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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 indoor and outdoor space. By keeping the air inside your home, they will save you money on heating or cooling costs.

Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door will fade. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and working as new.

Weatherstripping

You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get into a puddle that is right close to your sliding patio door. You look around and see that the rain from last night blew in through the seals on your patio doors. Don't panic it's not going to be a simple task in five minutes. But with a little patience and a few tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet.

It is important to replace the weatherstripping that closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests and moisture. This will also keep your energy bills low. If you inspect your windows and door, you can tell whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.

There are several types of weatherstripping to choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are inexpensive however they can be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it holds up well and resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear as fast.

For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb with the putty knife.

Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof 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 however, it should last for a few days.

Locks and handles

Locks and handles for patio doors play an important role in the security of your home. As time passes, they could be damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also need to be replaced.

To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in the place. After removing the handle, use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause problems in the future.

Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure it's working correctly. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To prevent future problems it is recommended to also lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.

The most popular door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is typically made of metal and sits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, you need 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 an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted in the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This type of patio doors is often found on sliding aluminum doors.

If the latch on your patio door isn't able to stay closed the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the jamb's side. The door should be opened an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will tell you if there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to sag or become difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air into your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your energy. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to move smoothly again. This is a good option if you want to ensure that your doors are operating at their peak.

A torn screen can also be a problem. It could be a hassle or risky. In addition, it can stop doors from opening and closing properly, leading to loss of energy. In some cases the damaged screen can be repaired, however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you've damaged your window screen, be sure to clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door the wrong way.

Over time, hinges may loosen due to normal wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. It's an easy task you can perform yourself. If you are not comfortable, it is best to seek out an expert.

It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming can get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. Inspecting and tightening the hinges' screws can aid in re-alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them altogether to ensure a solid, durable seal.

If the frames of your patio doors are sagging or warped, this can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could also be caused by poor installation or simply through frequent use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's properly aligned, allowing it to perform optimally.





Rollers

The sliding patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, however they require some maintenance to keep them moving smoothly. If you find that you need to really push 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. Over time the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to roll over. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to determine if it helps.

If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't moving freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can find them at most hardware stores however, you will require someone to assist you in removing and replace the rollers. Get a picture of the roller assembly in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact model and type you need. They can also look for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges, and cut-outs that can narrow down replacement options.

When the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. Get help in this regard as the door is quite heavy. Check to see if there are sliding patio door repair securing the track on either side of the frame. If they are, make sure they are loose enough for 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, rollers and track.

After the new rollers are installed, carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it back into position. If the new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to allow the door to move where it needs it.