Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are a great way to connect your home to the outside. They offer a relaxing and easy transition. They can also save you money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air within your home.
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 routine when you step into an emerald-colored pool of water right by the sliding patio doors. You look around and realize that the rain of last night ripped through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be a simple task. With a bit of patience and a few basic tools you can fix the problem and save your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping that seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills lower. If you look at your doors and windows, you can tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas with high traffic because it will not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, trim the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel off the plastic strip at one 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. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping but it should work for a time.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for patio doors play an important role in the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also need to be replaced.
To replace the handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in place. Once the old handle is removed using a level, ensure that the door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure that it's working correctly. If you encounter any issues, you should consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It is also a good idea to lubricate the lock mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant to avoid any future issues.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to measure a few things before ordering a new one. You'll need to know the location of mounting holes and the position within the lock of the keyway.
Some handles for patio doors have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have an elongated key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed, it could be because the lock tongue isn't getting the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't fully parallel to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door up to 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers at the bottom left or the right side of the patio to make it perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air into your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea apply this every so often to ensure your doors are in peak operating condition.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a damaged screen, which can be a nuisance or even a security risk. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door has to be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door the wrong way.
Over time, hinges can become loose due to normal wear and tear or use. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure your doors close tightly. It's a simple job you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not confident doing it yourself, you must seek out an expert.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors track and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dust and debris which could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a specific tool to clean off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. It is possible to fix misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a durable seal.
If repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk for your patio doors are sagging or warped 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 due to poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure that it is properly aligned and functioning at its peak.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, however they need some care to keep them moving smoothly. If you find that you need to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or it isn't as easy to slide as it used to then the problem could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track can fill with dirt, sand and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to roll across. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers that will fit your door and the type of track you have. These can be purchased at many hardware stores, however you'll require a companion to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an image of the roller assembly that is installed within the door frame so that experts can identify the exact model and the type you require. You can also look for distinctive characteristics like dimples, bumps, flared edges and cut-outs which can narrow down replacement options.
After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may need some help. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in place on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to slide down into the channel on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of track, rollers and track.
After installing the new rollers, gently insert the door in the frame. Swing it down to ensure it is secured. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance in the areas it requires it.