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. They can also help you save money on cooling and heating 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 French or sliding glass doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get into a puddle that is right next to your sliding patio door. You look around and discover that last night's rain came through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared it's not going to be a quick fix. With a bit of patience and some tools, you can fix this and protect your dog from cold, wet feet as well.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also help keep your energy costs down. If you check your doors and windows, you can tell whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.
There are patio door glass replacement of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze and copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open-cell foam are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas that are heavily used because it doesn't wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver remove the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip on one side and then apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.
When you're done, reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws so that the door sits in the track and is closed properly. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a time.
Handles and locks
Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they could become worn or damaged and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first by taking off any screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle is removed, use a level to ensure that the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door is not straight it could hinder the lock and cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installing it to make sure it is working properly. If you have any issues, check the instructions of the manufacturer 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 any future issues.
The most common door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is usually made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are found on wood and aluminum sliding doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. You'll need to know the location of mounting holes as well as the location within the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder which fits in the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one unit. This type of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch does not stay locked, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the side jamb. The door should be opened an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will tell you the gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door until you can get it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and draughts infiltrate your home, which could decrease energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to correct and avoid. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once again. It's a good idea to regularly do this to ensure your doors are in good working order.
Another common issue with patio doors is a torn screen, which is a nuisance or even a security risk. In addition, it can prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired but in others, the door must be replaced. If you've damaged your window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can become looser over time due to heavy use or normal wear. Regularly tightening screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. It's a simple job you can tackle on your own. However, if you are not comfortable, it is best to consult an expert.
It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors on a regular basis. A simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove tough dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges can aid in alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a strong, solid seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation issues, but it could also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly, allowing it to perform optimally.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are ideal for bringing the outside in and let in plenty of light, but they require some maintenance to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you need to pull the handle to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it did in the past, it could be the rollers. Over time the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't moving freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can buy these at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to assist you in the removal and reinstall the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take a good picture of the roller assembly that is installed in the door frame, so experts can identify the exact model and type you require. They can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples and flared edges and cut-outs that can narrow down the options for replacement.
Once the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door into its frame. Get help on this one since the door is quite heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in position on either side of the frame and that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to drop into the channel on top of the frame. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.
After putting in the new rollers, gently slide the door in the frame. Swing it down to make sure it is secure. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.