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 outside. They offer a pleasant and easy transition. By keeping air inside your home, they will help you save cash on cooling or heating bills.
Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and operating like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you stumble into an emerald-colored pool of water right by the sliding patio doors. You look around and see that the rain of last night was able to get through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared it's not going to be a quick fix. With a bit of patience and a few tools, you can fix this and save your dog from wet, cold feet in the process.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will tell you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacement.
There are a variety of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are both inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas that are heavily used because it won't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and clean any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb with a putty knife.
After that, you can reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is in the track and shuts properly. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel obstructs the sliding door and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping but it should work for a time.
Locks and Handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. As time passes, they could be damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the old one first, unscrewing any screws holding it in place. After removing the handle, you can use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Once you have the new handle, close and open it a few times to ensure it works correctly. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines 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 type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It's usually made of steel and sits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing a mortise lock, it's important to take a few measurements before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you need include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway in the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted in the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door comes with the inside and exterior locks within one unit. This type of patio doors is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door about 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to see if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door until you can get it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes over time, the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This can cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. This could also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once more. This is a good option if you want to ensure that your doors are operating at their best.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a torn screen, which can be an inconvenience or even a security risk. It can also prevent the doors from closing and opening correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and be sure not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening the screws will help correct this issue and ensure your doors close tightly. This is a simple job that you can do yourself, but if not sure about it, seek out a professional to ensure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. A simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ an instrument specifically designed to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges can aid in alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a strong and solid seal.
If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes, however, it can also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's properly aligned and functioning at its peak.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outdoors in and let in lots of light, but they require some maintenance to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move or it doesn't slide like it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track could get clogged by dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to determine if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not sliding freely, it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can find them at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to assist you in the removal and replace the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact type and model you need. They can also look out for specific features like bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down your replacement options.
After replacing the rollers you will need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may need some help. Make sure there are click this link securing the track on either side of the frame. If there are you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of door to fall into the channel above the frame. If you have a screen door, take it from the opening and ensure 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 your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.