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

Patio doors can provide a convenient and comfortable transition between your indoor and outdoor space. By keeping the air inside your home, they can help you save cash on cooling or heating bills.

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

Weatherstripping

It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into the puddle of water by the sliding local patio door repairs doors. You glance around and realize that last night's rain blew in through the patio door seals. Don't panic and be prepared for this to be a quick fix. With a bit of patience and a few tools you can fix the problem and prevent your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold.

The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills low. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacement.

There are a variety of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam and vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze and copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are inexpensive, but they also tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas with high traffic because it does not wear out as fast.

To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then using a flathead screwdriver, unscrew the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and clean any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the new to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb with the putty knife.

Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk to the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping, however, it will last for a few days.

Locks and Handles

Locks and handles for patio doors are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they may become damaged or worn and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also require replacement.

To replace a handle on a patio door first remove the previous one by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. After you have removed the old handle, you can use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door is not straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause issues later on.

Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure that it is working properly. If you encounter any issues, consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.

The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. They are usually used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock it is important to measure. The measurements you require include the mounting hole locations and the location of the keyway inside the lock.

Some patio door handles are equipped with a locking mechanism built into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder which fits inside the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the inside and exterior locks in one piece. This type of patio doors is often found on sliding aluminum doors.

If the latch on your patio door doesn't stay latched, the lock tongue may not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. The door should be opened by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will show you whether there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door to get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

As time passes, the rollers and tracks of the door could lose their alignment. This can cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and drafts to be able to enter your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea to apply this every so often to keep your doors in good working order.

Another common problem with patio doors is a ripped screen, which could be an inconvenience or even a security risk. In addition, it may hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some cases the damaged screen can be replaced but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you have a torn window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.

Over time, hinges can loosen due to wear and tear or use. This can be corrected by tightening screws frequently. This is a simple task that can be done yourself, but if you're not comfortable doing it, you should consult an expert to make sure your doors are securely aligned and secure.

You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. Simple vacuuming or brushing will get rid of dust and debris that could interfere with the smooth operation your double glazed patio door repairs doors. You can also use a special tool to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. The inspection and tightening of the hinges' screws can aid in alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a strong and solid seal.

If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen 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 fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning optimally.

Rollers

The sliding glass patio door repair patio doors can be ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle to get the door to move or it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to, it could be the rollers. Over time, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to move over. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.

If the tracks are cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely, it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can purchase them at most hardware shops, but will need someone to help you remove and replace the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an image of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame, so experts can identify the exact model and type you require. They can also search for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges that can narrow down alternatives for replacement.

After replacing the rollers, you'll have to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may need some help. Examine if there are screws securing the track on either side of the frame. If there are check that they're loose enough for the bottom of door to fall into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's free of track, rollers and track.

When the new rollers have been installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and swing it back into position. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.