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

Patio doors are an excellent way to connect your home to the outdoors. They provide a comfortable and convenient transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they could save you money on heating or cooling bills.

But with time your sliding glass patio door repair or French doors can lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and functioning like new.

Weatherstripping

It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into a puddle of water right near the sliding patio doors. You look around and see that the rain from last night was able to get through the patio door seals. This won't be an easy project. With a little patience and a few tools, you can fix it and keep your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.

The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between your door and the jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills down. If you look at your windows and door, you will be able to tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.

There are many types of weatherstripping to choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each type 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 expensive, however, it is durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great material for areas with high traffic because it doesn't wear out as easily.

To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Then, pull out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and remove any residual adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the new to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb using a putty knife.

After you're done, put back the door and readjust the roller screws to ensure that the door is positioned in the track and shuts properly. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping however, it should last for a few days.

Locks and handles

Locks and handles for repairing patio doors doors play a crucial role in the security of your home. As time passes, they may become damaged or worn and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles may also need to be replaced.

To replace a patio door handle first, remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that are holding it in place. After removing the handle, use a level and make sure that the patio door is straight. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause problems in the future.

Once you have the new handle installed Close and open it a few times to ensure it is working correctly. If you experience any issues, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware specialist for assistance. To avoid problems in the future, it is recommended to also lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.

The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It's usually made of steel and sits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are found on aluminum sliding and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is essential to take a few measurements before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you require include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway inside the lock.

Some handles for patio doors have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. These handles feature a rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one. This type of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.

If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb on the side. You can open the door for one inch and then position it against the frame. This will tell 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 until you can get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

As time passes the tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air enter your home, reducing the efficiency of your energy. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to fix and avoid. Applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. It's a good idea to do this periodically to keep your doors in good working order.

A damaged screen could also be an issue. It can be a hassle or a danger. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door must be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, wash it thoroughly and make sure not to turn the door handles the wrong way when opening and closing.

Hinges can become looser over time due to heavy usage or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can help correct this issue and ensure that your doors close securely. It's a simple task that you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not confident, it is best to consult a professional.

You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors on a regular basis. A simple brushing or vacuuming can get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool for tough dirt or rust. It is possible to correct any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a long-lasting seal.

If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation issues, however, it can also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.

Rollers

Sliding patio doors are great for letting the outside in and letting ample natural light, but they require some maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you find that you have to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to roll over. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.

If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They are available at most hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact type and model you require. You can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples and flared edges, and cut-outs which can narrow down replacement options.

After replacing the rollers, you'll need to put the sliding patio door lock repair door in its frame. Get some help on this one since the door is very heavy. Check to see if there are any screws holding the track to either side of the frame. If they are you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to fall into the channel that is above the frame. If there's screen doors, take it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.

After installing the new rollers, gently place the door into the frame. Swing it down to ensure it is secured. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.