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

Patio doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your home and outdoor space. They also help save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air inside your home.

Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door can fade. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and operating like new.

Weatherstripping

It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you stumble into an emerald-colored pool of water right near your sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain from last night ripped through the patio door seals. This is not going to be an easy task. With a bit of patience and a few basic tools you can fix the problem and save your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold.

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

There are a variety of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as bronze or copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are inexpensive however they tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as quickly.

To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the 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 hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive remnants. Then, trim the replacement to the proper length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it with a putty knife to the jamb.

When you're done, reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door is in the track and closes correctly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding patio door repair service doors and at the point where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will work for some time.

Locks and Handles

Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. Over time, they can be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also be replaced.

To replace a patio door handle, first remove the old handle by removing any screws that hold it in place. After you have removed the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the door is straight. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues later on.

After you have the new handle Close and then open it several times to ensure it works properly. If you encounter any issues ask the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. It is also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism by using a silicone-based oil to prevent future problems.

The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These types of locks are used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. The measurements you need include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the location of the keyway in the lock.

Certain patio door handles are equipped with a locking mechanism built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder which fits in the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.

If your patio door latch isn't locked, it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the jamb's side. The door should be opened an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will show you whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right side of the patio until it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your energy. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. It is a good idea to regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in good working order.

Another issue that is common to patio doors is a ripped screen, which could be an issue or even a safety hazard. Additionally, it could hinder the doors from opening and closing correctly, which could lead to loss of energy. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, however in other instances, the door needs to be replaced. If you've got a damaged window screen, be sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way.

Hinges may loosen as time passes due to heavy usage or normal wear. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. This is an easy task that can be done yourself, but if not comfortable doing it, seek out an expert to ensure that your doors are correctly aligned and secure.

It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that can hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also employ an instrument specifically designed to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. It is possible to correct any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal.

If the frames of your patio doors are sagging or warped they could affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes, but it can also occur from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure that it is properly aligned, allowing it to perform at its best.

Rollers

Patio doors that slide are great for letting the outside in and letting plenty of natural light, but they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you find that you need to pull the handle to get the door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it used to it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track may get clogged by dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to see if it helps.

If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not sliding freely, it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can purchase them at a variety of hardware stores however, you will require someone to help you remove and replace the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an image of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame, so experts can determine the specific model and type you need. They can also look for specific characteristics like dimples, bumps, flared edges and cut-outs that could narrow your the options for replacement.

After replacing the rollers, you will need to reinstall the sliding glass patio door repair door back into its frame. It's a heavy door, so you may require assistance. Check to see if there are screws securing the track to 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. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.

When the new rollers have been installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and then swing it into place. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to allow the door to move to the extent it requires.