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

Patio doors provide a comfortable and comfortable transition between your home and outdoor space. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air inside your home.

But over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their shine. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and functioning like new.

Weatherstripping

You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM when you step in a puddle right next to your sliding patio door. You look around and discover that the rain from last night blew in through the seals of your patio repair near me doors. Buckle up it's not going to be a simple task in five minutes. With a bit of patience and a few tools, you can fix it 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 the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills down. If you inspect your doors and windows you can tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.

There are a variety of weatherstripping available, including felt and open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it holds up well and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it doesn't wear out as easily.

For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip on one side and then apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.

Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk to the place that the stationary panel passes through the sliding patio door repair service door and where the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping however, it will last for a few days.

Handles and Locks

Patio door handles and locks play a crucial role in the security of your home. Over time, they can become damaged or worn and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also require to be replaced.

To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in place. After the handle has been removed then use a level to make sure the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight, it can interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.

Close and open the handle several times after installing it to make sure it is working properly. If you experience any issues, check the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware specialist for assistance. It is also a good idea to lubricate the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid any future issues.

The most popular door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. These types of locks are found on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock, you need to measure. It is essential to know the location of mounting holes as well as the location within the lock of the keyway.

Some patio door handles have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio sliding door repair near me door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This type of patio door is commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.

If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched 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 parallel to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door up to 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, adjust the rollers at the bottom left or the right side of the patio until it is exactly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

Over time, the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This could also allow drafts and cold air into your home, reducing energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to correct and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. It's a good idea to regularly do this to keep your doors in peak operating condition.

Another common issue with patio doors is a torn screen, which can be an issue or even a safety hazard. Additionally, it could hinder the doors from closing and opening correctly, which could lead to loss of energy. In some instances the damaged screen can be repaired, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, wash it thoroughly and be sure to avoid turning the door handles the wrong way when you open and close the door.

Over time, hinges may become loose due to normal wear and tear or use. Regularly tightening screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors close securely. This is a simple task that can be done yourself, but if you're not sure about it, consult a professional to ensure your doors are properly aligned and secure.

It's recommended to clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. A simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges may help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a secure, durable seal.

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

Rollers

Sliding patio doors are great for letting the outside in while letting plenty of light, however they do require some attention to ensure they slide smoothly. If you notice that you need to yank on the handle to get the door to move, or it isn't as easy to slide as it did in the past, the culprit may be the rollers. Over time the lower track can fill with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll across. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.

If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. These can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an accurate picture of the roller assembly that is mounted in the door frame so the experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. They can also look for identifying features such as bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down the alternatives for replacement.

When the rollers are replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door in its frame. This is a very heavy door, and you might need some help. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in position on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to slide into the channel on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is clear of the track rollers, track and track.

After the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.