Sliding Patio Door Interlock Not Engaging
#1
01-08-09, 07:43 PM
Sliding Patio Door Interlock Not Engaging
I live in CT temps get down to the teens here. I have a circa 1990 12 foot long aluminum sliding double pane patio door made by Acorn Dorwal - a now defunct company. I have 2 issues...
1) It has a stationary panel at each end and the sliders pull together and meet in the middle (4 total panels OXXO). There is an interlock between the stationary panels and the sliders that should come together when the units are closed. The problem is that the sliders meet in the middle BEFORE the interlock is fully engaged. With the sliders closed and locked there should be minimal allowance for the sliders to move but they do - I would say about 3/4" or so. Of course this allows cold air to run right thru the disengaged interlock and into the room. I don't see any way to move the stationary panels back away from the middle in order to remove the interlock gaps. Any ideas how to fix this?
2) Since these sliders are between 15-20 years old you really feel the cold as you get close to them especially near the floor. The aluminum frame is really cold to the touch as there is no thermal break. Just wondering if I should bite the bullet and replace the unit with something more energy efficient (and comfortable). So question is what should I look for and what price are replacement sliders without the installation fee. It is not a sunny area so I don't need shades or tinting. The size needed is about 8' high by 12' wide.
Is there any tax allowances still being given out for energy efficient door replacement?
Thanks
1) It has a stationary panel at each end and the sliders pull together and meet in the middle (4 total panels OXXO). There is an interlock between the stationary panels and the sliders that should come together when the units are closed. The problem is that the sliders meet in the middle BEFORE the interlock is fully engaged. With the sliders closed and locked there should be minimal allowance for the sliders to move but they do - I would say about 3/4" or so. Of course this allows cold air to run right thru the disengaged interlock and into the room. I don't see any way to move the stationary panels back away from the middle in order to remove the interlock gaps. Any ideas how to fix this?
2) Since these sliders are between 15-20 years old you really feel the cold as you get close to them especially near the floor. The aluminum frame is really cold to the touch as there is no thermal break. Just wondering if I should bite the bullet and replace the unit with something more energy efficient (and comfortable). So question is what should I look for and what price are replacement sliders without the installation fee. It is not a sunny area so I don't need shades or tinting. The size needed is about 8' high by 12' wide.
Is there any tax allowances still being given out for energy efficient door replacement?
Thanks
#2
01-10-09, 11:30 AM
Member
Do the interlocks meet at the top and bottom? It may be that the rails have pulled away from the glass causing them to bow in the center. Acorn doors are now being made by http://www.crystalwindows.com/downloads/V1200.pdf. If you can repair them without any great cost it may be worth it, but from your description, new, more efficient doors may be the way to go.
#3
01-10-09, 12:02 PM
Super Moderator
Quality 8' x 12' doors could easily be $4000 or more. You can get a full price quote at Andersens website, or any selling store/supplier in a few minutes.
Installation, depending on construction, could run $1500-2000, depending on your location.
Installation, depending on construction, could run $1500-2000, depending on your location.
#4
01-10-09, 03:24 PM
Spend the money and get an Andersen Frenchwood FWG.
I installed hundreds of Acorn sliders at a condo project in New York that we used to build at back in the 80"s. The reason Acorn went out is that these doors became illegal in 1987 when the energy codes were updated and made all windows and doors without a thermal break non compliant.
Acorn products were junk when they were new. They aren't any better all these years later.
I installed hundreds of Acorn sliders at a condo project in New York that we used to build at back in the 80"s. The reason Acorn went out is that these doors became illegal in 1987 when the energy codes were updated and made all windows and doors without a thermal break non compliant.
Acorn products were junk when they were new. They aren't any better all these years later.
