Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet Patio doors are a great option to connect your home with the outside. They offer a relaxing and convenient transition. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air inside your home. Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door will fade. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and operating as new. Weatherstripping You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM when you step into a puddle that is right next to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain from last night ripped through the patio door seals. Buckle up it's not going to be a five-minute project. With a bit of patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and save your dog from cold, wet feet in the process. The key is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between your door and jamb, keeping out the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping in good condition or requires replacing. There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with high traffic since it won't deteriorate as easily. To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using the help of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Then, take out the weatherstripping that was previously in place and take off any remaining adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb using the putty knife. When you're done, reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door is in the track and is closed properly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, but it should work for some time. Handles and Locks Locks and handles for patio doors play an important role in the security of your home. As time passes, they could get damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles may also need to be replaced. To replace a handle on a patio door first, remove the old handle by removing any screws that hold it in place. Once the old handle has been removed using a level, ensure that the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems for the lock. This could lead to problems in the future. Once you have the new handle installed, close and open it several times to ensure it functions effectively. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware specialist for assistance. It is also a good idea to keep the lock mechanism lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant to prevent future problems. The most popular door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It's typically made of steel and fits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is essential to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. It is essential to know the location of mounting holes as well as the location in the lock of the keyway. Some handles for patio doors are equipped with a locking mechanism built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder which fits inside 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 are typically found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch isn't able to stay closed the lock tongue might not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb on the side. Open the door an inch, and spot it against the frame. This will show you the gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door to get it perfectly parallel with the jamb. Misalignment Over time the tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-luton/ could also allow cold air and draughts be able to enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks can make your doors glide again. It's a good idea to do this periodically to ensure your doors are in good working order. Another common problem with patio doors is a torn screen, which is a nuisance or even a safety risk. Additionally, it could prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to loss of energy. In some cases the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, clean it thoroughly and make sure not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when closing and opening. Hinges may loosen over time due to frequent use or normal wear. Regularly tightening screws can help correct this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. This is a simple job which you can perform yourself, but if not confident doing it, you should consult a professional to ensure your doors are properly aligned and secure. It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors on a regular basis. A simple brushing or vacuuming will get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a special tool to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. It is possible to correct the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a long-lasting seal. If your patio doors' frames are sagging or warped they could affect their alignment and performance. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused due to poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can replace or repair the frame of your patio door, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best. Rollers The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they need some attention to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you find that you need to really pull the handle to get your door to move, or if it just doesn't slide as easily as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track may become clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to see if it helps. If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely, it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can purchase them at a variety of hardware stores, but will need someone to assist you in the removal and replace the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an accurate picture of the roller assembly placed within the door frame so that experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. You can also search for specific features like bumps or dimples cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down the alternatives for replacement. After replacing the rollers, you'll need to put the sliding door into its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is quite heavy. Examine if there are any screws holding the track to either side of the frame. If so, make sure they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to fall into the channel that is above the frame. If there's a screen door, remove it from the opening and make sure it's free of track and rollers. When the new rollers are installed, carefully insert the door into the frame and swing it back into position. If your new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door a clearance in the areas it requires it.