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 air inside your home, they can help you save money on cooling or heating bills.
But with time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their luster. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
You’re walking your dog to the park at 5 AM when you step in a puddle right next to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain from last night ripped through the patio door repair service near me door seals. Be prepared, this isn’t going to be a quick fix. With a little patience, and a few simple tools, you can fix it and save your dog’s feet from becoming wet and cold.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills low. If you inspect your windows and door, you will be able to tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are a variety of weatherstripping to choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are cheap, but they tend to be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it holds up well and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas with high traffic because it will not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using the aid of a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver unscrew the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Then, pull out the old weatherstripping and take off any remaining adhesive from the frame’s bottom. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb with a putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly placed in the track. Then, apply caulk on the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding patio door lock repair door and the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should work for some time.
Locks and Handles
Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. As time passes, they could become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior handles and the exterior handles may also be replaced.
To replace a handle on a patio door first remove the previous one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle has been removed, use a level to make sure the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn’t in a straight line, it could interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.
Once you have the new handle Close and then open it several times to ensure it works properly. If you have any problems you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is a good idea also to lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.
The most popular door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It’s typically constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket cut into the door frame. These types of locks are used on aluminum sliding patio door repair service Near me and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock it’s important to take a few measurements before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you need include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Certain patio door handles are equipped with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder that fits in the handle’s keyway. This kind of patio door includes the inside and exterior locks in one unit. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch does not stay locked, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn’t parallel to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door about an inch and placing it against the frame to see whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers to the bottom left or the right of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
In time the tracks and rollers of the door may lose their alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and draughts to infiltrate your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly again. This is a good option if you want to keep your doors running at their top performance.
A torn screen can also be an issue. It could be a hassle or an issue. In addition, it may prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases, the torn screen can be replaced, however, in some cases it’s necessary to replace the entire door. If you have a torn window screen, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Also, don’t turn the handles of the door the wrong way.
Over time, hinges will loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. It’s a simple task that you can tackle on your own. If you are not comfortable with the task, you should seek out a professional.
It’s recommended to regularly clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio door lock repair near me doors. You can also employ an instrument specifically designed to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges may aid in alignment however, sometimes it’s necessary to replace them all together to ensure a solid, durable seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors could be affected if the frames are warped or sagging. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes, but it can also occur due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it’s properly aligned and functioning optimally.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and let in lots of light, but they require some maintenance to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you find that you need to pull the handle to get your door to move, or isn’t as easy to slide as it used to then the problem could be the rollers. Over time, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to roll over. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it’s time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers available to suit your door and kind of track you have. They can be found at many hardware stores, however you’ll need a partner to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly installed in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact type and model you require. They can also look for identifying features such as bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down the alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you’ll need to put the sliding door back into its frame. This is a very heavy door, and you might require help. Begin by making 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 door’s bottom to slide down into the channel that is on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of track, rollers and track.
When the new rollers are in, carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it back into position. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.