What NOT To Do In The Patio Doors Repair Industry
Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. They can also save you money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air within your home.
However, over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their appeal. 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, and you end up into a puddle next to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain from last night ripped through the patio door seals. Be prepared, this isn't going to be a quick fix. However, with a little patience and a few tools, you can fix this and protect your dog from wet, cold feet as well.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests, and moisture. It also helps keep your energy costs down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will show you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacing.
There are a variety of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as bronze or copper. Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. Felt and open-cell foam are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic since it won't deteriorate as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver unscrew the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, trim the replacement to the appropriate length, peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping however, it should last for a while.
Handles and locks
Locks and handles for patio doors are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they could be damaged or worn out and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also require to be replaced.
To replace a patio door handle first remove the previous handle by removing any screws that hold it in place. After the handle has been removed, use a level to make sure the door is straight before installing the new handle. 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 several times after installing it to ensure it's working correctly. If you have any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid problems in the future, 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 locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, you need to measure. The measurements you need to take include the mounting hole locations and the location of the keyway inside the lock.
Some handles for patio doors come with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder which fits inside 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 are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't catching the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. You can open the door for by about an inch, then place 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 bottom left or right of the patio door to make it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It also allows cold air and drafts to enter your home, which could decrease energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and stop. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers will make your doors glide smoothly once more. This is a good option if you want to ensure that your doors are operating at their best.
A torn screen can also be a problem. It could be a hassle or risky. It can also prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In some cases, the torn screen can be replaced however, in some cases it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you've got a damaged window screen, be sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can loosen as time passes due to heavy use or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws will help correct this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. This is a simple task that can be done yourself, but if not confident doing it, consult an expert to ensure that your doors are properly aligned and secure.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors regularly. Simple vacuuming or brushing will remove dust and debris which could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use an instrument specifically designed to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. Checking and tightening the hinges' screws can aid in alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a strong and durable seal.
If your frames for your patio doors are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could also be caused by poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's properly aligned, allowing it to perform optimally.
Rollers
The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outside in and let in lots of light, but they require some maintenance to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle hard to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track can become clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to determine if it helps.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not moving freely, then it is time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers available to match your door and the type of track you have. They are available at many hardware stores, however you'll require a companion to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly installed in the frame to help the experts determine the exact model and type you require. You can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges, and cut-outs that can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After replacing repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will need to reinstall the sliding door in its frame. It's a heavy door, and you might require help. Examine if there are screws securing the track on either side of the frame. If there are you must ensure that they are loose enough for the bottom of door to fall into the channel that is above the frame. If there is screen doors, take it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. It should be lowered to make sure it is secure. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.