Patio Doors Repair – how To repair patio door lock to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your indoor and outdoor space. They can also save you money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air within your home.
But with time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their luster. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.
Weatherstripping
You’re walking your dog to the park at 5 AM when you step into a puddle next to your sliding upvc patio door repairs near me door. You look around and discover that the rain of last night came through the seals on your patio doors. Be prepared, this isn’t going to be a quick fix. With a little patience and a few tools you can fix the problem and keep your dog’s feet from becoming wet and cold.
The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, which prevents moisture, pests, and drafts. This will also keep your energy costs down. If you look at your windows and door, you can tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are many kinds of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam and vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals such as bronze or copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are inexpensive however they tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, but it’s also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas that have high traffic because it does not wear out as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, with a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping from the previous frame and remove any residual adhesive from the frame’s bottom. Then, cut the new to the proper length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.
When you’re done, reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws so that the door is in the track and is closed properly. Apply waterproof caulk to the place where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should be able to last for a period of time.
Locks and handles
Locks tilt and slide patio door repairs handles for patio doors are crucial to the security of your home. Over time, they can become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior handles and the exterior handles may also require replacement.
To replace a patio door handle first remove the previous one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. After removing the handle, use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn’t straight, it could interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
After you have the new handle installed, close and open it a few times to ensure it is working properly. If you have any problems you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. It’s recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated by using a silicone-based oil to avoid any future issues.
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 cut into the door frame. These types of locks are typically used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is important to take a few measurements before purchasing a new lock. You will need to know the location of mounting holes and the location within the keyway lock.
Some patio door handles come with a locking mechanism built into the handle. The handles have a rectangular key cylinder which can be inserted into the handle’s keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This type of patio door is often 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 hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding patio door repair near me door isn’t parallel to the jamb’s side. You can open the door for an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will tell you if there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers at the bottom left or the right side of the patio to make it exactly 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 sag or become difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, reducing energy efficiency. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease to the tracks and rollers can allow your doors to glide again. It’s a good idea to regularly do this to keep your doors in peak operating condition.
Another common problem with patio doors is a ripped screen, which is a nuisance or even a security risk. In addition, it can stop 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 ripped screen, wash it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Over time, hinges will loosen due to wear and tear or use. Regularly tightening screws can help correct this issue and ensure your doors shut tightly. This is an easy task which you can perform yourself, but if not confident doing it, seek out a professional to ensure your doors are properly aligned and secure.
It’s recommended to clean your upvc patio door repairs near me doors’ tracks and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or corrosion. Inspecting and tightening the hinges’ screws can aid in alignment, but sometimes it’s necessary to replace them all together to ensure a secure, long-lasting seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors could be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could 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
The sliding patio doors are an excellent way to let the outdoors in and let in lots of light, but they require some maintenance to keep them running smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move, or it doesn’t slide like it did in the past, it could be the rollers. As time passes the lower track may be clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to determine 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. You can buy these at most hardware stores, but will need someone to help you remove and reinstall the rollers. Take a photo of the rollers installed within the frame to help the experts identify the exact model and type you require. They can also look out for identifying features such as dimples or bumps cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After replacing the rollers you’ll need to put the sliding door into its frame. It’s a heavy door, and you might need some help. Start by checking to make sure there aren’t any screws holding the track in place on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the door’s bottom to slide down into the channel that is on top of the frame. If there is a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
After installing the new rollers, gently slide the door in the frame. It should be lowered to ensure it is secured. If the new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door clearance in the areas it requires it.