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 with the outside. They provide a comfortable and easy transition. They also help save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air inside your home.
However, over time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their luster. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get in a puddle right close to your sliding patio door. You turn around to see that the rain of last night has blown through the seals of your
patio repair near me doors. Buckle up and be prepared for this to be a simple task in five minutes. With a bit of patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet in the process.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills low. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know if the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacing.
There are many types of weatherstripping to choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Felt and open-cell foam are inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas that have heavy traffic since it will not wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the
upvc patio door repairs near me door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using the help of a screwdriver. 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 remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb with the putty knife.
After you're done, put back the door and re-adjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is in the track and closes properly. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping, but it should work for a while.
Locks and handles
patio door locks repair door handles and locks are essential to the security of your home. Over time, they may be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also require replacement.
To replace a handle for a patio door, first remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place. After removing the handle, you can use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installing it to make sure it is working properly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is a good idea to also lubricate the lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These kinds of locks are used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. You'll need to know the location of mounting holes and the location in the lock of the keyway.
Some handles for patio doors have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits inside the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door comes with the inside and exterior locks within one unit. This type of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying locked It could be due to the lock tongue isn't catching the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the side jamb. The door should be opened an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will show you if there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the
patio door lock repairs near me door to get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts be able to enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks can make your doors glide again. It's a good idea do this periodically to ensure your doors are in peak operating condition.
A damaged or ripped screen can be a problem. It can be an inconvenience or even a danger. In addition, it can stop doors from opening and closing properly, leading to loss of energy. In some instances, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door has to be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can loosen over time due to heavy use or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. This is an easy task which you can perform by yourself, however if you're not sure about it, you should consult a professional to ensure your doors are securely aligned and secure.
It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors track and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. It is possible to correct any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a lasting seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused by poor installation or simply through frequent use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's properly aligned and functioning at its best.
Rollers
patio door repair company near me doors that slide are great for bringing the outside in and providing ample natural light, however they do require a bit of maintenance to keep them sliding smoothly. If you notice that you have to really pull the handle to get your door to move, or it just doesn't slide as easily as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. Over time the lower track may be clogged with dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to see if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still aren't able to move freely, it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. They are available at most 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 image of the roller assembly that is mounted in the door frame so experts can identify the exact model and the type you require. They can also look for identifying characteristics such as dimples, bumps, flared edges, and cut-outs that can narrow down replacement options.
After replacing the rollers you'll need to put the sliding door in its frame. This is a heavy door, so you may need some help. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in position on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door 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 the track tracks, rollers and track.
When the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame, then swing it back into position. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.