Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors can provide a convenient and comfortable transition between your indoor and outdoor space. By keeping the air in your home, they could help you save cash on cooling or heating costs.
However, over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get into a puddle next to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain from last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. upvc patio door repairs near me isn't going to be a simple task. With a little patience and a few simple tools, you can fix it and prevent your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.
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 helps keep your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacement.
There are a variety of weatherstripping available such as open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas because it won't wear out as easily.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then using a flathead screwdriver unscrew the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, trim the new to the proper length, peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it with a putty knife to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly placed in the track. Apply waterproof caulk to the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping however, it will last for a time.
Locks and Handles
Patio door handles and locks are essential to the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. In addition, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the old one first, unscrewing any screws holding it in place. Once the old handle has been removed then use a level to ensure that the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it could hinder the lock and cause problems later on.
After you have the new handle Close and then open it several times to make sure it is working correctly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It's recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant to prevent future problems.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is typically made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. The measurements you need to take include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway in the lock.
Certain patio door handles come with a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles come with the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that fits into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the inside and exterior locks in one unit. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't fixed, it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. Open the door an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will show you if there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right side of the patio so that it is exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and drafts to be able to enter your home, which could decrease energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and stop. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once more. It's a good idea regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in peak operating condition.
A damaged or ripped screen can be a problem. It can cause inconvenience or even a danger. In addition, it may hinder the doors from opening and closing correctly, which could lead to loss of energy. In some cases the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, wash it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or use. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. This is a simple job that you can do by yourself, however if you're not confident doing it, consult a professional to ensure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors regularly. Simple vacuuming or brushing will remove dust and debris which could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool for stubborn dirt or corrosion. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges may help with misalignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a secure, durable seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors can be affected when the frames are sagging or sagging. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes however, it can also result from poor installation or 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 at its peak.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal to let the outside in while letting plenty of natural light, but they require a bit of maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you find that you need to push the handle to get the door to move, or just doesn't slide as easily as it used to it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track could get clogged by dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still not moving freely It's time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers available to fit your door and the type of track you have. You can buy these at most hardware stores however, you will require someone to help you remove and replace the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an image of the roller assembly placed in the door frame so experts can identify the specific model and type you require. They can also look out for identifying features such as dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers, you'll need to put the sliding door into its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is quite heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in the frame on either side of the frame and that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to slide into the channel that is on the top of the frame. If you have a screen door, take it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.
After installing the new rollers, gently place the door in 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 where it needs it.