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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 way to connect your home to the outdoors. They offer a relaxing and easy transition. By keeping the air in your home, they will save you money 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 working like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM, and you end up into a puddle that is right next to your sliding patio door. You turn around to see that the rain from last night ripped through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared it's not going to be a simple task in five minutes. With a little patience, and a few basic tools, you can fix it and prevent your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and jamb, preventing drafts, pests and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills down. If you check your doors and windows you can tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are a variety of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze and copper. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Open-cell foam and felt are both inexpensive however, they are also known to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great material for areas with high traffic because it doesn't wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the new to the correct length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding door and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping however, it should last for a few days.
Locks and Handles
Patio door handles and locks are essential to the security of your home. Over time they can become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also require replacement.
To replace a handle on a patio door first remove the previous handle by removing any screws that hold it in place. After removing the handle, use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to make sure it is working properly. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It is also a good idea to keep the lock mechanism lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant to avoid future issues.
The most popular patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits inside a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. It is essential to know the location of the mounting holes and the position in the lock of the keyway.
Some handles for patio doors have an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the inside and exterior locks in one piece. This kind of patio door is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door doesn't stay latched, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb on the side. You can open the door for by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will tell you the gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio to make it perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and drafts to infiltrate your home, which can decrease energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and prevent. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once more. This is a good idea if you want to keep your doors running at their top performance.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a damaged screen, which can be an inconvenience or even a safety risk. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired but in others, the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the door handles the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Hinges can become looser over time due to frequent use or wear and tear. Regularly tightening RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. It's a simple task that you can perform yourself. If you are not comfortable with the task, you should consult an expert.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors on a regular basis. Simple vacuuming or brushing will remove dust and debris which can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also use an instrument specifically designed to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. It is possible to correct the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a lasting seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could also be caused by poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great for letting the outside in while letting plenty of light, however they do require some attention to ensure they slide smoothly. If you need to pull the handle 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 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 see if that helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not moving freely, then it is time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers available to match your door and the kind of track you have. You can purchase them at most hardware stores however, you will require someone to help you remove and install the rollers. Get a picture of the rollers installed within the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you require. You can also search for identifying features such as dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers, you will need to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. Get some help on this one since the door is heavy. Examine if there are any screws holding the track on either side of the frame. If so you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to drop into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's clear of the track tracks, rollers and track.
After putting in the new rollers, gently insert the door into the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to ensure it is secured. If the new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance to the extent it requires.