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 to the outside. They offer a relaxing and convenient transition. By keeping the air in your home, they could help you save money on heating or cooling costs. Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door may fade. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and operating like new. Weatherstripping You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM, and you end up into a puddle next to your sliding patio door. You look around and discover that the rain of last night came through the seals on your patio doors. This won't be a simple task. But with a little patience and a few tools, you can fix this and protect your dog from cold, wet feet. 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 keeps your energy costs down. If you check your doors and windows, you will be able to tell whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not. There are a variety of weatherstripping available that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Felt and open-cell foam are not expensive, but they also tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good option 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 screws for adjustment of the roller. Then using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the new to the appropriate length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty blade to the jamb. When you're done, reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws until the door is in the track and is closed correctly. Then, apply caulk on the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a few days. Handles and locks Locks and handles for your patio door are essential to ensure the security of your home. As time passes, they may 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 a handle for a patio door first, remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle has been removed using a level, make sure the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't in a straight line, it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause problems in the future. After you have the new handle installed Close and open it several times to ensure it works effectively. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware specialist for assistance. It is recommended to grease the lock mechanism using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid future issues. The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the location in the keyway lock. Some handles for patio doors come with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door comes with the exterior and inside 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, the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the side jamb. Try opening the door for about an inch and placing 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 left or right sides of the patio door to get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment Over time the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This can cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It also allows cold air and draughts to be able to enter your home, which could decrease energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers will help your doors move smoothly again. It is a good idea to regularly do this to ensure your doors are in good working order. Another common problem with patio doors is a ripped screen, which is a nuisance or even a security risk. It can also prevent the doors from opening and closing correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door needs to be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, be sure you wash it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door in the wrong way. Over time, hinges will loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening screws can help correct this issue and ensure your doors close tightly. It's an easy task you can perform yourself. If you're not sure, it is best to seek out a professional. It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors on a regular basis. A simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool to remove tough dirt or rust. It is possible to correct misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a long-lasting seal. If the frames of your patio doors are warped or sagging, this can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes but it can also occur from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning at its best. Rollers Patio doors that slide open are ideal for bringing the outside in and providing plenty of light, but they require a bit of maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you need to pull the handle hard to get the door to move or it isn't sliding as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track can be clogged with dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick. If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't sliding freely, it is time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers to match your door and the kind of track you have. You can purchase them at most hardware stores however, you will require someone to assist you in the removal and replace the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an accurate picture of the roller assembly placed within the door frame so that the experts can identify the specific model and type you require. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/bournemouth-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ can also search for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges that could narrow your alternatives for replacement. When the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door into its frame. Get some help on this one since the door is very heavy. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in place on either side of the frame. Also, make sure that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to drop into the channel on top of the frame. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure it's clear of the track and rollers. Once the new rollers have been installed, carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it into place. If the new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance to the extent it requires.