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 can also help you save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air within your home.

Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and operating as new.

Weatherstripping

It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you step into the puddle of water near your sliding patio doors. You look around and realize that the rain from last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be a simple task. But with a little patience and some tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it tilt and slide patio door repairs protect your dog from wet, cold feet.

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

There are several types of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are both inexpensive however they tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great material for areas that are heavily used because it doesn't wear out as easily.

For installing 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 secure the weatherstripping on the bottom of the frame. Then, pull out the old weatherstripping and take off any remaining adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip on one side and then apply it to the jamb with a putty knife.

Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it sits properly in the track. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is a less reliable 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 worn or damaged and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced.

To replace a handle on a patio door, remove the old one first, unscrewing any screws holding it in the place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the door is straight. If the door isn't in a straight line, it can interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.

Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure it is working properly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware specialist for assistance. It's recommended to lubricate the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid any future issues.

The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. These kinds of locks are typically used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock it is important to measure. The measurements you require include the location of the mounting holes and the location of the keyway within the lock.

Some handles for patio doors are equipped with the ability to lock the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted inside the handle's keyway. This type of patio door includes the exterior and inside locks within one unit. This type of patio door is most often found on aluminum sliding 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 is not completely parallel with the side jamb. Try opening the door up to an inch and spotting it against the frame to see whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.

Misalignment

Over time the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and draughts to be able to enter your home, which could decrease energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and stop. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. It's a good idea to regularly do this to keep your doors in good working order.

A damaged or ripped screen can be an issue. It could cause inconvenience or even risky. In addition, it may stop doors from closing and opening properly, leading to loss of energy. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a torn screen, wash it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when closing and opening.

Over time, hinges will become loose due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's an easy task you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not sure with the task, you should consult an expert.

It's recommended to clean your patio doors track and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use an instrument specifically designed to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. It is possible to fix the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal.

The alignment and performance of your patio doors may be affected if the frames are warped or sliding. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes however, it can also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning at its best.

Rollers

Patio doors that slide open are ideal for letting the outside in while letting ample natural light, but they require some maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you find that you need to really yank on the handle to get the door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. As time passes, the lower track can get clogged by dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant like 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. There are many replacement rollers available to suit your door and kind of track you have. You can purchase them at a variety of hardware stores however you will need someone to assist you in removing and replace the rollers. Take a picture of the roller assembly installed within the frame to help the experts determine the exact model and type you need. You can also search for specific features like dimples or bumps or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down replacement options.

After the rollers have been replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may require assistance. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in place on either side of the frame and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide down into the channel that is on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is clear of the track tracks, rollers and track.

After installing the new rollers, gently slide the door into the frame. Swing it down to secure it. If the new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door clearance where it needs it.