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 home and outdoor space. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air inside your home.
But with time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and functioning like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning routine when you stumble into the puddle of water by your sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that the rain from last night was able to get through the seals on your patio doors. Be prepared, this isn't going to be a simple task in five minutes. With a bit of patience and some tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and save your dog from wet, cold feet as well.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between your door and the jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills down. If you inspect your doors and windows you can tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze and copper. Each has its pros and disadvantages. double glazed patio door repairs www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk and open-cell foam are inexpensive however, they are also known to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, remove the old weatherstripping 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 then apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure it sits properly 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 weatherstripping, but it should last for a while.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they could be damaged or worn out and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle for a patio door, first remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that are holding 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 can interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Once you have the new handle, close and open it several times to ensure it functions effectively. If you have any problems you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid future issues it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's usually made of steel and sits in a pocket cut into the door frame. They are usually used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. The measurements you require include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway within the lock.
Certain patio door handles have a locking mechanism built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that fits inside the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the inside and exterior locks within one unit. This type of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked it could be because the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't fully parallel to the side jamb. You can open the door for an inch, and spot 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 to the bottom left or right of the patio until it is exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air into your home, reducing energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. It is a good idea to apply this every so often to ensure your doors are in good working order.
A torn screen can also be a problem. It can be an inconvenience or even a danger. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be repaired, however, in some cases it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you have a torn window screen, be sure you clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Over time, hinges can become loose due to normal wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's a simple task that you can perform yourself. If you're not sure doing it yourself, you must seek out a professional.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. Simple brushing or vacuuming will take away dust and other debris that could interfere with the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. It is possible to correct any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors could be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation issues, however, it can also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to keep them moving smoothly. If you find that you need to push the handle to get your door to move, or simply doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past then the problem could be the rollers. As time passes the lower track may become clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't moving freely, then it is time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers that will match your door and the type of track you have. You can find them at most hardware shops, but will need someone to help you remove and replace the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an accurate picture of the roller assembly installed in the door frame so experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. You can also look for specific characteristics like dimples, bumps, flared edges and cut-outs which can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
When the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door into its frame. It's a heavy door, and you might need some help. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws that hold 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 slide down into the channel that is on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of the track tracks, rollers and track.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently insert the door into the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to secure it. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.