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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 option to connect your home with the outdoors. They provide a comfortable and easy transition. They can also help you save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air within your home.
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 taking your dog out for his morning routine when you step into the puddle of water in front of the sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that the rain of last night was able to get through the seals of your patio doors. This isn't going to be an easy task. But with a little patience and a few tools, you can fix this and save your dog from cold, wet feet in the process.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests, and moisture. This will also keep your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping in good condition or requires replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping available such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are not expensive however they tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for high-traffic areas because it won't wear out as easily.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, pull out the old weatherstripping and remove any residual adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the new to the proper length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
After that, you can reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is positioned in the track and closes properly. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel obstructs the sliding door and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should last for a while.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for your patio door are important for the security of your home. As time passes, they may become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also require replacement.
To replace a handle for a patio door first remove the previous one by unscrewing any screws that are holding it in place. After the handle has been removed using a level, ensure that the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't in a straight line, it could interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure it's working correctly. If you have any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware expert for assistance. To prevent future problems it is a good idea to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most popular door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is typically constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is essential to take a few measurements before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you need include the location of the mounting holes and the location of the keyway within the lock.
Certain patio door handles come with an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder which fits in the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one. This type of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If visit the following post isn't staying fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't catching the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb on the side. You can open the door for an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will show you the 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 perfectly parallel to 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. This could also allow drafts and cold air into your home, which reduces the efficiency of your energy. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and prevent. Applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers can allow your doors to glide again. It is a good idea to do this periodically to keep your doors in good working order.
Another common problem with patio doors is a torn screen, which can be a nuisance or even a safety hazard. In addition, it can stop doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, but in other cases the door must be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, clean it thoroughly and make sure not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges can loosen due to normal wear and tear or use. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in fixing this issue and ensure that your doors close securely. It's a simple job you can do yourself. If you're not confident, it is best to consult an expert.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a specific tool to clean away rust or dirt that has accumulated. It is possible to correct misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a long-lasting 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 changes, but it could also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's properly aligned so that it can function optimally.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are a great way to bring the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you need to pull the handle hard to get the door to move or it isn't sliding as it used to, it could be the rollers. In time, the lower track can become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to see if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers available to suit your door and kind of track you have. 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 an accurate picture of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame, so the experts can identify the specific model and type you need. They can also look out for specific features like dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might require assistance. Make sure there are screws securing the track to either side of the frame. If so check that they're loose enough to allow the bottom of door to drop into the channel that is above the frame. If there's a screen door, take it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.
After the new rollers have been installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and then swing it back into position. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.
