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 will help you save money on heating or cooling costs.
But over time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their shine. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and operating as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get into a puddle near your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain of last night has blown through the patio door seals. Don't panic and be prepared for this to be a five-minute project. With a bit of patience and some tools, you can fix this and protect your dog from cold, wet feet as well.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and jamb, which prevents drafts, pests and moisture. This will also keep your energy bills down. If you check your windows and door, you can tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are many kinds of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as bronze or copper. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Felt and open-cell foam are inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it will not wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using the aid of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive remnants. Then, trim the replacement to the proper length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb.
After that, you can reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is positioned in the track and shuts correctly. 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 not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, but it should work for a few days.
Locks and handles
Patio door handles and locks are essential to the security of your home. As time passes, they may become damaged or worn and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first, taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After you have removed the old handle, you can use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues later on.
After you have the new handle Close and then open it several times to make sure it is working properly. If you experience any issues ask the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. It's recommended to grease the lock mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant to prevent future problems.
The most popular patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is typically constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These types of locks are typically used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the location within the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors come with the ability to lock the handle. The handles have an elongated key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door doesn't stay latched it could be because the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb on the side. The door should be opened by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will tell you whether there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time over time, the tracks and rollers of the door may lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your energy. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to correct and stop. Applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. This is a good idea if you want to ensure that your doors are operating at their best.
Another common problem with patio doors is a ripped screen, which can be an issue or even a security risk. It can also prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired but in others, the door has to be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, be 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 normal wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening screws can help correct this issue and ensure that your doors close securely. This is a simple job that can be done by yourself, however if you're not sure about it, consult an expert to make sure your doors are securely aligned and secure.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing can take away dust and other debris that can hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. Repair My Windows And Doors can utilize a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to correct any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a long-lasting seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes but it can also occur from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's properly aligned, allowing it to perform at its peak.
Rollers
Sliding patio doors are great to let the outside in and letting plenty of light, however they do require some maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you notice that you have to really push the handle to get the door to move, or if it isn't as easy to slide as it used to it could be due to the rollers. As time passes, the lower track can be clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely It's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can find them at a variety of hardware stores however, you will require someone to help you remove and replace the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, 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 need. You can also search for identifying features such as dimples or bumps cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down the alternatives for replacement.
Once the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install the sliding door back into its frame. Get help on this one since the door is quite heavy. Check to see if there are screws securing the track on either side of the frame. If so check that they're loose enough for the door's bottom to slide into the channel above the frame. If there's a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.
After putting in the new rollers, gently slide the door in the frame. Swing it down to secure it. If the new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to allow the door to move to the extent it requires.