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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 provide a comfortable and convenient transition. By keeping the air in your home, they will help you save money on heating or cooling bills.
But over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their luster. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning constitutional when you stumble into a puddle of water right by your sliding patio doors. You turn around to see that the rain of last night ripped through the patio door seals. Be prepared it's not going to be a quick fix. With a bit of patience and a few tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and keep your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and the jamb, keeping out the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills low. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know if the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacing.
There are a variety of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals such as bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are cheap, 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 that have heavy traffic since it will not wear out as quickly.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Then, pull out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and take off any remaining adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the new to the appropriate length, peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel bypasses sliding door and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a time.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they could be damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, remove the old one first, unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If patio door repair isn't straight it could hinder the lock and cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to make sure it's working correctly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It's recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid 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 frame of the door. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to take a few measurements before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you require include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted in the handle's keyway. This type of patio door includes the exterior and interior locks in one unit. This type of patio doors is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch does not stay locked it could be because the lock tongue may not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. The door should be opened an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will tell you if there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers to the bottom left or right of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air into your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and stop. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move again. This is a good idea for those who want to keep your doors running at their top performance.
Another common problem with patio doors is a torn screen, which is a nuisance or even a safety risk. Additionally, it could prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be repaired, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a torn screen, clean it thoroughly and make sure to avoid turning the door handles the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. This is a simple job which you can perform yourself, but if not confident doing it, you should consult an expert to ensure that your doors are properly aligned and secure.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. A simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the hinges' screws can aid in alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a solid, solid seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors could be affected when the frames are sagging or sliding. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can also be caused by poor installation or simply due to frequent use. A professional can replace or repair your patio door frame, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some care to keep them running smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move or it isn't sliding 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 roll across. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers not moving freely It's time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers that will fit your door and the type of track you have. You can buy these at most hardware stores, but will need someone to help you remove and install the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an accurate picture of the roller assembly mounted within the door frame so that experts can identify the exact model and the type you require. patio door repairs can also look out for identifying features such as dimples or bumps cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down the replacement options.
After replacing the rollers, you will need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is very heavy. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in place on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door 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 that it is free of the track and rollers.
After the new rollers have been installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and then swing it into place. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.