Patio Doors Repair: The Ugly Truth About Patio Doors Repair Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet

Patio doors are an excellent way to connect your home to the outside. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. By keeping air inside your home, they will save you money on cooling or heating costs.

Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door can fade. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and working like new.

Weatherstripping

You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get into a puddle that is right close to your sliding patio door. You look around and discover that the rain of last night came through the patio door seals. This isn't going to be a simple task. With a little patience, and a few tools you can fix the problem and keep your dog's feet from getting wet and cold.

The key is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between your door and jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also keeps your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will show you whether the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacement.

There are many types of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are both inexpensive however they tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great material for areas that are heavily used since it won't deteriorate as easily.

To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws using a screwdriver. Then using a flathead screwdriver unscrew the plugs that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Then, pull out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and remove any residual adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, then peel back the plastic strip on one side and then apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.

When RepairMyWindowsAndDoors done, reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws until the door sits in the track and closes properly. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel obstructs the sliding door and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, but it should be able to last for a period of time.

Locks and handles

Patio door handles and locks are essential to the security of your home. As time passes, they could become 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 patio door handle first, remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place. Once the old handle is 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 can interfere with the lock. This could cause problems in the future.

Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure it is working properly. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It's also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to prevent future problems.

The most popular door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock it's important to measure a few things before purchasing a new lock. The measurements you require include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway inside the lock.

Certain patio door handles come with a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that fits inside the handle's keyway. This type of patio door includes the exterior and interior locks in one unit. This type of patio door is most often found on sliding aluminum doors.

If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked, the lock tongue may not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel 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 jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers to the bottom left or right of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

As time passes the tracks and rollers of the door may lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts into your home, which reduces the efficiency of your energy. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and avoid. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide smoothly once again. This is a good idea in order to keep your doors running at their best.

Another issue that is common to patio doors is a torn screen, which could be an inconvenience or even a security risk. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases, the torn screen can be replaced, however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a torn screen, clean it thoroughly and be sure not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening.


Hinges may loosen over time due to frequent use or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. It's a simple job you can perform yourself. However, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you must seek out a professional.

It's recommended to regularly clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing can take away dust and other debris that could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool to remove stubborn dirt or rust. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can aid in alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a solid and long-lasting seal.

If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped, this can affect their alignment and performance. The warping or shifting may 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 or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best.

Rollers

Patio doors that slide open are ideal to let the outside in while letting ample natural light, however they do require some attention to keep them sliding smoothly. If you find that you have to really pull the handle to get your door to move, or it just doesn't slide as easily as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. Over time the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to see if it helps.

If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still not moving freely, it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. 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. Take a photo of the rollers installed within the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you need. They can also look for distinctive characteristics like dimples, bumps, cut-outs and flared edges that can narrow down alternatives for replacement.

After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may require assistance. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws holding the track in place on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of the door to slide into the channel on the top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of the track, rollers and track.

When the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If the new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door clearance to the extent it requires.