The No. #1 Question Everybody Working In Patio Doors Repair Must Know How To Answer
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 indoor and outdoor space. They can also save you money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air inside your home.
However, over time your sliding glass or French doors could lose their shine. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM, and you end up in a puddle right next to your sliding patio door. You glance around and realize that the rain from last night blew in through the seals of your patio doors. This isn't going to be an easy task. With a little patience, and a few simple tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and save your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and the jamb, keeping out moisture, pests, and drafts. It also helps keep your energy bills down. If you inspect your doors and windows you can tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are several types of weatherstripping available such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Felt and open-cell foam are not expensive, but they also tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas with high traffic because it will not wear out as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then using a flathead screwdriver, unscrew the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly seated in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk to the place that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should work for some time.
Locks and Handles
Locks and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. Over time they can get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in the place. After removing the old handle, use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight. If sliding glass patio door replacement cost isn't straight it could interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
After you have the new handle installed Close and open it several times to ensure it works effectively. If you have any issues, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware expert for assistance. To prevent future problems it is recommended to also lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before you purchase a new mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. The measurements you need to take include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles come with the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the exterior and interior locks in one piece. This type of patio door is most often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb's side. Try opening the door for about an inch and placing it against the frame to determine whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers on the bottom left or right side of the patio until it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
In time the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This can cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts to infiltrate your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and prevent. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once more. This is a great idea in order to keep your doors operating at their best.
Another common problem with patio doors is a damaged screen, which can be an inconvenience or even a safety risk. In addition, it may stop doors from opening and closing properly, leading to loss of energy. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, but in other cases the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, wash it thoroughly and make sure not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when closing and opening.
Hinges can loosen as time passes due to heavy usage or normal wear. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. This is a simple task that you can do yourself, but if not sure about it, you should consult an expert to ensure that your doors are securely aligned and secure.
It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. A simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool for tough dirt or corrosion. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a long-lasting seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes but it could also result from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure that it is properly aligned, allowing it to perform at its peak.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in lots of light, but they require some maintenance to keep them moving smoothly. If you notice that you need to really pull the handle to get your door to move, or simply doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past, the culprit may be the rollers. In time, the lower track can become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't sliding freely, it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can buy these at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to assist you in removing and install the rollers. Get a picture of the roller assembly installed in the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you need. They can also search for specific characteristics like dimples, bumps, flared edges and cut-outs that can narrow down replacement options.
When the rollers are replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door in its frame. Get help on this one since the door is quite heavy. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws holding the track in the frame on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel that is on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is clear of the track tracks, rollers and track.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently insert the door into the frame. It should be lowered to ensure it is secured. If the new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to allow the door to move in the areas it requires it.