What Is The Heck Is 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 option to connect your home with the outdoors. They provide a comfortable and convenient transition. They can also help you save money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the air within your home. But with time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their luster. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning as new. Weatherstripping You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get into a puddle next to your sliding patio door. You look around and see that last night's rain came through the patio door seals. This isn't going to be a simple task. With a little patience and a few simple tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and save your dog's feet from getting cold and wet. The key is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between your door and jamb, which prevents drafts, pests and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills down. If you check your doors and windows, you can determine whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not. There are a variety of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open-cell foam are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it holds up well and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas that are heavily used because it won'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 screwscrew, unscrew plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb with the putty knife. Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will be able to last for a period of time. Handles and locks Locks and handles for your patio door are important for the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior handles and the exterior handles may also be replaced. To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. After removing the handle, use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause issues in the future. Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure that it's functioning properly. If you experience any issues, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware expert for assistance. It is also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant to prevent future problems. The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock it is important to measure. You will need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the position within the lock of the keyway. Certain patio door handles are equipped with the ability to lock the handle. These handles feature an elongated key cylinder that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one unit. This kind of patio door is typically found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch doesn't stay locked, it could be because the lock tongue isn't getting the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door up to 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, patio door repair can adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. This could also allow drafts and cold air into your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to move smoothly once more. It's a good idea to apply this every so often to ensure that your doors are in good working order. Another common issue with patio doors is a damaged screen, which could be an inconvenience or even a safety hazard. In addition, it can stop doors from closing and opening properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door has to be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way. Over time, hinges can loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's an easy task you can do yourself. However, if you're not sure doing it yourself, you must consult a professional. It's recommended to clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool to remove the most 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 strong, solid seal. If the frames of your patio doors are sagging or warped they could affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could also be caused due to poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can replace or repair your patio door frame, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best. Rollers Patio doors that slide open are ideal for letting the outside in while letting plenty of light, but they require some maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle hard to get the door to move, or it isn't sliding as it used to, it could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track can get clogged by dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to determine if it helps. If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not sliding freely, it is time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers available to fit your door and the type of track you have. You can purchase them at most hardware shops however you will need someone to assist you in the removal and install the rollers. Take a picture of the rollers installed in the frame to assist the experts identify the exact model and type you require. You can also search for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down the replacement options. After replacing the rollers you will need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. Get help in this regard as the door is heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws holding 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 that is on top of the frame. If there's a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers. Once the new rollers are in, carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If the new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to allow the door to move where it needs it.