20 Myths About Patio Doors Repair: Dispelled
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 with the outdoors. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. They can also save you money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air within your home. But over time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their shine. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning like new. Weatherstripping You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM when you step in a puddle right next to your sliding patio door. You turn around to see that the rain from last night ripped through the patio door seals. Don't panic, this isn't going to be a quick fix. However, with a little patience and a few tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet as well. The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, which prevents moisture, pests, and drafts. It also helps keep your energy costs down. If you look at your windows and door, you will be able to tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not. There are a variety of weatherstripping to choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas that are heavily used because it doesn't wear out as easily. To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, unscrew the plugs that secure the weatherstripping on the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the old weatherstripping and scrape any adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, trim the new to the proper length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it with a putty knife to the jamb. After that, you can reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is in the track and closes correctly. Then, apply caulk on the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a time. Locks and handles Locks and handles for patio doors are important for the security of your home. As time passes, they may become damaged or worn and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also require to be replaced. To replace door specialists london on a patio door, remove the old one first, taking off any screws that hold it in the place. Once the old handle has been removed using a level, make sure the door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door is not straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause issues later on. Close and open the handle several times after installing it to ensure it's working correctly. If you have any issues, consult the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware specialist for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is recommended 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 inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These kinds of locks are typically used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. The measurements you require include the location of the mounting holes and the location of the keyway in the lock. Certain patio door handles come with an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door are typically found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. Open the door by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will tell you if there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers on the bottom left or the right of the patio until it is perfectly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment Over time the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts into your home, which reduces energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and stop. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks can allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea to do this periodically to ensure that your doors are in peak operating condition. A torn screen can also be a problem. It can cause inconvenience or even a danger. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, clean it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when closing and opening. Over time, hinges will loosen due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening the screws can help correct this issue and ensure your doors shut tightly. It's an easy task you can perform yourself. If you're not sure, it is best to consult an expert. It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. Simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a specific tool to clean away rust or dirt that has accumulated. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a secure and long-lasting seal. The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes however, it can also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can replace or repair the frame of your patio door, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best. Rollers The sliding patio doors can be a great way to bring the outside in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you notice that you have to really push the handle to get the door to move, or isn't as easy to slide as it used to then the problem could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick. If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely It's time to replace the tracks. There is a variety of replacement rollers that will fit your door and the kind of track you have. You can buy these at most hardware stores however you will need someone to assist you in the removal and replace the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly within the frame to help the experts determine the exact model and type you need. You can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges and cut-outs which can narrow down replacement options. After replacing the rollers, you will need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. Get help on this one since the door is quite heavy. Begin by making sure there aren't any screws that hold 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 the top of the frame. If there's screen doors, take it from the opening and ensure that it is free of the track and rollers. Once the new rollers are in then carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.