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 outdoor and indoor space. By keeping the air inside your home, they can save you money on heating or cooling bills.
Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning jog when you step into the puddle of water near your sliding patio doors. You look around and realize that the rain from last night has blown through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be a simple task. With a little patience, and a few simple tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and save your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.
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 helps keep your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will show you whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacement.
There are a variety of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals such as bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are cheap however they can be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas with high traffic because it will not wear as fast.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, trim the replacement to the proper length, 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 that it is properly placed in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping but it should work for a while.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to ensure the security of your home. As time passes, they may be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside handles and the exterior handles may also require replacement.
To replace the handle on a patio door, you must remove the previous one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in place. After you have removed the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause issues later on.
Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure it's working correctly. If you have any issues, consult the manufacturer's instructions or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It is recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid future issues.
The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are found on aluminum and wood sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is essential to take a few measurements before ordering a new one. The measurements you need include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway in the lock.
Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted in the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel to the jamb on the side. Open the door by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will reveal if there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door until you can get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and draughts infiltrate your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and avoid. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers will allow your doors to move smoothly once again. It's a good idea to regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in peak operating condition.
A damaged or ripped screen can be an issue. It can be a hassle or a danger. It may also hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In patio doors repairs can be repaired but in others, the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and be sure not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Hinges can loosen as time passes due to heavy use or wear and tear. Regularly tightening the screws can help correct this issue and ensure your doors close securely. This is a simple task which you can perform yourself, but if you're not comfortable doing it, seek out an expert to make sure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges may aid in alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a strong, solid seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could also be caused by poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outside in and let in lots of light, but they need some care to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it used to, it could be the rollers. Over time, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to roll over. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can purchase them at most hardware stores however, you will require someone to help you remove and install the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get a good picture of the roller assembly that is placed in the door frame, so experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. They can also look for specific characteristics like dimples, bumps, flared edges and cut-outs that can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers, you'll have to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. You may need assistance on this one since the door is very heavy. Check to see if there are screws securing the track on either side of frame. If so you must ensure that they are loose enough for the bottom of door to fall into the channel above the frame. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
After the new rollers have been installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it back into position. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.