Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet

Patio doors are a great way to connect your home with the outdoors. They provide a comfortable and easy transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they can help you save cash on cooling or heating costs.

Over time, the luster of your Sliding glass patio doors repair glass or French door may fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and working as new.

Weatherstripping

It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning jog when you step into an emerald-colored pool of water right near the sliding patio glass repair near me doors. You look around and discover that the rain from last night blew in through the patio door seals. Be prepared and be prepared for this to be a five-minute project. With a bit of patience and a few simple tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and prevent your dog's feet from getting cold and wet.

The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and the jamb, keeping out the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also keep your energy bills low. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacement.

There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Felt and open cell foam are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas that have heavy traffic since it will not wear out as fast.

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 using a flathead screwdriver remove the plugs that keep the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, trim the replacement to the appropriate length, peel off the plastic strip at one end, and then apply it with a putty knife to the jamb.

After you're done, put back the door and adjust the roller screws so that the door sits in the track and closes properly. Apply waterproof caulk to 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 reliable seal than weatherstripping, but it should last for a while.

Locks and handles

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

To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in place. After removing the old handle, use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door is not straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause problems in the future.

Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to make sure it's functioning properly. If you have any issues, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware specialist for assistance. To avoid future issues it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.

The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is typically made of steel and fits inside a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are used on aluminum sliding and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it's important to take a few measurements prior to ordering a new one. You'll need to know the location of mounting holes and the location within the lock of the keyway.

Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that fits inside 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 screen door repair door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.

If your patio door latch does not stay locked the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel with the jamb on the side. Try opening the door about 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, you can 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 can lose their proper alignment. This can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts enter your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and avoid. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. This is a great idea if you want to keep your doors operating at their top performance.

Another common problem with patio doors is a ripped screen, which could be a nuisance or even a safety risk. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In some cases the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door needs to be replaced. If you've damaged your window screen, be sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door the wrong way.

Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or use. This can be fixed by regularly tightening screws. This is an easy task that you can do yourself, but if not comfortable doing it, seek out an expert to make sure your doors are securely aligned and secure.

It's recommended to clean your patio glass repair doors tracks and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing will get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can use a special tool for stubborn dirt or corrosion. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges may help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a solid and durable seal.

If your patio doors' frames 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 could also be caused by poor installation or simply 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

Patio doors that slide are great for bringing the outside in and letting plenty of natural light, however they do require some maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you find that you need to push the handle to get your door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it used to it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track could be clogged with dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to see if that helps.

If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely, it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can find them at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to assist you in the removal and replace the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an image of the roller assembly that is mounted in the door frame, so experts can determine the exact model and type you need. They can also search for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples and flared edges, and cut-outs that can narrow down the options for replacement.

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

After installing the new rollers, gently insert the door in the frame. It should be lowered to make sure it is secure. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.