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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 easy transition. By keeping the air in your home, they could help you save money on heating or cooling costs.

But with time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their shine. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.

Weatherstripping

You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM, and you end up into a puddle that is right near your sliding patio door. You glance around and realize that the rain of last night came through the patio door seals. Don't panic it's not going to be a quick fix. But with a little patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet as well.

The key 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 bills down. If you inspect your doors and windows you can determine whether the weatherstripping has to be replaced or not.

There are many types of weatherstripping available such as open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. 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 durable and resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear as fast.

To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping that was previously in place and scrape any adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the new to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb with the putty knife.

After that, you can reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door is positioned in the track and is closed properly. Apply waterproof caulk to the place where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door, and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is not as secure a seal than the weatherstripping however, it will last for a while.

Handles and locks

Patio door handles and locks are important for the security of your home. As time passes, they may be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. Additionally, the spindle which connects the exterior and interior handles could also need to be replaced.

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

Close and open the handle several times after installing it to make sure it's working correctly. If you experience any issues ask the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.

The most popular door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and sits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock it is important to measure. The measurements you need to take include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the location of the keyway within the lock.

Some handles for patio door repairs doors come with the ability to lock the handle. These handles come with an elongated key cylinder that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door includes the exterior and interior locks in one piece. This type of patio door is most commonly found on aluminum sliding doors.

If the latch on your patio door doesn't stay latched it could be because 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. Try opening the door about 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to determine if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door until you can get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

In time the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts be able to enter your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the rollers and tracks can allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea regularly do this to ensure your doors are in peak operating condition.

Another common problem with patio doors is a damaged screen, which can be a nuisance or even a safety hazard. It can also prevent 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 try not to turn the door handles the wrong way when opening and closing.

Over time, hinges will become loose due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. It's a simple task that you can do yourself. However, if you are not comfortable, it is best to seek out an expert.

It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing will take away dust and other debris that could interfere with the smooth operation your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove stubborn dirt or corrosion. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges may aid in re-alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a solid, durable seal.

If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes however, it can also result from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure that it is properly aligned and functioning at its best.

Rollers

Patio doors that slide are great for bringing the outside in and letting plenty of light, however they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you notice that you need to pull the handle to get your door to move, or if it isn't as easy to slide as it did in the past, 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. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to see if that helps.

If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't moving freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can purchase them at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to assist you in removing and reinstall the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an accurate picture of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame, so experts can determine the exact model and the type you require. They can also look for specific characteristics like dimples, bumps, cut-outs and flared edges that can narrow down replacement options.

After replacing the rollers, you'll have to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is very heavy. Make sure there are screws that hold the track on either side of the frame. If there are you must ensure that they are loose enough for the door's bottom to fall into the channel above the frame. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and ensure it's free of track and rollers.

After the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame, then swing it back into position. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.