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 outdoor and indoor space. They also help save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air within your home. 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 around 5 AM when you step into a puddle that is right close to your sliding patio door. You look around and see that the rain from last night came through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared, this isn't going to be a five-minute project. With a little patience, and a few basic tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and save your dog's feet from getting wet and cold. It is essential to replace the weatherstripping that seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests, and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills lower. A quick examination of your windows and doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping in good condition or needs replacing. There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Open cell foam and felt are inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas with high traffic since it won't deteriorate as quickly. For installing 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, remove the plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, pull out the old weatherstripping and take off any remaining adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, then peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb using the putty knife. Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly placed in the track. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding door and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will be able to last for a period of time. Locks and Handles Locks and handles for patio doors play a crucial role in the security of your home. Over time, they may be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also require replacement. To replace the handle on a patio door, you must remove the previous one first by taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After removing the old handle, use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could cause problems for the lock. This could lead to problems in the future. Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to make sure it's working correctly. If you experience any issues ask the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid future issues, it is a good idea to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone. The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It's usually constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These locks are used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it's important to take a few measurements prior to ordering a new one. It is essential to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the position in the keyway lock. Some patio door handles have an internal locking mechanism integrated into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door comes with the exterior and interior locks within one unit. This kind of patio door is typically found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch isn't locked It could be due to the lock tongue isn't grasping the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb on the side. The door should be opened by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will tell you if there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers on the bottom left or the right side of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel with jamb. Misalignment Over time, the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and drafts to enter your home, which could reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to correct and prevent. Applying https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ -based grease to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. This is a good idea in order to ensure that your doors are operating at their best. Another common issue with patio doors is a damaged screen, which is an inconvenience or even a safety hazard. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be repaired, however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you have a torn window screen, be sure you clean it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door the wrong way. Over time, hinges can loosen due to normal wear and tear or heavy usage. Regularly tightening screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure that your doors shut tightly. This is an easy task that you can do by yourself, however if you're not comfortable doing it, consult an expert to ensure that your doors are correctly aligned and secure. You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. Simple vacuuming or brushing will get rid of dust and debris that could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool for the most stubborn dirt or corrosion. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges can aid in alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them all together to ensure a secure and durable seal. The alignment and performance of your patio doors could be affected when the frames are warped or sliding. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused by poor installation or by frequent usage. 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 are an excellent way to let the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to keep them running smoothly. If you find that you need to really pull the handle to get your door to move, or it just doesn't slide as easily as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick. If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not moving freely, then it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. They are available at most hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an image of the roller assembly mounted within the door frame so that the experts can identify the exact model and the type you need. They can also look for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down replacement options. When the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door into its frame. Get some help on this one since the door is very heavy. Examine if there are screws securing the track on either side of frame. If they are you must ensure that they are loose enough for the bottom of door to slide into the channel that is above the frame. If there's a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers. When the new rollers are in place, carefully slide the door into the frame, then swing it back into position. If your new rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to give the door a clearance where it needs it.