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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 outdoor and indoor space. They also help save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air inside your home.

But with time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their luster. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning like new.

Weatherstripping

You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM, and you end up into a puddle near your sliding patio door repairs patio door. You look around and realize that the rain from last night ripped through the patio door seals. Don't panic, this isn't going to be a five-minute project. However, with a little patience and a few tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and save your dog from cold, wet feet in the process.

The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also keeps your energy costs down. If you inspect your doors and windows you will be able to tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.

There are many kinds of weatherstripping, such as felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals such as bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are inexpensive however, they are also known to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas with high traffic because it does not wear as fast.

For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and scrape any adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the new to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb with a putty knife.

Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly 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 secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will work for some time.

Handles and Locks

Patio door handles and locks are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time they can become damaged or worn and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles may also need to be replaced.

To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the old one first, dislodging any screws that held it in place. After the handle has been removed then use a level to make sure the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight, it can interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.

Once you have the new handle installed, close and open it several times to ensure it functions effectively. If you encounter any issues, you should consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.

The most popular type of patio door locks repair door lock is a mortise lock. It's usually made of steel and fits inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the location within the keyway lock.

Certain patio door handles have the ability to lock the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door comes with the exterior and interior locks in one piece. This type of patio door is most commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.

If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't getting the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. The door should be opened one inch and then position it against the frame. This will show you the gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers to the bottom left or right of the patio until it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

Over time, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let drafts and cold air enter your home, which reduces energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and prevent. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move again. It's a good idea regularly do this to ensure that your doors are in top operating condition.

Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which is an issue or even a safety hazard. In addition, it can stop doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, clean it thoroughly and be sure not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when opening and closing.

Hinges may loosen as time passes due to heavy use or normal wear. Regularly tightening screws can aid in resolving this issue and ensure your doors close securely. It's an easy task you can perform yourself. If you're not confident with the task, you should consult a professional.

It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dirt and dust that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. Inspecting and tightening the hinges' screws can aid in re-alignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a secure, durable seal.

If your frames for 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 due to poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can repair patio door lock or replace the frame of your repair patio doors door and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning at its peak.

Rollers

Patio doors that slide are great for bringing the outside in and letting plenty of light, but they do require some attention to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you notice that you have to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or just doesn't slide as easily as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. 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 aren't moving freely, then it's time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers available to suit your door and type of track you have. They are available at many hardware stores, however you'll need a friend to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a picture of the roller assembly installed in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact type and model you need. You can also search for identifying features such as bumps or dimples cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down the replacement options.

Once the rollers are replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door into its frame. This is a heavy door, so you may require help. Check to see if there are screws that hold the track to either side of the frame. If so you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of door to slide into the channel that is above the frame. If there is a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure it's clear of the track and rollers.

After you have installed the new rollers, gently insert the door into the frame. It should be lowered to secure it. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door clearance to the extent it requires.