Patio Doors Repair - how to repair tilt and slide patio door to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet

Patio doors provide a comfortable and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. By keeping the air in your home, they will save you cash on cooling or heating costs.

However, over time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking like new.

Weatherstripping

It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning jog when you step into the puddle of water near your sliding patio doors. You look around and see that the rain of last night blew in through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared it's not going to be a quick fix. However, with a little patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and protect your dog from cold, wet feet as well.

It is important to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests, and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills lower. If you check your windows and door, you will be able to tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.

There are a variety of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Foam and open-cell foam are both inexpensive however they tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas that are heavily used because it won't wear out as easily.

To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio glass repair doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, with a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, trim the new to the correct length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.

Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping, but it should work for a time.

Handles and Locks

Locks and handles for patio doors are important for the security of your home. Over time, they can get damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior and exterior handles can also need to be changed.

To replace a patio door handle first remove the previous one by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. After removing the handle, you can use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause issues in the future.

Close and open the handle several times after installation to make sure it is working properly. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid future issues it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.

The most common patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is usually made of metal and sits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to take a few measurements prior to ordering a new one. It is essential to know the location of mounting holes and the position within the lock of the keyway.

Some emergency patio door repair door handles have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have a rectangular key cylinder which is inserted into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door has both the exterior and inside locks in one unit. This type of double glazed patio door repairs doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.

If your patio door latch isn't staying locked, it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel to the jamb on the side. Open the door an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will reveal whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers at the bottom left or right of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

As time passes, the rollers and tracks of the door may lose their alignment. This can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air enter your home, reducing the efficiency of your energy. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and prevent. Applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. This is a good idea if you want to keep your doors running at their top performance.

A damaged screen could also be a problem. It could cause inconvenience or even a danger. In addition, it can prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door needs to be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.

Hinges can loosen over time due to frequent usage or normal wear. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. It's a simple task that you can perform yourself. If you're not sure, it is best to consult an expert.

It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. Simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris which can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. It is possible to correct misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a long-lasting seal.

If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes however, it can also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly so that it can function optimally.

Rollers

The sliding patio doors can be a great way to bring the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, however they need some attention to keep them moving smoothly. If you notice that you have to really pull the handle to get the door to move, or simply doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning 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 is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can find them at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to help you remove and replace the rollers. Get a picture of the roller assembly within the frame to help the experts identify the exact model and type you require. They can also look for identifying features such as dimples or bumps cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down your alternatives for replacement.

After the rollers have been replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might need some help. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in position on either side of the frame. Also, make sure 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 free of the track rollers, track and track.

Once the new rollers have been installed then carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.