Patio doors are a great way to connect your home to the outdoors. They offer a relaxing and easy transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they can save you money on cooling or heating bills.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you stumble into the puddle of water by the sliding patio doors. You turn around to see that the rain of last night has blown through the patio door lock repair near me door seals. This is not going to be an easy project. With a bit of patience and a few basic tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and prevent your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.
It is essential to replace the weatherstripping which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests and moisture. This will also help keep your energy costs down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will show you whether the weatherstripping in good shape or needs replacing.
There are a variety of weatherstripping available such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are both inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it does not wear out as fast.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping from the previous frame and remove any residual adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, trim the new to the appropriate length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping but should last for a while.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. Over time they can get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also need to be replaced.
To replace a handle on the patio door, take out the old one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. After the handle has been removed then use a level to ensure that the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door is not straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems later on.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure that it's working correctly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. It is also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant to prevent future problems.
The most common door lock for patio door repair doors is the mortise latch. It is typically constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are typically used on sliding wood patio door repair and aluminum doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is important to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. The measurements you require include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the position of the keyway inside the lock.
Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles come with the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that is inserted into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door has both the exterior and inside locks in one piece. This kind of patio door is often 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 fully parallel to the side jamb. You can open the door for one inch and then position it against the frame. This will show you whether there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door until you can get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts to infiltrate your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. This is a great idea for those who want to keep your doors running at their peak.
A damaged or ripped screen can be a problem. It could be a hassle or risky. In addition, it may hinder the doors from opening and closing correctly, which could lead to loss of energy. In some cases the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, clean it thoroughly and be sure to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Hinges may loosen as time passes due to heavy use or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors close securely. It's a simple job you can perform yourself. If you're not confident with the task, you should consult a professional.
It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors on a regular basis. Simple vacuuming or brushing will get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also use an instrument specifically designed to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. It is possible to fix any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a long-lasting seal.
If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes, but it could also result from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly, allowing it to perform at its best.
Rollers
The sliding patio door lock repairs near me doors are ideal for bringing the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they require some maintenance to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you need to pull the handle to get the door to move or it isn't sliding as it used to it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track may be clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers don't glide freely It's time to replace the tracks. There are many replacement rollers available to suit your door and kind of track you have. You can buy these at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to assist you in removing and replace the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly in the frame to help the experts identify the exact model and type you need. They can also look for identifying characteristics such as dimples, bumps, flared edges and cut-outs which can narrow down replacement options.
When the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install the sliding door back into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may require help. Examine if there are screws securing the track to 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. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is clear of the track tracks, rollers and track.
After installing the new rollers, gently slide the door in the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to secure it. If the new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to allow the door to move in the areas it requires it.
Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.
