Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet Patio doors can provide a convenient and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. They can also help you save money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the air inside your home. But over time your sliding glass or French doors could lose their shine. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and working as new. Weatherstripping You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get in a puddle right next to your sliding patio door. You look around and realize that the rain of last night ripped through the patio door seals. Buckle up, this isn't going to be a simple task in five minutes. With a little patience, and a few simple tools, you can fix it and keep your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet. The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between the door and jamb, preventing drafts, pests and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills low. If you check your windows and door, you can determine if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not. There are many types of weatherstripping available such as open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are cheap however they can be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear out as quickly. To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with the aid of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb with a putty knife. After that, you can reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws until the door is positioned in the track and shuts correctly. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should work for some time. Handles and locks Locks and handles for your patio door are crucial to the security of your home. Over time they can become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior handles and the exterior handles may also require replacement. To replace a patio door handle, first remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. After the handle has been removed then use a level to make sure the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it could cause problems with the lock and cause problems in the future. Once you have the new handle Close and then open it a few times to ensure it functions properly. If you encounter any issues, you should consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a specialist in hardware for assistance. It is recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid future issues. The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits in a pocket cut into the door frame. They are usually used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. Before you purchase a new mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the location in the lock of the keyway. Certain patio door handles come with a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have an elongated key cylinder that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door includes the inside and exterior locks within one unit. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors. If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked it could be because the lock tongue may not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. Try opening the door for about an inch and spotting it against the frame to determine whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers at the bottom left or right side of the patio so that it is exactly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment Over time, the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This could also allow cold air and draughts into your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your energy. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. It is a good idea to apply this every so often to keep your doors in top operating condition. A damaged screen could also be a problem. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-bedford/ can be a hassle or a danger. It can also prevent the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, but in other cases the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, clean it thoroughly and make sure to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening. Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or use. Regularly tightening the screws will aid in resolving this issue and ensure your doors shut tightly. It's a simple task that you can tackle on your own. If you're not sure with the task, you should consult a professional. It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dust and debris which can hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use an instrument specifically designed to clear away rust or dirt that has accumulated. It is possible to fix any misalignment by tightening, or examining the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal. The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are sagging or sagging. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes but it could also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can replace or repair the frame of your patio door, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best. Rollers The sliding patio doors are an excellent way to let the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, however they require some maintenance to ensure they are running smoothly. If you find that you need to push the handle to get the door to move, or if it isn't as easy to slide as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. In time the lower track could be clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. 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 are cleaned and the rollers still aren't able to move freely, it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. They can be found at most hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an image of the roller assembly installed in the door frame, so experts can determine the exact model and the type you need. You can also look for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges that could narrow your the options for replacement. After replacing the rollers you will need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. You may need assistance with this one as the door is quite heavy. Examine if there are any screws holding the track on either side of frame. If so you must ensure that 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, take it from the opening and ensure it's clear of the track and rollers. After putting in the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. Swing it down to make sure it is secure. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.