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 with the outside. sliding door repairs london offer a pleasant and easy transition. They can also save you money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air inside your home.
Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you stumble into a puddle of water right in front of your sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that the rain of last night came through the patio door seals. Be prepared and be prepared for this to be a simple task in five minutes. With a bit of patience and a few tools you can fix the problem and prevent your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet.
The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and the jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy costs down. If you inspect your doors and windows you will be able to tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.
There are a variety of weatherstripping available that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are cheap however they can be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas that are heavily used since it won't deteriorate as quickly.
To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then using a flathead screwdriver, unscrew the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb with the putty knife.
After that, you can reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is positioned in the track and is closed properly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and where the edge of the panel is 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 and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. Over time, they can get worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also be replaced.
To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the previous one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in place. Once the old handle is removed then use a level to make sure the door is straight before 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 installing it to make sure 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 grease the lock mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant to avoid future issues.
The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and sits in a pocket cut into the door frame. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to take a few measurements before ordering a new one. You will need to know the location of mounting holes and the position in the keyway lock.
Certain patio door handles are equipped with the ability to lock the handle. These handles feature an elongated key cylinder that is inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This type of patio door is often found on aluminum sliding doors.
If your patio door latch isn't staying latched, it could be because 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. The door should be opened an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will show 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 get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes the tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and drafts to enter your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly once again. This is a good idea for those who want to keep your doors running at their top performance.
Another issue that is common to patio doors is a torn screen, which could be an issue or even a security risk. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired but in others, the door has to be replaced. If you've got a damaged window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.
Hinges can become looser as time passes due to heavy use or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in fixing this issue and ensure that your doors close securely. This is a simple job which you can perform yourself, but if not confident doing it, seek out an expert to ensure that your doors are correctly aligned and secure.
It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to fix misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a long-lasting seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes, but it can also occur due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
Sliding patio doors are great for letting the outside in while letting plenty of natural light, however they do require some attention to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you find that you need to really push the handle to get your door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. Over time the lower track can fill with dirt, sand, and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll across. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.
If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers not moving freely, it's time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers to fit your door and the kind of track you have. You can find them at most hardware shops however you will need someone to assist you in the removal and reinstall the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an accurate picture of the roller assembly installed in the door frame so the experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. They can also search for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges, and cut-outs which can narrow down the options for replacement.
Once the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may need some help. Check to see if there are screws securing the track on either side of frame. If there are check that they're loose enough for the door's bottom to fall into the channel that is above the frame. If there is screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure it's clear of the track and rollers.
When the new rollers are in place, carefully slide the door into the frame and then swing it into place. If the new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door clearance to the extent it requires.