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 air inside your home, they will help you save money on cooling or heating costs.

But with time your sliding glass or French doors could lose their luster. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and operating as 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 in front of your sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that last night's rain was able to get through the seals of your patio glass repair near me doors. This is not going to be an easy project. However, with a little patience and some tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and save your dog from cold, wet feet.

The key is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and the jamb, which prevents moisture, pests, and drafts. This will also help keep your energy bills down. If you inspect your windows and door, you will be able to tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.

There are several types of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like copper or bronze. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are cheap however they can be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas that have heavy traffic since it will not wear out as quickly.

To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with the aid of a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that secure the weatherstripping on the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, then peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb using the putty knife.

After you're done, put back the door and adjust the roller screws so that the door is positioned in the track and is closed properly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should last for a while.

Locks and Handles

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

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

Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure that it is working properly. If you encounter any issues you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid problems in the future, it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.

The most popular door lock for patio door lock repair doors is a mortise latch. It's usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is essential to measure a few things before ordering a new one. You will need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock.

Certain patio door handles have a locking mechanism built into the handle. These handles come with the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that is inserted into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the exterior and inside locks in one unit. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.

If the latch on your patio door doesn't stay latched, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door up to an inch and spotting it against the frame to see if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or the right side of the patio to make it perfectly parallel with jamb.

Misalignment

In time, the rollers and tracks of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts to enter your home, which can decrease energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to correct and avoid. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can help your doors move again. This is a good option in order to keep your doors running at their best.

Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which can be an inconvenience or even a safety risk. It can also prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired but in others, the door must be replaced. If you've damaged your window screen, make sure you wash it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.

Over time, hinges will loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. It's a simple job you can tackle on your own. If you are not comfortable, it is best to consult a professional.

You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a specific tool to clean off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. It is possible to correct any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a durable seal.

The alignment and performance of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes but it could also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.

Rollers

The sliding patio doors can be a great way to bring the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you find that you have to really pull the handle to get the door to move, or isn't as easy to slide as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. Over time the lower track can fill with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick.

If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers not moving freely, it's time to replace them. There are a variety of replacement rollers that will suit your door and type of track you have. You can buy these at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to assist you in removing and reinstall the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take a good picture of the roller assembly that is placed within the door frame so that experts can determine the exact model and the type you need. They can also look out for identifying features such as dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down replacement options.

When the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install the sliding patio doors repairs door back into its frame. You may need assistance in this regard as the door is very heavy. Check to see if there are any screws holding the track on either side of the frame. If there are you must ensure that they are loose enough for the door's bottom to slide into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's free of track rollers, track tilt and slide patio door repairs track.

When the new rollers are in then carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If the new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door a clearance to the extent it requires.