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Patio Doors Repair – How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet Patio doors are a great option to connect your home with the outside. They offer a relaxing and easy transition. By keeping air inside your home, they can save you cash on cooling or heating costs. However, over time your sliding glass or French doors could lose their luster. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking like new. Weatherstripping You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM, and you end up in a puddle right close to your sliding patio door. You turn around and see that the rain from last night blew through the seals of your patio doors. Don't panic and be prepared for this to be a five-minute project. However, with a little patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and protect your dog from cold, wet feet in the process. The key is to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between the door and jamb, which prevents 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 if the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacement. There are many types of weatherstripping available, including felt and open-cell foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like copper or bronze. Each has its 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 but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas with high traffic because it does not wear out as fast. To install new weatherstripping, first remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with the help of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping that was previously in place and scrape any adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the replacement to the correct 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 that it sits properly in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding doors and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping, but it should work for a while. Handles and Locks Patio door handles and locks are essential to ensure the security of your home. As time passes, they could become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles could also be replaced. To replace a handle on a patio door first remove the previous one by unscrewing any screws that are holding it in place. Once the old handle is removed using a level, make sure the patio door is straight before installing the new handle. If the door isn't in a straight line, it could interfere with 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, check the instructions of the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. It is also a good idea to grease the lock mechanism by using a silicone-based oil to avoid future issues. The most common door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. Before ordering a replacement mortise lock, it is essential to measure. The measurements you require include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway inside the lock. Certain patio door handles come with a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles feature the key cylinder in a rectangular shape that is inserted into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door has both the exterior and inside locks in one unit. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch isn't staying fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the jamb on the side. Try opening the door for about 1 inch and then spotting it against the frame to see whether there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or the right of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment In time over time, the tracks and rollers of the door can lose their alignment. This could cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and drafts to enter your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Repair My Windows And Doors of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide smoothly once more. This is a good option in order to ensure that your doors are operating at their top performance. Another common issue with patio doors is a damaged screen, which is an inconvenience or even a safety hazard. In addition, it may prevent the doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to loss of energy. In some cases the damaged screen can be replaced, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, clean it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening. Over time, hinges will become loose due to normal wear and tear or excessive usage. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. This is a simple job that you can do yourself, but if not confident doing it, consult an expert to make sure your doors are properly aligned and secure. You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. Simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris which could hinder the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also employ an instrument specifically designed to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges can help with misalignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them all together to ensure a secure, long-lasting seal. If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging they could affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes but it could also result from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's properly aligned and functioning at its peak. Rollers The sliding patio doors can be an excellent way to let the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they require some maintenance to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move, or it doesn't slide like it used to, it could be the rollers. Over time the lower track could become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant such as 2Slick. If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't sliding freely, it is time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. They are available at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a photo of the roller assembly within the frame to help the experts determine the exact model and type you need. They can also look for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down your alternatives for replacement. After replacing the rollers you'll need to put the sliding door back into its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is heavy. Check to see if there are any screws holding the track on either side of the frame. If they are, make sure 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 it's clear of the track tracks, rollers and track. Once the new rollers are in then carefully insert the door into the frame and then swing it into place. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance where it needs it.