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 outdoor and indoor space. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air within your home.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you stumble into a puddle of water right in front of the sliding patio doors. You look around and see that the rain from last night came through the patio door seals. Be prepared, this isn't going to be a five-minute project. However, with a little patience and a few tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and save your dog from cold, wet feet as well.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between the door and jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills lower. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacing.
There are many kinds of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze and copper. Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. Open-cell foam and felt are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it holds up well and resists moisture. Rubber is a great material for areas that are heavily used because it doesn't wear out as quickly.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then using a flathead screwdriver remove the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame, and then remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb using a putty knife.
After that, you can reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is in the track and shuts properly. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping but it should work for a time.
Handles and Locks
Patio door handles and locks are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time, they may become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior handles and the exterior handles may also be replaced.
To replace a handle for a patio door first remove the previous one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. After you have removed the old handle, use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems later on.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure it is working properly. If you have any problems, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid future issues it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is typically made of steel and fits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These locks are found on aluminum sliding and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is important to take a few measurements before purchasing a new lock. You will need to know the location of mounting holes and the position within the keyway lock.
Some patio door handles are equipped with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. The handles have an elongated key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door includes the inside and exterior locks in one piece. This kind of patio door is most often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If the latch on your patio door isn't able to stay closed, the lock tongue may not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the side jamb. Try opening the door about an inch and spotting it against the frame to see whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers on the bottom left or the right of the patio so that it is exactly parallel to the jamb.
patio door replacement glass
As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and draughts enter your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly once more. This is a good idea in order to keep your doors running at their top performance.
A damaged or ripped screen can be an issue. It could cause inconvenience or even a danger. In addition, it can stop doors from opening and closing properly, leading to loss of energy. In some instances, the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door must be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Over time, hinges will become loose due to normal wear and tear or use. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. This is an easy task that you can do yourself, but if you're not sure about it, you should consult an expert to make sure your doors are properly aligned and secure.
You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors on a regular basis. A simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool for stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can also be caused by poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's 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, however they need some care to keep them moving smoothly. If you need to pull the handle hard to get the door to move, or it isn't sliding as it did in the past, it could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track can fill with dirt, sand, and mud that makes 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 that helps.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers not moving freely, it's time to replace the tracks. There are many replacement rollers that will fit your door and the type of track you have. You can find them at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to help you remove and reinstall the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an image of the roller assembly that is mounted within the door frame so that the experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. They can also search for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges and cut-outs that can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door in its frame. Get some help in this regard as the door is very heavy. Check to see if there are any screws holding the track on either side of 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 you have a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently insert the door in the frame. Swing it down to secure it. If your new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to allow the door to move in the areas it requires it.