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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 home and outdoor space. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air within your home.

However, over time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.

Weatherstripping

It’s 5 am and you’re letting your dog out for his morning constitutional when you stumble into the puddle of water by the sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that last night’s rain blew in through the seals on your patio doors. This won’t be a simple task. With a little patience, and a few tools you can fix the problem and prevent your dog’s feet from getting cold and wet.

It is important to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests, and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will show you if the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacement.

There are a variety of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze or copper. Each type 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 is durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas that have high traffic because it will not wear out as quickly.

To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with the help of a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, then peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb with a putty knife.

Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly placed in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk on the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping but should work for some time.

Locks and handles

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

To replace a handle on the patio door, take out the old one first, taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After removing the old handle, use a level and make sure that the patio 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’s functioning properly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid problems in the future, it is a good idea to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.

The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It’s typically made of steel and sits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before purchasing patio door repairs , it is essential to measure. You’ll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the position in the lock of the keyway.

Some handles for patio doors are equipped with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. These handles feature a rectangular key cylinder which is inserted into the handle’s keyway. This type of patio door includes the inside and exterior locks within one unit. This type of patio door is commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.

If your patio door latch doesn’t stay latched, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn’t aligned to the jamb on the side. The door should be opened one inch and then position 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, reposition the rollers at the bottom left or right of the patio to make it perfectly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

In time the tracks and rollers of the door may lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and draughts enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home’s energy usage. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to correct and avoid. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks can help your doors move again. It’s a good idea to do this periodically to ensure that your doors are in top operating condition.

A damaged or ripped screen can be a problem. It could be an inconvenience or even an issue. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be replaced, however in other cases, it’s best to replace the entire door. If you’re experiencing a tear in your screen, clean it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening.

Over time, hinges can become loose due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It’s a simple job you can tackle on your own. However, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you must consult a professional.

It’s recommended to clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing will remove dust and debris which could hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also employ an instrument specifically designed to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to fix misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal.

The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are sagging or sliding. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could also be caused due to poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can replace or repair your patio door frame, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best.

Rollers

Sliding patio doors are great for bringing the outside in and letting plenty of light, but they do require some maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you find that you need to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or if it just doesn’t slide as easily as it used to 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 move 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 and the rollers still don’t glide freely It’s time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can find them at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to assist you in the removal and install the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an image of the roller assembly that is placed in the door frame so the experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. You can also search for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down the alternatives for replacement.

When the rollers are replaced, you’ll need to reinstall your sliding door in its frame. This is a very heavy door, and you might require help. Make sure there are screws that hold the track on either side of frame. If there are, make sure they are loose enough for the door’s bottom to drop into the channel that is above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is clear of the track rollers, track and track.

Once the new rollers are installed, carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it back into position. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door clearance to the extent it requires.