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 outside. They offer a pleasant and easy transition. They can also save you money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air within your home.

Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door can fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and operating as new.

Weatherstripping

You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM when you step into a puddle next to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain from last night has blown through the seals of your patio doors. This isn't going to be an easy project. However, with a little patience and a few tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet as well.

The key is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between your door and the jamb, which prevents moisture, pests, and drafts. It also keeps your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will let you know if the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacement.

There are several types of weatherstripping available such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Foam and open-cell foam are not expensive, but they also tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as easily.

To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the old weatherstripping and take off any remaining adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the new to the proper length, then peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.

Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding door and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping but it should work for a while.

Locks and handles

Patio door handles and locks play a crucial role in the security of your home. Over time, they can be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also need to be changed.

To replace a patio door handle first remove the previous one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle is removed then use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues later on.

Once you have the new handle, close and open it a few times to ensure it works correctly. If you experience any issues you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To avoid future issues it is recommended to also lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.

The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is typically made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These locks are found on wood and aluminum sliding doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock, it is essential to measure. The measurements you require include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway within the lock.

Certain patio door handles come with 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 includes the inside and exterior locks in one unit. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.

If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched, it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the side jamb. Try opening the door about 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to see whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or the right of the patio until it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

Over time, the rollers and tracks of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and drafts to infiltrate your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly once more. This is a good option in order to keep your doors running at their best.

A damaged screen could also be an issue. It can be a hassle or an issue. In addition, it may stop doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door needs to be replaced. If you've damaged your window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.

Over time, hinges may become loose due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening screws can help correct this issue and ensure your doors close securely. This is a simple job which you can perform yourself, but if you're not sure about it, you should consult a professional to ensure your doors are securely aligned and secure.

You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors regularly. Simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris which could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio door glass repair near me doors. You can also use an instrument specifically designed to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges may aid in re-alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a secure and long-lasting seal.

If your frames for your patio sliding door repair doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can also be caused by poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.

Rollers

The sliding glass patio doors repair patio doors can be a great way to bring the outside in and let in plenty of light, but they need some care to ensure that they're moving smoothly. If you have to yank the handle to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it did in the past, it could be the rollers. Over time, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll over. You can try cleaning it and 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. These can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll require a companion to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an accurate picture of the roller assembly placed in the door frame so the experts can identify the specific model and type you require. You can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges and cut-outs that can narrow down the options for fitter replacement.

When the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might require assistance. Check to see if there are any screws holding the track on either side of the frame. If so check that they're loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel that is above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of the track tracks, rollers and track.

After putting in the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. It should be lowered to ensure it is secured. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.