Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors provide a comfortable 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 appeal. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and operating as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get into a puddle close to your sliding patio door. You look around and discover that the rain of last night was able to get through the seals on your patio doors. Be prepared, this isn't going to be a simple task in five minutes. With a bit of patience and some tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, which prevents drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills low. If you look at your doors and windows you can determine whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping available, including felt and open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are not expensive, but they also tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it holds up well and resists moisture. Rubber is a great material for areas that are heavily used since it won't deteriorate as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using the help of a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that keep the weatherstripping in place 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 replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb with a putty knife.
After you're done, put back the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door is in the track and is closed properly. Then, apply waterproof caulk to the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping, however, it will last for a time.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time, they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. The spindle connecting the interior handles and the exterior handles may also need to be changed.
To replace a handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in the place. Once the old handle has been removed using a level, ensure that the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it could interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to make sure it is working properly. If you experience any issues, consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It is recommended to lubricate the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid any future issues.
The most commonly used patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are typically used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. The measurements you need include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway within the lock.
Some patio door handles are equipped with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. These handles feature the key cylinder in a rectangular shape 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 unit. This type of patio doors is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked, the lock tongue may 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 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to determine if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door until you can get it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes, the rollers and tracks of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and drafts to enter your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can help your doors move again. It is a good idea to regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in top operating condition.
A damaged screen could also be a problem. It could be an inconvenience or even an issue. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases, the torn screen can be repaired, however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you've damaged your window screen, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
top article may loosen over time due to heavy use or normal wear. This can be corrected by tightening screws frequently. It's a simple task that you can perform yourself. However, if you're not confident doing it yourself, you must seek out a professional.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing will get rid of dust and debris that can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also employ an instrument specifically designed to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can help with misalignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them altogether to ensure a secure and durable seal.
If your frames for your patio doors 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 can also be caused by poor installation or simply due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are ideal for bringing the outside in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to keep them running smoothly. If you notice that you need to push the handle to get your door to move, or if it just doesn't slide as easily as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. Over time the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to roll over. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to see if that helps.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers not moving freely It's time to replace the tracks. There are many replacement rollers to match your door and the type of track you have. They are available at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a picture of the rollers installed in the frame to help the experts identify the exact type and model you need. They can also look out for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down your replacement options.
After replacing the rollers you will need to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. Get some help in this regard as the door is heavy. Examine if there are screws that hold the track to either side of the frame. If there are you must ensure that they are loose enough for the door's bottom to slide into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of track tracks, rollers and track.
Once the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and then swing it into place. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to allow the door to move to the extent it requires.