Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are an excellent way to connect your home to the outdoors. They offer a pleasant and easy transition. They can also save you money on cooling and heating 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 jog when you stumble into a puddle of water right by the sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain of last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be an easy project. With a bit of patience and a few basic tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and save your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills lower. If you look at your windows and door, you can tell whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.
There are a variety of weatherstripping available such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas with high traffic because it will not wear out as fast.
To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and remove any residual adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, trim the replacement to the appropriate length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
When you're done, reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws until the door sits in the track and shuts properly. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel obstructs the sliding door and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will work for some time.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for your patio door are important for the security of your home. Over time, they can become worn or damaged and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the exterior and interior handles could also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door, first remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place. After removing the old handle, use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could hinder the lock and cause problems later on.
After you have the new handle installed Close and open it a few times to ensure it functions properly. If you encounter any issues ask the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid problems in the future it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. You will need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes as well as the location within the keyway lock.
Some handles for patio doors are equipped with the ability to lock the handle. The handles have 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 type of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched it could be because the lock tongue may not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the side jamb. Try opening the door about an inch and spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers at the bottom left or right side of the patio to make it perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts to infiltrate your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move again. It's a good idea do this periodically to ensure your doors are in good working order.
A damaged screen could also be a problem. It could be a hassle or risky. patio door glass replacement cost uk www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can also prevent the doors from opening and closing correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be repaired, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you've got a damaged window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can loosen as time passes due to heavy use or wear and tear. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in fixing this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. This is a simple task which you can perform yourself, but if you're not sure about it, you should consult an expert to ensure that your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors regularly. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to correct the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a durable seal.
If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could be caused due to poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal to let the outside in while letting ample natural light, but they require a bit of maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move or it isn't sliding as it used to it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track may get clogged by dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers don't glide freely It's time to replace the tracks. There are a variety of replacement rollers that will fit your door and the type of track you have. They can be found at many hardware stores, however you'll need a friend to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an accurate picture of the roller assembly that is mounted in the door frame, so the experts can identify the specific model and type you require. They can also look for specific features like dimples or bumps or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down replacement options.
When the rollers are replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door in its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is heavy. Make sure there are any screws holding the track to either side of the frame. If so check that they're loose enough to allow the bottom of door to slide into the channel that is above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's free of track tracks, rollers and track.
After installing the new rollers, gently place the door into the frame. Swing it down to ensure it is secured. If the new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door clearance to the extent it requires.