Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors are an excellent way to connect your home to the outside. They offer a relaxing and easy transition. By keeping air inside your home, they will help you save cash on cooling or heating bills.
Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and operating like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into a puddle of water right near your sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain from last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. This isn't going to be an easy project. With a little patience and a few simple tools you can fix the problem and save your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold.
It is important to replace the weatherstripping that seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests, and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. If you look at your windows and door, you can tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are several types of weatherstripping that you can choose from, including felt and open-cell foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are inexpensive however they tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas that have high traffic because it will not wear as fast.
To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then using a flathead screwdriver remove the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.
When you're done, reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws until the door sits in the track and closes properly. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel obstructs the sliding door and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping but should be able to last for a period of time.
Locks and Handles
Patio door handles and locks are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time, they may become worn or damaged and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also need to be replaced.
To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the old one first, unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. After removing the handle, use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it can interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure it's functioning properly. If you encounter any issues, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware specialist for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It's usually constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These locks are used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. The measurements you need to take include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Certain patio door handles are equipped with a locking mechanism built into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits inside the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched it could be because the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the jamb's side. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will tell you whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door to make it in perfect alignment with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air into your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to correct and prevent. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move smoothly once again. This is a good option for those who want to keep your doors operating at their top performance.
Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which can be a nuisance or even a security risk. In addition, it can hinder the doors from opening and closing correctly, which could lead to loss of energy. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you've damaged your window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can become looser over time due to frequent use or wear and tear. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's an easy task you can tackle on your own. If you're not sure, it is best to seek out a professional.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing will get rid of dust and debris that could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool for tough dirt or rust. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a strong and durable seal.
If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could also be caused due to poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning optimally.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal for bringing the outside in and letting ample natural light, however they do require some maintenance to keep them sliding smoothly. If you need to pull the handle to get the door to move, or it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to, it could be the rollers. In time the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not sliding freely, it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. They are available at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an image of the roller assembly mounted within the door frame so that experts can determine the exact model and the type you need. They can also look out for specific features like dimples or bumps cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers, you'll need to put the sliding door back into its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might require help. Check to see if there are screws that hold the track to either side of the frame. If so patio door specialists must ensure that they are loose enough for the door's bottom to fall into the channel that is above the frame. If you have a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure it's clear of the track and rollers.
After putting in the new rollers, gently place the door into the frame. Swing it down to ensure it is secured. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance to the extent it requires.