Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet Patio doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your indoor and outdoor space. By keeping the air inside your home, they will save you money on heating or cooling bills. But over time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their luster. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and functioning as new. Weatherstripping It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning routine when you step into the puddle of water near your sliding patio doors. You turn around to see that the rain from last night blew through the patio door seals. This won't be a simple task. However, with a little patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and save your dog from wet, cold feet in the process. The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills low. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will show you whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacement. There are many types of weatherstripping available that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are not expensive however they tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as easily. To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screws that secure the weatherstripping on the bottom of the frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping that was previously in place and remove any residual adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb using the putty knife. After that, you can reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws until the door is positioned in the track and is closed correctly. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will be able to last for a period of time. Locks and handles Locks and handles for patio doors are important for the security of your home. Over time, they may become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior handles and the exterior handles may also be replaced. <img width="441" src="https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Glass-Replacement-300x200.jpg"> To replace a handle on a patio door, you must remove the old one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in place. Once the old handle is removed using a level, ensure that the patio door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't in a straight line, it could interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future. Once you have the new handle Close and open it a few times to ensure it is working effectively. If you experience any issues, consult the instructions of the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It is also a good idea to keep the lock mechanism lubricated using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid future issues. The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually made of steel and fits inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to take some measurements. The measurements you need to take include the location of the mounting holes and the location of the keyway within the lock. Some handles for patio doors come with an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the exterior and interior locks within one unit. This type of patio doors is typically found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch isn't staying locked It could be due to the lock tongue isn't getting the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel to the jamb's 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 of the patio until it is perfectly parallel with jamb. Misalignment Over time, the rollers and tracks of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts to enter your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease the tracks and rollers can help your doors move again. It's a good idea regularly do this to keep your doors in top operating condition. Another common problem with patio doors is a ripped screen, which could be a nuisance or even a safety hazard. In addition, it can hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to loss of energy. In some cases the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door must be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and be sure to avoid turning the door handles the wrong way when you open and close the door. Hinges can become looser over time due to frequent use or wear and tear. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. This is a simple task which you can perform yourself, but if not comfortable doing it, seek out a professional to ensure your doors are securely aligned and secure. You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dirt and dust that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a specific tool to clean away stubborn dirt or rust. Inspecting and tightening https://pastelink.net/63ww9aqi on the hinges can help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a secure, durable seal. If the frames of your patio doors are sagging or warped they could affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes however, it can also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to function at its best. Rollers The sliding patio doors can be ideal for bringing the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some care to keep them moving smoothly. If you notice that you need to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or if it just doesn't slide as easily as it used to it could be due to the rollers. As time passes, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to move over. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to see if that helps. If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers don't glide freely, it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. You can find them at a variety of hardware stores however you will need someone to assist you in removing and install the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take a good picture of the roller assembly placed in the door frame, so the experts can identify the specific model and type you need. http://racingfactions.com/members-area/babynoodle4/activity/163309/ can also look for identifying characteristics such as bumps, dimples and flared edges and cut-outs which can narrow down alternatives for replacement. After replacing the rollers, you'll have to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. Get help in this regard as the door is quite heavy. Begin by making sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in place on either side of the frame and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide down into the channel on top of the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of track rollers, track and track. After you have installed the new rollers, gently insert the door into the frame. It should be lowered to make sure it is secure. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to allow the door to move to the extent it requires.