10 Situations When You'll Need To Know About Patio Doors Repair Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet

Patio doors provide a comfortable 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 inside your home.

But with time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their luster. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking like new.

Weatherstripping

It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into a puddle of water right near the sliding patio doors. You look around and see that last night's rain blew in through the seals of your patio doors. This is not going to be an easy project. But with a little patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet as well.

The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between the door and jamb, keeping out drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacement.


There are many kinds of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are cheap however they can be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it holds up well and resists moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas that have high traffic because it will not wear out 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, unscrew the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, cut the new to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.

Reinstall the door, and then 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 where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will last for a while.

Handles and locks

Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. Over time they can get worn or damaged and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles may also need to be replaced.

To replace a handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in the place. Once the old handle has been removed then use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause issues in the future.

Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure that it is working properly. If you experience any issues you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To avoid problems in the future it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.

The most popular door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and sits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are found on aluminum sliding and wood doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. You will need to know the location of the mounting holes as well as the location within the lock of the keyway.

Some patio door handles are equipped with a locking mechanism built into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits inside the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the inside and exterior locks in one piece. This type of patio door is often found on aluminum sliding doors.

If your patio door latch isn't fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't grasping the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the side jamb. Try opening the door for about an inch and spotting it against the frame to see whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

Over time the tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly again. This is a good option for those who want to keep your doors running at their top performance.

Another issue that is common to patio doors is a damaged screen, which is an inconvenience or even a safety hazard. In addition, it can hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be replaced but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If patio door repair near me damaged your window screen, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Also, make sure you don't turn the handles of the door the wrong way.

Over time, hinges will loosen due to wear and tear or use. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in resolving this issue and ensure your doors close tightly. This is a simple task that you can do by yourself, however if you're not confident doing it, consult an expert to make sure your doors are properly aligned and secure.

You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing will remove dust and debris which could interfere with the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also employ a specific tool to clean away stubborn dirt or rust. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges can help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a strong and solid seal.

If the frames of your patio doors are sagging or warped, this can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but can also be caused by poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's properly aligned and functioning at its peak.

Rollers

The sliding patio doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in lots of light, but they require some maintenance to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you find that you need to pull the handle to get your door to move, or 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 will fill up with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.

If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers aren't able to move freely, it's time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers that will suit your door and type of track you have. They can be found at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take a good picture of the roller assembly installed in the door frame so experts can determine the specific model and type you require. You can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples and flared edges and cut-outs which can narrow down the options for replacement.

After the rollers have been replaced then you'll need to install the sliding door back into its frame. This is a very heavy door, and you might require assistance. Make sure there are screws securing the track on either side of the frame. If there are, make sure they are loose enough for the bottom of door to drop into the channel that is above the frame. If there is a screen door, remove it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers.

When the new rollers are in then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it into place. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance to the extent it requires.