Patio Doors Repair 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier
Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your indoor and outdoor space. They also help save money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the air inside your home.
But over time your sliding glass or French doors could lose their luster. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get into a puddle near your sliding patio door. You look around and realize that the rain of last night blew through the patio door seals. Buckle up, this isn't going to be a simple task in five minutes. With a bit of patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and save your dog from cold, wet feet.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping, which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills low. A quick examination of your windows and doors will show you whether the weatherstripping in good shape or needs replacement.
There are several types of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas that have high traffic because it does not wear as fast.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and clean any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the new to the proper length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and 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 waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping however, it will last for a while.
Locks and handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are important for the security of your home. Over time, they can be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also require replacement.
To replace a handle for a patio door first remove the previous one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle is removed using a level, ensure that the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems in the future.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure that it is working properly. If you encounter any issues you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It is recommended to grease the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid future issues.
The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It's usually made of steel and sits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are found on aluminum sliding and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. The measurements you require include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Some patio door handles have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. These handles feature an elongated key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the exterior and interior locks in one unit. This kind of patio door is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying locked, it could be because the lock tongue isn't getting the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel to the jamb's side. Open the door by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will show you whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio until it is exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and drafts to enter your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and avoid. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to move smoothly once more. It's a good idea regularly do this to ensure your doors are in peak operating condition.
A damaged screen could also be a problem. It could be a hassle or a danger. It can also prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be replaced however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a torn screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and make sure not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when closing and opening.
Hinges may loosen as time passes due to heavy usage or normal wear. Regularly tightening screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. This is a simple task that can be done by yourself, however if you're not confident doing it, consult a professional to ensure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors regularly. A simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a specific tool to clean off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. It is possible to correct the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal.
upvc patio door repairs and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are sagging or sagging. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused by poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly, allowing it to perform at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal for bringing the outside in and letting plenty of natural light, but they do require some maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you notice that you have to really yank on the handle to get the door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it used to then the problem could be the rollers. Over time the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand, and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll across. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to see 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. You can find them at most hardware stores however, you will require someone to assist you in removing and install the rollers. Get a picture of the roller assembly installed in the frame to help the experts identify the exact model and type you require. They can also look out for identifying features such as bumps or dimples cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down the 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 very heavy. Begin by making sure there aren't any screws securing the track in place on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to drop into the channel on top of the frame. If there is a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
When the new rollers have been installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.