Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are a great option to connect your home with the outdoors. They provide a comfortable and easy transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they will save you cash on cooling or heating bills.
Over time, the shine of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you step into a puddle of water right near your sliding patio doors. You look around and realize that the rain from last night ripped through the seals of your patio doors. Buckle up, this isn't going to be a quick fix. With a little patience, and a few simple tools you can fix the problem and save your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills down. If you inspect your windows and door, you can tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are many kinds of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze or copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are not expensive however they tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as quickly.
To install 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 screws that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the old weatherstripping and scrape any adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the new to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb with the putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk to the place where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should work for some time.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for patio doors play a crucial role in the security of your home. Over time, they can become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles can also require replacement.
To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the previous one first by taking off any screws that hold it in place. After you have removed the old handle, you can use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Once you have the new handle, close and open it several times to ensure it is working properly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It's also a good idea to lubricate the lock mechanism by using a silicone-based oil to avoid future issues.
The most popular door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is usually made of metal and sits in a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to measure a few things before purchasing a new lock. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock.
Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that is inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is most commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If the latch on your patio door isn't able to stay closed the lock tongue might not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. You can open the door for by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will tell you whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door until you can get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
In time the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts into your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your energy. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to correct and stop. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move smoothly once more. It's a good idea regularly do this to ensure your doors are in top operating condition.
Another common problem with patio doors is a ripped screen, which is an issue or even a safety hazard. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired, but in other cases the door needs to be replaced. If you've got a damaged window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Over time, hinges will become loose due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. This is a simple job which you can perform yourself, but if you're not comfortable doing it, seek out a professional to ensure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. Simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris which could interfere with the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. mouse click the following web page is possible to correct misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a durable seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could also be caused by poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's properly aligned, allowing it to perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be ideal for bringing the outside in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to ensure that they're moving smoothly. If you find that you need to pull the handle to get the door to move, or it just doesn't slide as easily as it did in the past then the problem could be the rollers. Over time the lower track can fill with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to move over. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to determine if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't able to move freely, it's time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers to fit your door and the kind of track you have. They can be found at most hardware stores, but you'll require a companion to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an image of the roller assembly that is mounted in the door frame so experts can determine the specific model and type you need. You can also look for distinctive characteristics like dimples, bumps, cut-outs and flared edges that can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door in its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may require assistance. Examine if there are any screws holding the track on either side of the frame. If there are check that they're loose enough for the door's bottom to slide into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of the track, rollers and track.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently insert the door in the frame. Swing it down to ensure it is secured. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.
