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Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are an excellent way to connect your home with the outside. They offer a pleasant and easy transition. By keeping air inside your home, they can save you cash on cooling or heating costs.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you stumble into a puddle of water right by the sliding patio doors. You turn around to see that the rain from last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. This isn't going to be an easy project. However, with a little patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and protect your dog from cold, wet feet in the process.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping, which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests, and moisture. It also keeps your energy costs down. If you check your doors and windows you will be able to tell whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are not expensive however, they are also known 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 won't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, then peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb with the putty knife.
When you're done, reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws so that the door is in the track and closes correctly. Then, 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 secure seal than weatherstripping but should be able to last for a period of time.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they may become damaged or worn and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also be replaced.
To replace a handle for a patio door, first remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that are holding it in place. Once the old handle is removed then use a level to make sure the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If patio door repair isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure that it's working correctly. If you encounter any issues ask the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It is recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated by using a silicone-based oil to prevent future problems.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is typically constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. They are usually used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is important to take a few measurements before ordering a new one. You will need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the position in the lock of the keyway.
Some handles for patio doors have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that fits in the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This type of patio doors is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't able to stay closed, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the jamb's side. You can open the door for an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will tell you whether there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, adjust the rollers at the bottom left or the right of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. This could also allow cold air and draughts into your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly again. It's a good idea to do this periodically to ensure your doors are in top operating condition.
Another common problem with patio doors is a ripped screen, which could be an issue or even a safety risk. In addition, it can stop doors from opening and closing properly, leading to 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, clean it thoroughly and make sure to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when opening and closing.
Hinges may loosen over time due to frequent usage or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in fixing this issue and ensure your doors close securely. This is an easy task that can be done yourself, but if you're not sure about it, seek out an expert to make sure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
It's recommended to regularly clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ an instrument specifically designed to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the hinges' screws can aid in re-alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a strong, solid seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors could be affected if the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes however, it can also result from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning optimally.
Rollers
Sliding patio doors are great to let the outside in and providing plenty of natural light, but they require some maintenance to keep them sliding smoothly. If you find that you need to push the handle to get the door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand, and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers don't glide freely it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. They can be found at many hardware stores, however you'll need a partner to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact model and type you require. They can also look out for specific features like dimples or bumps or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
Once the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. Get help with this one as the door is quite heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws holding the track in position on either side of the frame and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel on top of the frame. If you have a screen door, remove it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. Swing it down to ensure it is secured. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.
