Patio Doors Repair: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
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 offer a relaxing and easy transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they will save you money on heating or cooling costs.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM when you step in a puddle right close to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain from last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be an easy task. With a bit of patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and protect your dog from wet, cold feet as well.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and jamb, keeping out the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will show you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacing.
There are many types of weatherstripping to choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze or copper. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good choice for areas with high traffic because it does not wear out as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, 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, loosen the screws that secure the weatherstripping on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the new to the correct length, then peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
After you're done, put back the door and adjust the roller screws so that the door is positioned in the track and is closed properly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will last for a while.
Handles and Locks
Patio door handles and locks are essential to the security of your home. Over time they can get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also require replacement.
To replace a patio door handle first, remove the old handle by removing any screws that are holding it in place. After the handle has been removed then use a level to make sure the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause problems later on.
After you have the new handle installed Close and then open it several times to make sure it functions correctly. If you experience any issues ask the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is a good idea also to lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is typically made of metal and sits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These types of locks are typically used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it's important to take a few measurements prior to ordering a new one. You'll need to know the location of mounting holes and the position within the lock of the keyway.
Some patio door handles have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. The handles have an elongated key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one unit. This type of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the jamb on the side. 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, adjust the rollers to the bottom left or right of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the rollers and tracks of the door can lose their alignment. This can cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your energy. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease to the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. It's a good idea to apply this every so often to keep your doors in top operating condition.
Another common issue with patio doors is a torn screen, which could be an issue or even a safety risk. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door needs to be replaced. If you've got a damaged window screen, make sure you wash it thoroughly. Also, make sure just click the up coming document don't turn the handles of the door the wrong way.
Hinges can loosen as time passes due to heavy usage or normal wear. This can be corrected by tightening screws frequently. It's an easy task you can tackle on your own. However, if you are not comfortable with the task, you should seek out a professional.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a specific tool to clean away rust or dirt that has accumulated. 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 lasting seal.
If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen 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 replace or repair your patio door frame, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.
Rollers
Sliding patio doors are great to let the outside in and letting plenty of light, however they do require some attention to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you find that you need to really push the handle to get the door to move, or it isn't as easy to slide as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. Over time the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll across. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to see if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. 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 in the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you require. They can also look out for specific features like dimples or bumps cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down your replacement options.
Once the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may require help. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in position on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide down into the channel on the top of the frame. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.
After the new rollers are in place, carefully slide the door into the frame and swing it back into position. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.