The Three Greatest Moments In Patio Doors Repair History
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. By keeping the air in your home, they could save you cash on cooling or heating costs.
However, over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their luster. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM when you step in a puddle right close to your sliding patio door. You turn around to see that the rain from last night ripped through the seals of your patio doors. Don't panic it's not going to be a quick fix. But with a little patience and some tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet as well.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills down. If you check your doors and windows, you can determine whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are many kinds of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze and copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great material for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, 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 secure the weatherstripping on the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and clean any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the new to the proper length, then peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb with a putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk to the place where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping but it should work for a while.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. Over time, they may get damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, first remove the old handle by removing any screws that are holding it in place. After the handle has been removed, use a level to make sure the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If patio door repairs near me isn't straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause problems later on.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure it's functioning properly. If you have any issues, consult the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid problems in the future it is a good idea to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and sits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are found on aluminum and wood sliding doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to measure. You'll need to know the location of the mounting holes and the position within the lock of the keyway.
Certain patio door handles are equipped with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that fits inside the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one unit. This kind of patio door is most commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying latched It could be due to the lock tongue isn't getting the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the jamb on the side. Open the door an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will reveal if there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or right side of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers of the door may lose their alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and drafts to infiltrate your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks will help your doors move again. This is a great idea in order to keep your doors operating at their top performance.
A damaged screen could also be an issue. It could cause inconvenience or even risky. It can also prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired, but in other cases the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the door handles the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges can loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be fixed by regularly tightening screws. It's an easy task you can do yourself. If you are not comfortable with the task, you should consult a professional.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. A simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dirt and dust that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ an instrument specifically designed to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges may aid in re-alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them all together to ensure a secure and long-lasting seal.
If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can be caused by poor installation or simply through frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to keep them running smoothly. If you have to yank the handle to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track can fill with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to roll over. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to see if that helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still aren't able to move freely it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can find them at a variety of hardware stores however, you will require someone to assist you in removing and replace the rollers. Get a picture of the roller assembly in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact model and type you need. They can also look out for identifying features such as dimples or bumps or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down your replacement options.
After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door in its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may need some help. Make sure there are screws that hold the track to either side of the frame. If there are, make sure they are loose enough to allow the bottom of door to slide into the channel that is above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of the track rollers, track and track.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to secure it. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.