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 with the outdoors. They offer a pleasant and convenient transition. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air within your home. But with time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their shine. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and functioning like new. Weatherstripping You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM when you step in a puddle right close to your sliding patio door. You look around and realize that the rain of last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. This is not going to be an easy project. However, with a little patience and some tools to fix the issue, you'll be able to do it and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet. The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between your door and the jamb, keeping out moisture, pests, and drafts. This will also help keep your energy bills down. A quick examination of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping in good shape or needs replacement. There are many kinds of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are cheap however they can be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it is durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a good option for areas with high traffic because it will 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 roller adjustment screws. Then using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that secure the weatherstripping on the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb with a putty knife. After you're done, put back the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door is positioned in the track and shuts correctly. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding door and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping, however, it should last for a time. Locks and handles Locks and handles for your patio door are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time, they can become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also need to be changed. To replace a patio door handle, first remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that are 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 straight, it could cause problems for the lock. This could cause problems in the future. Once you have the new handle installed, close and open it several times to ensure it is working properly. If you experience any issues, you should consult the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware specialist for assistance. To avoid problems in the future, it is recommended to also lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant. The most common door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is typically made of steel and fits in a pocket that has been cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, you need to measure. The measurements you need to take include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway within the lock. Certain patio door handles have the ability to lock the handle. These handles come with an elongated key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door includes the exterior and inside locks in one piece. This type of patio door is most commonly found on aluminum sliding doors. If your patio door latch isn't staying latched, it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't 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, adjust the rollers at the bottom left or the right side of the patio until it is perfectly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment In time, the rollers and tracks of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts into your home, which reduces energy efficiency. It is possible to correct the misalignment and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to move smoothly again. It's a good idea to do this periodically to keep your doors in good working order. A damaged screen could also be a problem. It could be an inconvenience or even a danger. It could also stop the doors from closing and opening properly, causing energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be replaced however, in some cases it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when you open and close the door. Over time, hinges will loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. This is a simple job that can be done yourself, but if you're not comfortable doing it, consult an expert to ensure that your doors are properly aligned and secure. It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors on a regular basis. A simple brushing or vacuuming can remove dust and debris 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 corrosion. It is possible to correct the misalignment by tightening or checking the screws. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal. If your frames for your patio doors are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes, but it could also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can replace or repair your patio door frame, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best. Rollers Patio doors that slide are great to let the outside in and letting plenty of natural light, but they do require some maintenance to keep them sliding smoothly. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-barnet/ find that you need to really push the handle to get your door to move, or if it isn't as easy to slide as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track may be clogged with dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. 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 able to move freely It's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They can be found at most hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take a good picture of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame, so experts can determine the exact model and type you need. You can also search for identifying features such as bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down alternatives for replacement. Once the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. Get help with this one as the door is very heavy. Make sure there are screws that hold the track on either side of the frame. If so you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of door to drop into the channel that is above the frame. If you have screen doors, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers. After installing the new rollers, gently insert the door in the frame. It should be lowered to ensure it is secured. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door has enough clearance.