10 Things You've Learned In Preschool To Help You Get A Handle On Patio Doors Repair
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 could save you money on heating or cooling costs.
But over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their shine. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and functioning like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning routine when you step into the puddle of water near your sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that the rain from last night blew in through the seals of your patio doors. This isn't going to be a simple task. With a bit of patience and a few 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 keep out drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping in good condition or needs replacing.
There are many types of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open-cell foam are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it doesn't wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using sliding patio door repair 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 new to the proper length, then peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly placed in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk on the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping but should work for some time.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for your patio door are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also need to be changed.
To replace a handle for a patio door, first remove the old handle by removing any screws that are holding it in place. After removing the handle, use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't in a straight line, it can interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure it's functioning properly. If you experience any issues, you should consult the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware specialist for assistance. To avoid problems in the future, it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. These types of locks are used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is essential to take a few measurements before purchasing a new lock. You will need to know the location of the mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock.
Certain patio door handles come with the ability to lock the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder which fits inside the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the inside and exterior locks within one unit. This type of patio doors is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying latched It could be due to the lock tongue isn't catching the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the jamb's side. Try opening the door up to 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to see whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door to get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes over time, the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts infiltrate your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will make your doors glide smoothly again. This is a good idea in order to ensure that your doors are operating at their top performance.
Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which could be an inconvenience or even a security risk. In addition, it may hinder the doors from opening and closing correctly, which could lead to energy loss. In some cases the damaged screen can be replaced, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening.
Hinges may loosen as time passes due to heavy use or normal wear. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. It's a simple job you can perform yourself. If you're not sure with the task, you should seek out a professional.
It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. Simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can aid in alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a solid and long-lasting seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could be caused due to poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be a great way to bring the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they require some maintenance to keep them running smoothly. If you find that you have to really yank on the handle to get the door to move, or just doesn't slide as easily 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 and the rollers still not moving freely It's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They are available at many hardware stores, however you'll require a companion to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an accurate picture of the roller assembly that is installed in the door frame so the experts can identify the exact model and type you require. They can also search for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges that can narrow down replacement options.
When the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door in its frame. This is a heavy door, so you may need some help. Examine if there are any screws holding the track on either side of frame. If they are, make sure they are loose enough for the door's bottom to drop into the channel above the frame. If there's a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.
After putting in the new rollers, gently place the door into the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to secure it. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to allow the door to move in the areas it requires it.