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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 outside. They offer a relaxing and easy transition. By keeping the air in your home, they will help you save money on heating or cooling costs.
But over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning jog when you stumble into a puddle of water right near the sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that the rain of last night was able to get through the seals on your patio doors. This is not going to be an easy task. With a little patience, and a few tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and prevent your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
It is important to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests and moisture. It also keeps your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacing.
There are several types of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it does not wear out as fast.
For installing patio doors repairs weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and clean any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb with the putty knife.
After you're done, put back the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door sits in the track and closes properly. Then, apply waterproof caulk on the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, however, it will last for a few days.
Locks and Handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are important for the security of your home. Over time, they may be damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace a handle for a patio door, first remove the old handle by removing any screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle is removed using a level, make sure the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Once you have the new handle Close and then open it several times to make sure it is working effectively. If you have any issues, you should consult the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware expert for assistance. It's recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated by using a silicone-based oil to avoid any future issues.
The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It's typically made of steel and fits inside a pocket carved into the door frame. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing a mortise lock, it's important to measure a few things before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you need to take include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway within the lock.
Some patio door handles have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted inside the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is typically 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 hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not fully parallel to the jamb on the side. Open the door 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, you can adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to get it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air enter your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to fix and avoid. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks can help your doors move again. This is a good option in order to ensure that your doors are operating at their peak.
A damaged screen could also be a problem. It can cause inconvenience or even risky. Additionally, it could prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door must be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door the wrong way.
Hinges may loosen over time due to frequent usage or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure your doors shut tightly. It's a simple task that you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not confident doing it yourself, you must consult a professional.
It's recommended to clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. A simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges may aid in alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them completely to ensure a solid and long-lasting seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors could be affected if the frames are warped or sagging. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could also be caused by poor installation or simply due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned, allowing it to 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 require some maintenance to ensure they are running smoothly. If you find that you have to really push the handle to get the door to move, or it just doesn't slide as easily as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. Over time the lower track can fill with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to roll across. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to determine if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still not moving freely, it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can purchase them at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to assist you in removing and reinstall the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly installed in the frame to assist the experts identify the exact model and type you require. They can also look for distinctive characteristics like dimples, bumps, flared edges and cut-outs that could narrow your alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers, you'll have to reinstall the sliding door in its frame. It's a heavy door, and you might require assistance. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws holding the track in position on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide down into the channel that is on top of the frame. If you have a screen door, take it from the opening and ensure that it is free of the track and rollers.
After the new rollers are in then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.
