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 outdoors. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air within your home. But over time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and functioning like new. Weatherstripping It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning jog when you step into an emerald-colored pool of water right near the sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain from last night ripped through the patio door seals. Be prepared and be prepared for this to be a quick fix. With a bit of patience and a few basic tools you can fix the problem and prevent your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold. The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and jamb, preventing drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping in good condition or requires replacement. There are many types of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are inexpensive however they tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with high traffic because it won't wear out as quickly. To install 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. Then, take out the weatherstripping from the previous frame and take off any remaining adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the replacement to the correct 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 is properly seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping but should last for a while. Locks and Handles Locks and handles for patio doors play a crucial role in the security of your home. Over time, they can get 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 a patio door, you must remove the old one first by taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/altrincham-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could lead to problems in the future. Once you have the new handle, close and open it several times to make sure it is working properly. If you encounter any issues ask the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone. The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing a mortise lock it is important to measure a few things before ordering a new one. The measurements you need include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway inside the lock. Some patio door handles come with a locking mechanism built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that fits in the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door has both the inside and exterior locks in one piece. This type of patio doors is typically found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch isn't latched, it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel to the jamb's side. Try opening the door for about 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to see if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door until you can get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air into your home, reducing energy efficiency. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease to the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. This is a great idea if you want to ensure that your doors are operating at their best. A damaged or ripped screen can be an issue. It can cause inconvenience or even risky. Additionally, it could stop doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door has to be replaced. If you've got a damaged window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way. Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. This is a simple task which you can perform yourself, but if not confident doing it, you should consult an expert to ensure that your doors are properly aligned and secure. You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dust and debris which could hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool for tough dirt or rust. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges may aid in re-alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them completely to ensure a solid, long-lasting seal. If your frames for your patio doors 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 also be caused by poor installation or simply through frequent use. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning optimally. Rollers The sliding patio doors can be a great way to bring the outside in and let in plenty of light, but they require some maintenance to ensure they are running smoothly. If you have to yank the handle to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it used to, it could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand, and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll across. It is possible to clean it by 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 available to suit your door and kind of track you have. They can be found at most hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to assist with the removal and installation of 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 require. They can also look for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples, flared edges, and cut-outs which can narrow down alternatives for replacement. After replacing the rollers you'll need to put the sliding door in its frame. Get help with this one as the door is heavy. Check to see if there are screws that hold the track on either side of frame. If so you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of door to drop into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's free of the track tracks, rollers and track. After you have installed the new rollers, gently slide the door into the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to ensure it is secured. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to allow the door to move to the extent it requires.