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 outdoor and indoor space. By keeping the air in your home, they could save you money on cooling or heating bills.

Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding patio doors repair glass or French doors looking like new.

Weatherstripping

You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get in a puddle right close to your sliding patio sliding door repair door. You turn around to see that the rain of last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared, this isn't going to be a quick fix. However, with a little patience and some tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet as well.

The key is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between the door and jamb, which prevents drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills lower. If you check your windows and door, you will be able to tell whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.

There are many kinds of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam and vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals like bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt 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 resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as easily.

To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using the aid of a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb using the putty knife.

Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure it sits properly in the track. Then, apply waterproof caulk on the area that the stationary panel passes through the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping however, it will last for a few days.

Handles and Locks

Locks and handles for your patio door 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 and exterior handles could also be replaced.

To replace a patio glass repair near me door handle first remove the previous one by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle is removed then use a level to make sure the door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it could interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.

Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure that it's working correctly. If you experience any issues, check the manufacturer's instructions or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It is recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated using a silicone-based lubricant in order to prevent future problems.

The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are used on aluminum and wood sliding patio door repair service near Me doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, you need to measure. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes as well as the location in the lock of the keyway.

Certain patio door handles come with an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. These handles come with the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door repair company near me door 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 in the right way. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. The door should be opened an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will reveal the gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or right of the patio until it is perfectly parallel with jamb.

Misalignment

Over time, the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts infiltrate your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can allow your doors to glide again. It is a good idea to do this periodically to keep your doors in top operating condition.

Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which is an issue or even a safety risk. It can also prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired but in others, the door must be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when you open and close the door.

Over time, hinges will become loose due to normal wear and tear or use. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. It's a simple job you can perform yourself. If you are not comfortable, it is best to seek out an expert.

It's recommended to clean your patio doors track and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing 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 corrosion. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can aid in re-alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them all together to ensure a strong, durable seal.

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

Rollers

The sliding patio doors can be ideal for bringing the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they need some attention to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you find that you need to really push the handle to get the door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past, the culprit may be the rollers. In time the lower track may get clogged by dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.

If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't able to move freely, it's time to replace the tracks. There is a variety of replacement rollers to match your door and the kind of track you have. They are available at most hardware stores, but you'll require a companion to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an image of the roller assembly that is installed in the door frame, so experts can determine the specific model and type you need. They can also look out for specific features like bumps or dimples cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down the replacement options.

Once the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door into its frame. Get some help in this regard as the door is heavy. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws securing the track in position on either side of the frame and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide into the channel on top of the frame. If there is a screen door, remove it from the opening and make sure it's clear of the track and rollers.

After putting in the new rollers, gently slide the door in the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to ensure it is secured. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.