15 Current Trends To Watch For Patio Doors Repair

Author : Gallagher Lundgaard | Published On : 12 May 2024

Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet

Patio doors are a great option to connect your home to the outdoors. They provide a comfortable and convenient transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they could save you money on cooling or heating costs.

However, over time your sliding glass or French doors may lose their luster. 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 into a puddle that is right next to your sliding patio door. You look around and realize that the rain from last night has blown through the patio door seals. Don't panic it's not going to be a five-minute project. With a little patience and a few tools you can fix the problem and keep your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.

The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and jamb, keeping out moisture, pests, and drafts. This will also help keep your energy bills low. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will tell you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacing.

There are many types of weatherstripping available that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as 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 noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear out as fast.

To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then using a flathead screwdriver remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb with a putty knife.

Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding door and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will be able to last for a period of time.

Locks and handles

Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. Over time, they may become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also be replaced.

To replace a handle for a patio door first remove the previous one by unscrewing any screws that are holding it in place. After you have removed the old handle, use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't in a straight line, it can interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.

Once you have the new handle installed Close and then open it a few times to ensure it works properly. If you have any issues, check the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware expert for assistance. It is recommended to grease the lock mechanism by using a silicone-based oil to avoid any future issues.

The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and sits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it's important to measure a few things before purchasing a new lock. You'll need to know the location of the mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock.

Some patio door handles have a locking mechanism built into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that fits 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 most commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.

If your patio door latch isn't staying locked, it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the side jamb. Try opening the door up to an inch and placing it against the frame to see if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door until you can get it in perfect alignment with the jamb.

Misalignment

As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air into your home, which reduces energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to move smoothly again. It's a good idea do this periodically to keep your doors in top operating condition.

Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which is an inconvenience or even a safety risk. It can also prevent the doors from opening and closing correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door must be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door the wrong way.

Hinges can become looser over time due to frequent use or wear and tear. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. It's an easy task you can tackle on your own. If you're not sure, it is best to seek out an expert.

It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. Simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also use a specific tool to clean away stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to fix misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a durable seal.

If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can be caused due to poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning at its best.

Rollers

Patio doors that slide are great to let the outside in and letting plenty of light, however they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you notice that you need to really yank on the handle to get the door to move, or simply doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past then the problem could be the rollers. Over time, the lower track can be clogged with dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to see if that helps.

If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't moving freely, then it's time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers available to match your door and the type of track you have. patio door repairs can be found at most hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an image of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame, so experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. You can also look for identifying characteristics such as dimples, bumps, cut-outs and flared edges that can narrow down replacement options.


After replacing the rollers, you'll have to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. It's a heavy door, so you may need some help. Check to see if there are screws securing the track on either side of the frame. If so, make sure they are loose enough for the bottom of door to drop into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is clear of the track tracks, rollers and track.

Once the new rollers are installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it into place. If the new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door a clearance in the areas it requires it.