. If you find that you need to yank on the handle to get the door to move, or it isn't as easy to slide as it used to then the problem could be the rollers. Over time the lower track could become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to see if it helps.
If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still aren't able to move freely, it's time to replace the tracks. There is a variety of replacement rollers that will fit your door and the type of track you have. You can buy these at most hardware shops however you will need someone to assist you in the removal and reinstall the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take a good picture of the roller assembly that is placed within the door frame so that the experts can identify the exact model and the type you require. You can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples and flared edges, and cut-outs which can narrow down the options for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door into its frame. Get help on this one since the door is quite heavy. Check to see if there are screws that hold the track to either side of the frame. If they are, make sure 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's free of track rollers, track and track.
Once the new rollers have been installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it into place. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to allow the door to move where it needs it.