Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are an excellent way to connect your home to the outside. They offer a relaxing and easy transition. They also help save money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air inside your home.
Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door can fade. 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 jog when you stumble into a puddle of water right by your sliding patio doors. You look around and see that the rain from last night blew in through the patio door seals. Don't panic and be prepared for this to be a simple task in five minutes. With a bit of patience and a few tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests and moisture. This will also help keep your energy costs down. If you check your windows and door, you can determine if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping to choose from, including felt and open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze or copper. Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. Open-cell foam and felt are both inexpensive however they tend to be noticeable and ineffective 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 since it won't deteriorate as easily.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the new to the correct length, 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 that it is properly placed in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk to the place that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping but should be able to last for a period of time.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for patio doors play a crucial role in the security of your home. Over time, they can get damaged or worn out and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the previous one first by taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After removing the handle, use a level and make sure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
After you have the new handle Close and open it a few times to ensure it works properly. If you have any problems ask the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It is recommended to grease the lock mechanism by using a silicone-based oil to avoid future issues.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is typically made of metal and sits inside a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing patio doors repairs lock it's important to take a few measurements prior to ordering a new one. The measurements you need to take include the location of the mounting holes and the location of the keyway in the lock.
Some patio door handles come with the ability to lock the handle. These handles come with the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that fits into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the exterior and inside locks in one unit. This kind of patio door is most often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned 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 any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, adjust 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 tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts infiltrate your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once again. It's a good idea to regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in good working order.
Another common problem with patio doors is a torn screen, which could be an issue or even a safety hazard. It may also hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases, the torn screen can be replaced however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a torn screen, clean it thoroughly and make sure not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when closing and opening.
Hinges may loosen over time due to heavy use or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure your doors close securely. It's an easy task you can do yourself. However, if you're not sure, it is best to consult an expert.
You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming can get rid of dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool to remove tough dirt or rust. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a lasting seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. The warping or shifting may occur 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 fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning optimally.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal for bringing the outside in while letting plenty of light, however they do require some attention to ensure they slide smoothly. If you have to yank the handle to get the door to move, or it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to, it could be the rollers. As time passes the lower track could get clogged by dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers available to fit your door and the type of track you have. You can find them at most hardware stores however, you will require someone to assist you in removing and install the rollers. Take a picture of the roller assembly within the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you require. You can also search for identifying features such as dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. This is a very heavy door, and you might require help. Examine if there are screws that hold the track to either side of the frame. If so check that they're loose enough to allow the bottom of door to slide into the channel above 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 have been installed then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If the new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door clearance in the areas it requires it.