The latest burglary in Sun City was accomplished by lifting the sliding glass door up into the upper track enough so that the lower edge could be swung out, clearing the lower track. This is the reverse of how the door was originally installed. This can be eliminated by closing that gap above the sliding door. A wooden dowel slipped into this gap can prevent the door from being lifted out.
The gap is not an exact amount so you will have to measure it and select either a 3/8″ or a 1/2″ dowel to slip onto the top of the door to fill the gap. This dowel should rest on the top of the door and not come in contact with the track as the door is opened and closed or it will be moved out of position. I have had a 3/8″ dowel on top of my sliding door for about eight years now. Two or three times it has moved out of the opening but it was easily slid back into position.
In addition to filling the gap on top of the door, you should also place a 3/4″ dowel or a broom stick in the lower track extending from the door to the door frame—about three feet—so that the door can’t be slid open.
Question: I have a concern regarding the interior garage door, the one from the utility room to the garage. I know something should be done to correct. My problem is I don’t know who to contact to do this job.
I moved here a little over two years ago, and I am surprised my home inspector did not notice this flaw. The door is warped or something like that. The top part of the door to the area of the doorknob fits tight up to the rubber weather-stripping. The lower part of the door (from the doorknob down to the floor) tips inward. Apparently it does not fit tight to the weather-stripping and in very cold weather, I can feel air infiltrating. When the overhead garage door is open, I can also see a sliver of light coming in this lower area. Since I believe this is a fire door, I am concerned.
Who would be the best trade to call to either fix this or, if need be, to replace the entire door. By the way, my house was built Dec. 2005 so would this still be a warranty item?
Answer: First you must determine if the problem is a bent door or a warped door frame. Settling of the house can cause the frame to go out of square. You will need a six or seven foot straight edge to answer this question.
If you determine that the problem is the door frame, you will need to hire a carpenter to take the door frame out and build a new one.
If your problem is a bent door you might try straightening it. Place a seven foot 2″ x 6″ along the latch side of the door on the concave side with the 6″ dimension perpendicular to the surface of the door. Clamp it to the door at the top and bottom with pipe clamps. Then place a pipe clamp at the center of the door or at the location of the maximum gap. As you tighten this clamp the bend in the door may be removed. I do not have high confidence that this will fix the door, but if it were my door, I would try it.
If you need to replace the door, I can’t tell you exactly where it came from as more than one type of door was used. Start by contacting Seigle’s.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
