Repairing Patio Doors
Patio doors may become difficult to open, close, or latch. This can cause homeowners to be uncomfortable and have security concerns.
A skilled technician for door repair can assess the situation and determine if it is worth fixing or replacing the patio doors. There are a variety of ways homeowners can take to solve the most common problems with patio doors.
French patio doors
French patio doors let you to take in the outdoors while letting natural light into your home. Like all doors, French patio doors can have problems. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will extend the lifespan of your door, whether it's because of a damaged lock, loose handle, or if they are not aligned properly.
Traditionally, French doors are made of wood, which offers natural insulating properties and adds warmth to rooms. Wood is prone to swelling and warping as well as rot. It requires regular maintenance. The most popular replacement for wood French doors is fiberglass, which is resistant to decay and has a high-efficiency foam-filled core. Fiberglass can also resist heat transfer and cold air better than wood.
French doors aren't just beautiful and functional but they also bring the feeling of security to your home. The large glass panes offer a view of your outdoor space, making it difficult for burglars to get into your home. French doors that are secured with locks and handles should be easy to operate. This will guarantee privacy and security.
Installing an alarm system for burglars on your French doors will give you additional security. These systems utilize wireless sensors and motion detectors to detect burglaries. They will alert you when there is suspicious activity. You can also buy a shatterproof plastic film to cover your glass and protect it from burglars.
Over time, your French doors could become misaligned due to frequent use or changes in the foundation of your home. This could be due to worn or damaged rollers and hinges that need to be tightened or replaced. A trained door technician can adjust the hinges and track to ensure smooth operation.
Sliding patio doors
Patio sliding doors offer a beautiful transition between indoors and out, and they allow plenty of light into the home. In time, the doors may develop issues. They might be difficult to open or close, creak or squeak, or leak air into the home. If you identify the source of the issue, and make timely maintenance or repair your patio door will continue to work properly for many years.
If your sliding patio door is dragging, it could be because of dirt or debris inside the track. It could also be due to worn rollers or an issue with alignment. Clean the track thoroughly using a scrub brush and sponge and then apply lubrication using the right product. We recommend using the spray can of silicone lubricant that will shield the track against corrosion. You can purchase these products at any hardware store.
Another common issue is that patio doors can become difficult to open and close due to the door handle being loose or wobbly. It is usually a simple issue of tightening the screw that holds the handle in place or replacing the handle.
In the end, it's essential to check and replace the weather strip that surrounds your sliding glass patio door when it's worn or cracked. Having patio door repairs will increase the efficiency of your energy and reduce noise, and it will also help prevent air leaks. To replace the weatherstrip, you must first take off the door, and then lift up the bottom-supported part of the frame. Then, incline it to raise the rollers off the track. Next, lay a drop cloth on the floor, and pop off the plugs that cover the roller adjustment screws at the bottom of the frame. Turn the screw counterclockwise with a flathead driver until rollers retract back into the track.
Sliding glass patio doors
Patio doors that slide open offer homeowners numerous benefits. They allow in natural sunlight and offer easy access to patios, backyards and other outdoor areas. They also make homes more comfortable. They allow homeowners to create an environment that is unique and is in line with their aesthetic and lifestyle. However, just like any other component of a home they are susceptible to being damaged or destroyed and require repair. Fortunately, these repairs are relatively simple to complete and can save you money and stress in the long time.
Many sliding door problems are caused by damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. Over time, dust and debris, and even rust, can build up on the tracks, which can cause them to become difficult to move or stuck. This can be fixed by cleaning the tracks and then applying a silicone based lubricant. Avoid using grease as it can attract dirt and cause further problems.
A incorrectly aligned locking system is a common reason for sliding doors that can become difficult to open and close. If your patio door locks are hard to lock and unlock or you notice that they're not aligned with the frame of the door it's a good idea contact a professional to examine the hardware components and determine whether an adjustment or replacement is needed.
If the sliding glass door begins to appear dull and cloudy, it's possible that the insulated seal between the double-panes has been compromised. This issue is caused by condensation. If you suspect it you should consult a professional.
Locks and handles
The handles and locks on patio doors play a crucial role in the function, security, and aesthetics of your outdoor living space. Pick from a range of functional and innovative hardware for your patio door. From the color-matched and upgraded finishes to multipoint locking system, there are many options.
Often times patio doors are difficult to open because the rollers that run between the top and bottom of the runner are wearing down and getting caught against the track. The best way to prevent this from happening is to clean the sliding-door tracks every time you vacuum and apply a thin layer of oil once every year (do not apply WD40! ).
If you are having difficulty opening your patio door, it could be time to replace the handle and lock. Take off the handle inside and locking mechanism and examine for signs of wear. This could include a bent latch or loose handle, handle screw, etc. If the latch is bent or damaged it could be the time to replace your mortise lock.
Sliding glass patio doors can also be difficult to lock. The lock mechanism is held in place by a rod connected to the frame. It is then operated by a handle. If the lock is loose it is possible to tighten the rod or replacing it with the new one.
Sliding glass patio doors are an easy target for burglars because they allow a view of the house and are usually located in the rear of the property. In order to ensure your family's safety, it's important to install a door jam bar and anti snap locks to ensure the patio doors cannot be easily opened by burglars.
Weatherstripping
The purpose of weatherstripping is preventing air and rain from getting into your home and thereby saving energy on cooling and heating costs. It is an easy, do-it-yourself moisture test to find out which windows and doors need more seals. Wet your hand and then run it along the edges of your window or door. You need more weatherstripping if you feel cold air coming into your home.
Felt weatherstripping can be found at the majority of hardware stores in rolls and is affordable. It's available in plain or reinforced versions that feature a flexible metal strip. It is easy to install. It's less durable than other types, but could require replacement within two years.
Another option is foam tape, that is available in plain and reinforced versions. It's also very easy to put in, but it is less durable than rubber weatherstripping, and is susceptible to moisture conditions over time.
Interlocking the weatherstripping with metal is a more durable option however, it requires the removal of threshold and should be left to professionals. It is comprised of two V-shaped pieces of steel that interlock and form an impervious seal when the door is closed.
Both weatherstripping materials, vinyl and rubber are available in a variety of shapes, colors, and thicknesses. The decision between them is largely a matter of your preference and budget. Rubber is generally more durable than vinyl and it seals better in humid conditions. Rubber is also a renewable natural resource, whereas vinyl is a petroleum-based product.