Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. By keeping the air in your home, they can save you money on cooling or heating costs.
But with time your sliding glass or French doors could lose their shine. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and working as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM when you step into a puddle that is right next to your
sliding patio door repair near me patio door. You glance around and realize that last night's rain blew in through the seals on your patio doors. Don't panic and be prepared for this to be a simple task in five minutes. With a bit of patience and a few basic tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and keep your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between the door and the jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills lower. If you inspect your doors and windows you can determine if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are a variety of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are inexpensive however they tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with high traffic because it does not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first 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 secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, trim the replacement to the correct length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
After that, you can reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is positioned in the track and closes correctly. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should last for a while.
Locks and Handles
Patio door handles and locks play a crucial 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 may also need to be replaced.
To replace a
patio repair near me door handle, first remove the old handle by removing any screws that hold it in place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the door is straight. 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 is working properly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It is recommended to lubricate the lock mechanism by using a silicone-based oil to prevent future problems.
The most popular door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is typically made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These types of locks are used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is important to measure a few things before purchasing a new lock. It is essential to know the location of the mounting holes and the position within the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors are equipped with a locking mechanism built into the handle. These handles come with the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door has both the inside and exterior locks in one unit. This kind of patio door is most often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If the latch on your patio door doesn't stay latched the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the side jamb. Try opening the door for about an inch and placing it against the frame to determine whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, adjust the rollers to the bottom left or the right of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, which reduces the efficiency of your energy. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers will make your doors glide smoothly once more. It is a good idea to regularly do this to keep your doors in peak operating condition.
A damaged screen could also be an issue. It can be an inconvenience or even risky. It may also hinder the doors from closing and opening correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some cases, the torn screen can be replaced however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you have a torn window screen, be sure to clean it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can loosen as time passes due to heavy use or wear and tear. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. It's a simple job you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not sure, it is best to seek out an expert.
It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool for 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 strong, long-lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors can be affected if the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes but it could also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace your
patio door repair door frame and ensure it's properly aligned so that it can function optimally.
Rollers
The
sliding patio door repair service near me patio doors can be ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some care to ensure they are running smoothly. If you find that you have to really pull the handle to get the door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. As time passes the lower track could become clogged with dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can buy these at most hardware shops, but will need someone to assist you in removing and replace the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an accurate picture of the roller assembly that is mounted in the door frame, so experts can identify the specific model and type you need. You can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples and flared edges, and cut-outs that could narrow your the options for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door in its frame. Get help in this regard as the door is quite heavy. Check to see if there are screws that hold the track on either side of frame. If so check that they're loose enough for the bottom of door to drop into the channel that is above the frame. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure it's free of track and rollers.
Once the new rollers are installed then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it back into position. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.
