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 outdoors. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. By keeping the air in your home, they will save you cash on cooling or heating costs. Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door can fade. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and operating as new. Weatherstripping It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning routine when you stumble into an emerald-colored pool of water right by your sliding patio doors. You turn around to see that the rain from last night has blown through the patio door seals. Be prepared and be prepared for this to be a simple task in five minutes. With a bit of patience and a few tools you can fix the problem and prevent your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold. The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing moisture, pests, and drafts. This will also keep your energy bills low. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping in good shape or needs replacement. There are many types of weatherstripping to choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are both inexpensive however, they are also known to be visible and not effective 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 will not wear out as fast. To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with the help of a screwdriver. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, then peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb with a putty knife. When you're done, reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws until the door sits in the track and shuts correctly. Then, apply caulk to the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will work for some time. Locks and handles Patio door handles and locks play a crucial role in the security of your home. As time passes, they could become worn or damaged and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the interior and exterior handles may also need to be replaced. To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the old one first, taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After removing the handle, use a level and make sure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause problems in the future. Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure it's functioning properly. If you experience any issues, consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid future issues it is a good idea to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone. The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock it is important to measure. The measurements you need to take include the mounting hole locations and the position of the keyway inside the lock. Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles feature an elongated key cylinder that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one unit. This kind of patio door are typically found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch isn't fixed, it could be because the lock tongue isn't getting the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the jamb's side. The door should be opened one inch and then position it against the frame. This will show you if there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers to the bottom left or right side of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment Over time the tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts into your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your energy. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and avoid. Applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks can allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea to do this periodically to ensure that your doors are in good working order. Another common problem with patio doors is a torn screen, which can be a nuisance or even a security risk. Additionally, it could hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to loss of energy. In some cases the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door must be replaced. If you have a torn window screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way. Hinges can loosen over time due to heavy usage or normal wear. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's an easy task you can perform yourself. However, if you're not confident doing it yourself, you must seek out an expert. It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors' tracks and rollers. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-crawley/ or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool for tough dirt or rust. It is possible to correct any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace the hinges to ensure a durable seal. If your frames for your patio doors are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused due to poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best. Rollers The sliding patio doors are a great way to bring the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, however they need some attention to ensure that they're moving smoothly. If you have to yank the handle to get the door to move or it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to, it could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick. If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can find them at most hardware shops, but will need someone to assist you in the removal and install the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take an accurate picture of the roller assembly installed within the door frame so that experts can identify the exact model and the type you require. They can also look out for specific features like bumps or dimples cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down replacement options. After replacing the rollers, you will need to reinstall the sliding door in its frame. Get help on this one since the door is very heavy. Check to see if there are screws securing the track on either side of the frame. If there are, make sure they are loose enough for the bottom of door to slide into the channel above the frame. If there is a screen door, remove it from the opening and make sure it's clear of the track and rollers. After you have installed the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. Swing it down to ensure it is secured. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.