Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors can provide a convenient and comfortable transition between your home and outdoor space. By keeping the air in your home, they could help you save money on heating or cooling bills.
But over time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their luster. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning jog when you step into the puddle of water by your sliding patio doors. You look around and see that last night's rain came through the patio door seals. This won't be an easy task. With a little patience and a few tools you can fix the problem and save your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between the door and jamb, keeping out moisture, pests, and drafts. 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 requires replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are both inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great material for areas with high traffic because it doesn't wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using the help of a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, trim the new to the proper length, peel off the plastic strip at the other 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 so that the door is positioned in the track and is closed correctly. Then, apply caulk to the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping however, it should last for a time.
Locks and Handles
Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the interior 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. After removing the handle, use a level and make sure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues later on.
Close and open the handle several times after installing it to ensure that it's functioning properly. If you encounter any issues, check the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware specialist for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most popular door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and fits inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These types of locks are typically used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is essential to measure a few things before ordering a new one. The measurements you require include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the location of the keyway within the lock.
door repairs london come with an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder that fits inside the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying latched, it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the side jamb. Try opening the door up to an inch and spotting it against the frame to see whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to get it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air into your home, which reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea do this periodically to ensure that your doors are in good working order.
A damaged screen could also be an issue. It can cause inconvenience or even risky. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired, but in other cases the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. This is a simple task that can be done yourself, but if not sure about it, you should consult an expert to ensure that your doors are properly aligned and secure.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dust and debris which could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to fix any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal.
If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation issues, but it can also occur due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you notice that you have to really push the handle to get the door to move, or it isn't as easy to slide as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. You can clean it up 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 sliding freely, it's time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers available to fit your door and the type of track you have. They are available at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an image of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame so experts can identify the specific model and type you need. You can also search for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you will need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. Get help in this regard as the door is quite heavy. Examine if there are screws that hold the track to either side of the frame. If they are you must ensure that they are loose enough for 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, rollers and track.
After the new rollers are in then carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it into place. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.