![[PukiWiki]](image/pukiwiki.png "[PukiWiki]")
|
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 pleasant and easy transition. By keeping the air in your home, they will save you cash on cooling or heating costs. Over time, the shine of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking 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 glance around and realize that last night's rain blew in through the patio door seals. This won't be a simple task. But with a little patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and save your dog from cold, wet feet. The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also keep your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will tell you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacing. There are many types of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze and copper. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Open-cell foam and felt are inexpensive however they tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it will not wear out as quickly. To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using the aid of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb with the putty knife. When you're done, reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws until the door is positioned in the track and closes properly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel bypasses sliding door and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will last for a while. Locks and handles Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also need to be replaced. To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the old one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. Once the old handle has been removed, use a level to make sure the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't in a straight line, it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause issues in the future. Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure it is working properly. If you have any issues, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware specialist for assistance. It's recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant to avoid future issues. The most commonly used patio door lock is the mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and fits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is essential to take a few measurements before ordering a new one. You'll need to know the location of the mounting holes and the position within the keyway lock. Some patio door handles have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that fits in the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door comes with the inside and exterior locks in one unit. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch isn't locked It could be due to the lock tongue isn't grasping the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the side jamb. Open the door an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will reveal if there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or the right side of the patio until it is perfectly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment Over time, the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and drafts to infiltrate your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to correct and avoid. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly once again. This is a good option if you want to ensure that your doors are operating at their peak. A damaged screen could also be an issue. It can cause inconvenience or even a danger. Additionally, it could prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired, however in other instances, the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, wash it thoroughly and make sure to avoid turning the door handles the wrong way when you open and close the door. Over time, hinges will loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening the screws can help correct this issue and ensure that your doors close securely. This is a simple job 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. You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the hinges' screws can aid in re-alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them completely to ensure a strong and long-lasting seal. If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped they could affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes but it could also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned so that it can function optimally. Rollers
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers not moving freely It's time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers available to match your door and the kind of track you have. 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 you purchase replacements, take a good picture of the roller assembly installed in the door frame so experts can determine the specific model and type you need. They can also search for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples and flared edges, and cut-outs which can narrow down replacement options. After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may require help. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws holding the track in the frame on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to slide into the channel that is on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is clear of the track rollers, track and track. When the new rollers are in, carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it back into position. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened. |
