Repairing Patio Doors
Patio doors can become difficult over time to open, close, or latch. This may cause discomfort and security concerns for homeowners.
A professional door repair technician will assess the situation and determine if it is worth fixing or replacing the patio doors. There are numerous ways a homeowner can take to address the most common problems with patio doors.
French patio doors
French patio doors provide a beautiful view of the outdoors and allow natural light to flood into your home. Like all doors french patio doors may have problems. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will prolong the lifespan of your door, regardless of whether it's due to a broken lock, a loose handle or if they are not aligned properly.
French doors are typically constructed from wood. This material is a natural insulation material and provides warmth. However, because wood is susceptible to swelling, warping, and rotting, it needs regular maintenance. Fiberglass is the most well-known alternative to wood French doors. It is abrasive against decay and has a foam-filled center that is energy efficient. Fiberglass also resists cold air and heat transfer better than wood.
French doors aren't just attractive and functional, but they also add an air of security to your home. The large glass panes provide a view of your outdoor space and make it difficult for burglars to gain access to your home. To ensure your security and privacy, your French doors must be secured with proper locks and handles that are easy to operate.
Installing an alarm system for burglars on your French doors will give you additional security. These alarms use sensors that detect motion and wireless signals to detect break-ins and alert you to suspicious activities. You can also buy a shatterproof glass film to shield your glass from burglars.
Your French doors may be unbalanced over time because of frequent use or changes in the foundation of your home. This could be due to loose or worn hinges as well as rollers that require to be tightened. A trained door technician can adjust the hinges and track for smooth operation.
Sliding patio doors
Patio sliding doors are a great method of transitioning from indoors to outdoor. They also let lots of natural light to enter the home. As time passes, these doors can become problematic. They might be difficult to close or open and creak, squeak or rattle or leak air into the house. Identifying the specific source of the issue and carrying out timely repairs or maintenance can keep your patio door working in a safe and efficient manner for the long time to come.
If your sliding glass patio door is sliding or is becoming difficult to move, it could be due to dirt and debris accumulation on the track, worn rollers, or an alignment issue. After cleaning the track with a wet sponge and scrubber, lubricate it with the right product. We recommend using a spray bottle of silicone lubricant. This will also help protect the track from corrosion. These products are available at any hardware retailer.
Another issue that is common is that patio doors can be difficult to open and close because the handle being wobbly or loose. It is usually a simple issue of tightening the screw that holds the handle in place or replacing it.
In the end, it's essential to inspect and replace the weather strip around your sliding glass patio door when it's worn or cracked. The right weather strip will increase energy efficiency and decrease noise, and it will also stop air leaks. To replace the weatherstrip, you must first take off the door, and then lift the bottom portion of the frame. Then, angle it to raise the rollers off the track. Then, place a drop cloth on the floor, and remove the plugs that cover the screws that adjust the rollers at the base of the frame. Turn the screw counterclockwise using a flathead driver until rollers retract back into the track.
Sliding glass patio doors
Patio doors that slide open offer homeowners a number of benefits. They let in light and natural light, allow easy access to backyards and other outdoor spaces, and make homes more comfortable. They also offer homeowners the opportunity to design an environment that is unique to their preferences in style and lifestyle. As with any other area of the home, they are vulnerable to damage or breakage and require repair. Fortunately, these repairs are fairly easy to do and can save you money and frustration in the long run.
Often, sliding door issues result from damaged or dirty tracks or rollers. Over time, dirt and debris, and even rust, can accumulate on the tracks, which can cause them to become difficult to move or become stuck. This can be fixed by cleaning the tracks and then applying a silicone based lubricant. Be careful not to use grease, as this can attract additional dirt and cause further problems in the future.
Another common reason that sliding doors can become more difficult to open or close is due to a misaligned locking mechanism. If you find that your patio door locks are difficult to lock or unlock, or aren't aligned correctly with the door's frame it is a great idea to contact an expert to examine the hardware and determine if adjustments or replacement is required.
If a sliding glass door starts to look dull and cloudy, it's possible that the insulation seal between the double-panes has been compromised. This is a common problem that occurs due to condensation, and it's crucial to seek professional advice if you think this is the case.
Handles and locks
The handles and locks of patio doors are essential to the appearance, function, and security of your outdoor living space. Choose from a range of modern and practical hardware for your patio doors, ranging including color-matched and upgraded finishes to multipoint locking systems.
Often times, patio doors become hard to open because the rollers running at the top and bottom of the runner are wearing down and are rubbing against the track. The best way to stop this from happening is to clean the sliding-door tracks every time you vacuum, and apply a thin oil one time every year (do not apply WD40! ).
If you are experiencing trouble opening your patio doors, it might be time to replace the lock and handle. Remove patio door repairs near me RepairMyWindowsAndDoors and lock mechanism, and look for signs of wear. This could include bent latches, a loose handle or screw for the handle, etc. If the latch is bent or damaged it's time to replace the mortise handle and lock.
It isn't easy to lock sliding glass patio doors. The lock mechanism is held in position by a rod which is attached to the frame. It is then operated by the handle. If the lock becomes loose you can try tightening the rod or replacing it altogether with an entirely new one.
Patio doors that slide open are a popular target for burglars because they allow a view into the home and are typically located in the rear of the property. Installing a door jambar as well as anti snap locks will ensure your family's safety.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping blocks air and rain from getting into your home, thereby saving you money on heating and cooling. You can perform a simple moisture test on your own to determine if you require more seals. Wet your hands and then run them along the edges of your window or door. You may need to add more weatherstripping if you feel cold air entering your home.
Felt weatherstripping is sold at most hardware stores in rolls and is affordable. It can be plain or reinforced with a pliable metal strip, and is simple to install. It's less durable than other types, however, and could require replacement within two years.
Another alternative is foam tape which is available in plain and reinforced varieties. It's also very easy to put in however it's less durable than rubber weatherstripping, and can become vulnerable to moist conditions over time.
An alternative that is more durable is to lock the weatherstripping with metal that requires the removal of the threshold and is best left to experts. It is comprised of two V-shaped pieces of steel that lock together and create an impervious seal when the door is shut.
You can find both weatherstripping made of vinyl or rubber in a wide range of shapes, colors and thicknesses. The choice between the two is mostly a matter of preference and budget. In general, rubber is more durable than vinyl and offers an improved seal in wet conditions. It is also the natural, renewable resources and vinyl is a petroleum-based product.