7 Little Changes That'll Make A Big Difference With Your 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 outside. They provide a comfortable and convenient transition. By keeping air inside your home, they could help you save cash on cooling or heating costs. Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking like new. Weatherstripping You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get into a puddle near your sliding patio door. You look around and see that the rain from last night blew in through the patio door seals. Be prepared it's not going to be a five-minute project. With a bit of patience and a few tools you can fix the problem 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 the jamb, which prevents drafts, pests and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will tell you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacing. There are a variety of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as quickly. To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using the aid of a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and remove any residual adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the new to the correct length, then peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb using a putty knife. Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Then, apply caulk on the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should last for a while. Handles and locks Patio door handles and locks are essential to the security of your home. Over time, they can be damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also require to be replaced. To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first, taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After removing the old handle, use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems later on. Once you have the new handle Close and then open it several times to ensure it functions effectively. If you experience any issues you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It is recommended to grease the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid any future issues. The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is typically constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These kinds of locks are found on wood and aluminum sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to measure a few things before ordering a new one. The measurements you need include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway within the lock. Some handles for patio doors have the ability to lock the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder that fits in the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one unit. 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 may not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. Try opening the door for about an inch and spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers at the bottom left or the right side of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel with jamb. Misalignment As time passes the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. This could also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, reducing energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to correct and stop. Applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea 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. In addition, it can prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to loss of energy. In some cases the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door must be replaced. 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 may become loose due to normal wear and tear or excessive usage. Regularly tightening screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. It's a simple task that you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not sure, it is best to consult a professional. It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dirt and dust that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or corrosion. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges may aid in re-alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a strong and solid seal. If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes but it could also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best. Rollers Sliding patio doors are great to let the outside in while letting plenty of natural light, however they do require some attention to keep them sliding smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard 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, dust, and mud. patio door repairs makes it difficult for rollers to move. 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 moving freely, then it is time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers to match your door and the kind of track you have. They are available at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an accurate picture of the roller assembly that is installed within the door frame so that experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. You can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges that could narrow your the options for replacement. After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is quite heavy. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in place on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to slide into the channel on the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's free of the track rollers, track and track. After the new rollers are installed, carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it down into place. If the new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door a clearance to the extent it requires.