Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are a great option to connect your home to the outdoors. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. By keeping air inside your home, they can help you save money on cooling or heating costs.
Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Fortunately, patio door repairs can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into a puddle of water right in front of the sliding patio doors. You look around and see that the rain of last night was able to get through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be an easy project. With a bit of patience and a few simple tools you can fix the problem and save your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between the door and the jamb, which prevents drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping in good condition or requires replacement.
There are many types of weatherstripping to choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are cheap, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it holds up well and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with high traffic because it does not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using the help of a screwdriver. 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 then remove any adhesive remnants. Then, trim the replacement to the correct length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly placed in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk on the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will be able to last for a period of time.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. Over time, they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle for a patio door first remove the previous handle by removing any screws that are holding it in place. After removing the handle, you can use a level and make sure that the patio door is straight. If the door is not straight it could hinder the lock and cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure that it is working properly. If you have any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It is recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated by using a silicone-based oil to prevent future problems.
The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's usually made of steel and fits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These types of locks are used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is important to take a few measurements prior to ordering a new one. You'll need to know the location of mounting holes and the position in the lock of the keyway.
Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits in the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the exterior and interior locks in one piece. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying fixed it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door for about an inch and placing 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 on the bottom left or the right of the patio until it is exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air into your home, reducing the efficiency of your energy. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers can help your doors move again. It's a good idea to apply this every so often to keep your doors in top operating condition.
Another common issue with patio doors is a torn screen, which could be an inconvenience or even a security risk. Additionally, it could hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases the damaged screen can be repaired, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the door handles the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure your doors shut tightly. This is an easy task which you can perform yourself, but if not confident doing it, seek out a professional to ensure your doors are properly aligned and secure.
You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors frequently. Simple brushing or vacuuming will take away dust and other debris that can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can use a special tool for tough dirt or corrosion. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can aid in re-alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a solid and long-lasting seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes however, it can also result from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can replace or repair your patio door frame and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide are great to let the outside in and letting ample natural light, however they do require some attention to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it did in the past, it could be the rollers. Over time the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to see if that helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can buy these at most hardware shops however you will need someone to help you remove and reinstall the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly in the frame to help the experts identify the exact type and model you need. They can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges that could narrow your the options for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you'll need to put the sliding door into its frame. This is a very heavy door, and you might require assistance. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws that hold 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 top of the frame. If there is screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
When the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame, then swing it into place. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.