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

Patio doors are a great option to connect your home to the outdoors. They offer a relaxing and convenient transition. They also help save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air within your home.

However, over time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their luster. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and working like new.

Weatherstripping

It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you stumble into the puddle of water by your sliding patio doors. You turn around to see that the rain from last night ripped through the seals of your patio doors. Buckle up, this isn't going to be a quick fix. With a little patience and a few basic tools you can fix the problem and save your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.

It is essential to replace the weatherstripping, which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests, and moisture. It also keeps your energy costs down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will tell you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacement.

There are many kinds of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze or copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open-cell foam are both inexpensive however, they are also known 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 choice for high-traffic areas since it won't deteriorate as easily.

To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping that was previously in place and take off any remaining adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the new to the correct length, peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it using a putty blade to the jamb.

Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly placed in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever 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 few days.

Handles and Locks

Patio door handles and locks are important for the security of your home. As time passes, they may get worn or damaged and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.

To replace a handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in the place. After you have removed the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.

Once you have the new handle installed, close and open it several times to make sure it functions correctly. If you experience any issues ask the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is a good idea also to lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.

The most commonly used type of patio sliding door repair door lock is a mortise latch. It's usually made of steel and fits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These types of locks are found on wood and aluminum who repairs sliding patio doors doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock it is important to measure. You will need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the location within the keyway lock.

Some handles for patio doors have a locking mechanism built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that fits in the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.

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

Misalignment

In time the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and drafts to enter your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and avoid. Applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide again. It is a good idea to apply this every so often to keep your doors in top operating condition.

Another common problem with patio doors is a torn screen, which could be an inconvenience or even a safety hazard. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired but in others, the door needs to be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door the wrong way.

Over time, hinges may become loose due to normal wear and tear or use. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. It's a simple task that you can tackle on your own. If you are not comfortable with the task, you should consult an expert.

It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors track and rollers. Simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris which could interfere with the smooth operation your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool to remove tough dirt or rust. Inspecting and tightening the hinges' screws can help with misalignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a solid and durable seal.

If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused due to poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can fix or replace your patio sliding doors repair door frame and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning at its best.

Rollers

patio Screen door repair near me doors that slide are great for letting the outside in and providing plenty of light, but they do require some maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you notice that you have to really pull the handle to get the door to move, or isn't as easy to slide as it did in the past then the problem could be the rollers. As time passes the lower track could get clogged by dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant like 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 buy these at a variety of hardware stores however you will need someone to assist you in the removal and replace the rollers. Take a picture of the rollers installed within the frame to help the experts identify the exact model and type you need. They can also search for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples and cut-outs and flared edges which can narrow down alternatives for replacement.

Once the rollers are replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door into its frame. You may need assistance with this one as the door is heavy. Make sure there are screws securing 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 fall into the channel that is above the frame. If there's a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.

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