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. They can also save you money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the air within your home.
However, over time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their shine. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning routine when you stumble into an emerald-colored pool of water right by your sliding patio doors. You turn around to see that the rain from last night ripped through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be an easy task. With a bit of patience and a few tools you can fix the problem and prevent your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between the door and jamb, keeping out drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping in good condition or requires replacing.
There are many types of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals such as bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are inexpensive however they tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with high traffic because it won't wear out as quickly.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the new to the proper length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk to the place that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will work for some time.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle which connects the exterior and interior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, first remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the door is straight. If the door is not straight it could hinder the lock and cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure that it's functioning properly. If you encounter any issues, consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a hardware specialist for assistance. It's also a good idea to lubricate the lock mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant to avoid any future issues.
sliding patio door repairs near me used door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It's typically constructed of steel and is placed 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 is essential to take a few measurements before ordering a new one. The measurements you need include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway in the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles feature 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 piece. This type of patio door is most often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If the latch on your patio door isn't able to stay closed, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb's side. Try opening the door for about an inch and placing it against the frame to see whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door until you can get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts infiltrate your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks can make your doors glide again. This is a good idea for those who want to ensure that your doors are operating at their top performance.
A damaged or ripped screen can be a problem. It can be a hassle or a danger. It can also prevent the doors from opening and closing correctly, which can result in 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 you open and close the door.
Over time, hinges will loosen due to wear and tear or use. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. It's an easy task you can perform yourself. However, if you're not confident doing it yourself, you must consult a professional.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to correct the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a long-lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are sagging or sliding. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused due to poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be a great way to bring the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, however they require some maintenance to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you notice that you have to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or isn't as easy to slide as it used to then the problem could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track can become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it and 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 are a variety of replacement rollers available to fit your door and the kind of track you have. These can be purchased at most hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an accurate picture of the roller assembly placed in the door frame, so experts can determine the exact model and type you need. You can also search for identifying features such as bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down replacement options.
After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. You may need assistance on this one since the door is quite heavy. Make sure there are screws that hold the track on either side of frame. If they are, make sure they are loose enough for the door's bottom to drop into the channel that is above the frame. If there is a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure it's free of track and rollers.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently insert the door into the frame. It should be lowered to make sure it is secure. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to allow the door to move to the extent it requires.