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. They also help save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air within your home. Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking like new. Weatherstripping It's 5 am and you're taking your dog out for his morning jog when you step into a puddle of water right in front of your sliding patio doors. You turn around and see that the rain of last night has blown through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be an easy project. With a bit of patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and protect your dog from wet, cold feet. The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and jamb, keeping out moisture, pests, and drafts. It also helps keep your energy costs down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacing. 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 its pros and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic since it won't deteriorate as quickly. To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Then, pull out the old weatherstripping and scrape any adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, trim the replacement to the correct length, peel off the plastic strip at the other end, and then apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb. Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly placed in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will last for a while. Handles and Locks Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. Over time, they can become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior and exterior handles can also need to be changed. To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first, taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After removing the handle, use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't in a straight line, it can interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future. Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure that it is working properly. If you encounter any issues, check the manufacturer's instructions or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is a good idea to also lubricate the lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant. The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is essential to take a few measurements before purchasing a new lock. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the location within the keyway lock. Some handles for patio doors have a locking mechanism built into the handle. These handles come with an elongated key cylinder that is inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one. This type of patio doors is typically found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch isn't locked, it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel with the jamb on the side. Try opening the door for about an inch and placing it against the frame to determine whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers on the bottom left or right side of the patio so that it is exactly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment As time passes the tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts to enter your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to correct and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. This is a good option in order to keep your doors running at their peak. A damaged screen could also be a problem. It could cause inconvenience or even an issue. It can also prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, wash it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when opening and closing. Over time, hinges will loosen due to wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be fixed by regularly tightening screws. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ 's a simple job you can do yourself. If you're not sure, it is best to consult an expert. It's also a good idea to clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dust and debris that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool for stubborn dirt or corrosion. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges can help with misalignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a secure, long-lasting seal. If your frames for your patio doors are sagging or warped, 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 the frame of your patio door and ensure it's properly aligned and functioning at its peak. Rollers The sliding patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they require some maintenance to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you find yourself having to pull the handle to get the door to move or it doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past, it could be the rollers. Over time the lower track can fill with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to roll across. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick. If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then it's time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers to suit your door and kind of track you have. They can be found at many hardware stores, however you'll require a companion to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Get a picture of the roller assembly within the frame to help the experts determine the exact model and type you need. You can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges that could narrow your alternatives for replacement. After replacing the rollers, you will need to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. This is a heavy door, so you may require help. Examine if there are screws that hold the track on either side of the frame. If there are check that they're loose enough to allow the door's bottom to fall into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is clear of the track tracks, rollers and track. After you have installed the new rollers, gently slide the door into the frame. Swing it down to ensure it is secured. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.