20 Interesting Quotes About Patio Doors Repair
Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are a great way to connect your home to the outdoors. They provide a comfortable and easy transition. They also help save money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the air within your home.
Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and operating like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get into a puddle that is right near your sliding patio door. You look around and realize that the rain of last night ripped through the patio door seals. Buckle up it's not going to be a quick fix. But with a little patience and a few tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy costs down. If you look at your windows and door, you can determine if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are many types of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam and vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze or copper. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open-cell foam are not expensive however they tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great material for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, trim the new to the proper length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
When you're done, reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is in the track and closes properly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a while.
Locks and handles
Patio door handles and locks play an important role in the security of your home. As time passes, they may get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the interior handles and the exterior handles may also be replaced.
To replace the handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues in the future.
After you have the new handle Close and then open it a few times to ensure it is working correctly. If you have any problems you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid problems in the future it is recommended to also lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It's usually made of steel and sits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. The measurements you need include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Some patio door handles have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that fits in the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into 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 catching the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb's side. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will tell you if there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door until you can get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air into your home, reducing energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. It is a good idea to regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in top operating condition.
A damaged screen could also be a problem. It can be a hassle or a danger. It can also prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a torn screen, wash it thoroughly and make sure not to turn the door handles the wrong way when opening and closing.
Hinges can loosen over time due to frequent use or normal wear. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. It's a simple task that you can perform yourself. However, if you're not sure with the task, you should seek out an expert.
It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors on a regular basis. Simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris which could hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool to remove stubborn dirt or rust. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges may help with misalignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them altogether to ensure a strong and solid seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation issues, however, it can also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are ideal for bringing the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they need some care to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you have to yank the handle to get the door to move, or it doesn't move as smoothly as 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 across. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to see if that helps.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers aren't able to move freely, it's time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers to match your door and the kind of track you have. You can purchase them at most hardware stores however, you will require someone to assist you in removing and replace the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an accurate picture of the roller assembly that is placed in the door frame so experts can determine the specific model and type you need. They can also look for distinctive characteristics like dimples, bumps, flared edges, and cut-outs which can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
When the rollers are replaced after which you'll have to put the sliding door back into its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is very heavy. Begin by making sure there aren't any screws securing the track in position on either side of the frame and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to drop into the channel on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure patio door renovation of the track rollers, track and track.
When the new rollers have been installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.