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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 provide a comfortable and convenient transition. By keeping the air in your home, they can save you cash on cooling or heating costs. Over time, the luster of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and functioning like new. Weatherstripping You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM, and you end up into a puddle close to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain of last night has blown through the seals of your patio doors. Don't panic it's not going to be a simple task in five minutes. With a little patience, and a few basic tools, you can fix it and prevent your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet. The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and jamb, which prevents moisture, pests, and drafts. It also helps keep your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will show you if the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacing. There are a variety 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. Felt and open cell foam are cheap, but they tend to be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it holds up well and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with high traffic because it does not wear out as quickly. To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the patio doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, 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 on the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, but it should be able to last for a period of time. Locks and Handles Locks and handles for patio doors play an important role in the security of your home. Over time they can get worn or damaged and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the exterior and interior handles may also need to be replaced. To replace a handle on the patio door, take out the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in place. Once the old handle has been removed, use a level to ensure that the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems in the future. After you have the new handle Close and then open it a few times to ensure it is working correctly. If you experience any issues, check the instructions of the manufacturer or a hardware specialist for assistance. To avoid future issues it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone. The most popular patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. The measurements you need to take include the mounting hole locations and the location of the keyway within the lock. Certain patio door handles come with an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder that fits inside the handle's keyway. If you have this kind 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 staying latched, it could be because the lock tongue isn't catching the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not fully parallel to the jamb's side. Try opening the door up to 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 a gap, reposition the rollers on the bottom left or right side of the patio until it is exactly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment Over time, the rollers and tracks of the door may lose their alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This could also allow cold air and draughts into your home, reducing the efficiency of your energy. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to correct and avoid. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks can allow your doors to glide again. This is a good option in order to keep your doors operating at their best. Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which could be a nuisance or even a security risk. Additionally, it could hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door must be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when opening and closing. Hinges can loosen over time due to heavy usage or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can help correct this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. It's an easy task you can do yourself. If you are not comfortable with the task, you should consult an expert. It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors on a regular basis. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dirt and dust that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges may aid in alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a solid, solid seal. The alignment and performance of your patio doors could be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes but it can also occur from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can replace or repair 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 can be a great way to bring the outside in and let in lots of light, but they need some attention to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you notice that you have to really pull the handle to get your door to move, or isn't as easy to slide as it used to then the problem could be the rollers. As patio doors repairs Repair My Windows And Doors , the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to roll across. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to determine if it helps. If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can find them at most hardware shops however, you will require someone to help you remove and install the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an image of the roller assembly that is placed in the door frame so the experts can identify the specific model and type you require. You can also search for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down the replacement options. After replacing the rollers, you'll need to put the sliding door in its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may require help. Start by checking to make sure there aren't any screws holding the track in position on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide down into the channel that is on the top of the frame. If there's a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure it's clear of the track and rollers. After installing the new rollers, gently insert the door into the frame. It should be lowered to make sure it is secure. If the new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door clearance in the areas it requires it.