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Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors provide a comfortable and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. By keeping air inside your home, they could save you money on cooling or heating bills.
Over time, the shine of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and functioning 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 by the sliding patio doors. You look around and see that last night's rain came through the patio door seals. This won't be a simple task. However, with a little patience and a few tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet as well.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, keeping out drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills lower. If you check your doors and windows, you can determine whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are many kinds of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it holds up well and resists moisture. Rubber is a great material for areas with high traffic because it won't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using the help of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping that was previously in place and scrape any adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, trim the new to the appropriate 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 it is properly placed in the track. Then, apply caulk to the place that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will be able to last for a period of time.
Handles and Locks
Patio door handles and locks play a crucial role in the security of your home. Over time, they can become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior handles and the exterior handles may also need to be changed.
To replace the handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first, unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. After you have removed the old handle, use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't in a straight line, it could interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
After you have the new handle Close and open it several times to ensure it functions correctly. If you experience any issues, you should consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It's also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to prevent future problems.
The most common door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and sits inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These locks are found on wood and aluminum sliding doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock it is important to measure. The measurements you require include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway in the lock.
Some patio door handles come with a locking mechanism built into the handle. The handles have a rectangular key cylinder which can be inserted into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door has both the exterior and interior locks in one piece. This kind of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door isn't able to stay closed the lock tongue might not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. The door should be opened one inch and then position it against the frame. This will show you whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door to get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and drafts to enter your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to correct and stop. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once again. It's a good idea to apply this every so often to ensure that your doors are in peak operating condition.
Another common problem with patio doors is a damaged screen, which is an issue or even a safety hazard. Additionally, it could hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If patio door repair near me damaged your window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Over time, hinges may become loose due to normal wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. This is a simple job that can be done by yourself, however if you're not comfortable doing it, seek out an expert to ensure that your doors are properly aligned and secure.
It is also recommended to 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 employ an instrument specifically designed to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges may help with misalignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them altogether to ensure a secure, long-lasting seal.
If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped, this can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can be caused by poor installation or simply through frequent use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure that it is properly aligned, allowing it to perform optimally.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great to let the outside in and letting plenty of natural light, but they do require some maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle hard to get the door to move or it doesn't slide like it used to it could be due to the rollers. As time passes, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't able to move freely it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They can be found at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll require a companion to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a picture of the rollers installed in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact model and type you require. They can also search for identifying characteristics such as dimples, bumps, flared edges and cut-outs which can narrow down replacement options.
When the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door in its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is heavy. Check to see if there are screws that hold the track on either side of the frame. If there are, make sure they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel that is above the frame. If there's a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.
When the new rollers have been installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and swing it into place. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to allow the door to move where it needs it.
