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 outside. They offer a relaxing and convenient transition. They can also save you money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the air within your home.
Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and working 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 from last night ripped through the seals of your patio doors. Don't panic and be prepared for this to be a quick fix. With a bit of patience and a few tools, you can fix this and protect your dog from wet, cold feet.
It is important to replace the weatherstripping that seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills low. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will let you know if the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacement.
There are a variety of weatherstripping available such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are not expensive however, they are also known to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it won't wear out as easily.
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 remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping that was previously in place and remove any residual adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb using a putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding door and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will last for a while.
Locks and Handles
Patio door handles and locks play an important role in the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. In addition, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle on the patio door, take out the old one first, dislodging any screws that held it in place. After the handle has been removed then use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't in a straight line, it can interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure that it is working properly. If you encounter any issues you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It is also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid future issues.
The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is usually made of metal and sits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to measure. You'll need to know the location of mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have a rectangular key cylinder which can be inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one unit. This kind of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't latched, it could be because the lock tongue isn't getting the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the jamb on the side. You can open the door for one inch and then position it against the frame. This will tell you whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right side of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel with jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your energy. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and avoid. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can allow your doors to glide again. This is a good option for those who want to keep your doors running at their top performance.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a torn screen, which could be an inconvenience or even a security risk. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases the damaged screen can be replaced but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you've got a damaged window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges may loosen over time due to frequent use or normal wear. Regularly tightening www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can aid in resolving this issue and ensure your doors shut tightly. This is a simple job which you can perform yourself, but if not confident doing it, you should consult an expert to make sure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors on a regular basis. Simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris which can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool for tough dirt or rust. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a long-lasting seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are sagging or warped they could affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could also be caused due to poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's properly aligned so that it can function at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, however they need some care to ensure that they're moving smoothly. If you notice that you have to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or just doesn't slide as easily as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to move over. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to determine if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not sliding freely, it's time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers to fit your door and the kind of track you have. You can buy these at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to assist you in the removal and replace the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an image of the roller assembly installed in the door frame so experts can identify the specific model and type you require. They can also look out for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
Once the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might require help. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in the frame on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to drop into the channel on the top of the frame. If there is a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure it's clear of the track and rollers.
After putting in the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. Swing it down to ensure it is secured. If the new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door clearance in the areas it requires it.