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. They can also help you save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air within your home. Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door may fade. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and working as new. Weatherstripping It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into a puddle of water right by your sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that last night's rain was able to get through the seals of your patio doors. This is not going to be an easy project. With a bit of patience and a few simple tools to fix it, you can get it fixed and save your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet. The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, preventing the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also keep your energy bills low. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping in good shape or needs replacement. There are a variety of weatherstripping available, including felt and open-cell foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals such as copper or bronze. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open cell foam are cheap however they can be ineffective and visible at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas that are heavily used because it won't wear out as quickly. To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with the help of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the old weatherstripping from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, cut the new to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip on one side and then apply it to the jamb with the putty knife. Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly placed in the track. Apply waterproof caulk on the area where the stationary panel bypasses the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will be able to last for a period of time. Handles and Locks Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. Over time they can get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also be replaced. To replace a handle on a patio door, remove the old one first by unscrewing any screws holding it in place. After removing the handle, you can use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it can interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future. Once you have the new handle installed, close and open it several times to make sure it works effectively. If you experience any issues you are having trouble, contact the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To avoid future issues it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone. The most common type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket which has been cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are found on aluminum and wood sliding doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. 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 are equipped with the ability to lock the handle. These handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door includes the exterior and interior locks in one unit. This type of patio door is most often found on aluminum sliding doors. If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched the lock tongue might not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb on the side. You can open the door for by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will show you whether there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the lower left or right side of the patio door to make it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment As time passes the tracks and rollers of the door could lose their alignment. This can cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. This could also allow cold air and draughts into your home, reducing the efficiency of your energy. 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. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/enfield-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ is a great idea if you want to keep your doors running at their best. Another common problem with patio doors is a torn screen, which can be an inconvenience or even a security risk. In addition, it may hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, which can lead to loss of energy. In some cases, the screen can be repaired, but in others, the door must be replaced. If you're experiencing a torn screen, wash it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door in the wrong way when you open and close the door. Hinges can become looser over time due to frequent use or normal wear. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. It's an easy task you can tackle on your own. If you're not sure, it is best to consult an expert. It's also a good idea to regularly clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. A simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dirt and dust that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ a specific tool to clean away rust or dirt that has accumulated. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges can help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a solid, solid seal. The alignment and performance of your patio doors can be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can 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 to function at its best. Rollers Patio doors that slide open are ideal for bringing the outside in and letting ample natural light, but they require some attention to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you notice that you have to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past then the problem could be the rollers. As time passes the lower track could be clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it and 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. There are many replacement rollers that will match your door and the kind of track you have. They can be found at most hardware stores, but you'll require a companion to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly within the frame to help the experts identify the exact model and type you require. You can also search for features that can be identified, such as dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down the replacement options. After replacing the rollers you will need to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may require assistance. Check to see if there are any screws holding the track on either side of frame. If they are you must ensure that they are loose enough for the bottom of door to fall into the channel that is above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of the track tracks, rollers and track. After putting in the new rollers, gently place the door in the frame. Swing it down to secure it. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.