10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That Will Help You Get Patio Doo…

Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet

repairing patio doors doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. They also help save money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the air within your home.

However, over time, your sliding glass or French doors can lose their luster. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and working as new.

Weatherstripping

It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into an emerald-colored pool of water right by the sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that the rain from last night came through the seals of your patio doors. This won't be an easy task. With a bit of patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet as well.

It is essential to replace the weatherstripping, which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills low. If you look at your doors and windows, you can tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.

There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from, including felt and open-cell foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like bronze or copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are both inexpensive however they tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas that are heavily used since it won't deteriorate as easily.

To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the screws that adjust the rollers using the help of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, then peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb using a putty knife.

Reinstall the door, and then 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 at the point where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, but it should last for a while.

Handles and locks

Locks and handles for patio doors play an important role in the security of your home. Over time, they can get worn or damaged and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the inside handles and the exterior handles may also be replaced.

To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the old one first, dislodging any screws that held it in the place. After you have removed the old handle, use a level and make sure that the door is straight. If the door isn't in a straight line, it could cause problems for the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.

Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure it's working correctly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware specialist for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.

The most popular type of patio door lock is a mortise latch. It is typically made of metal tilt and slide patio door repairs sits inside a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are typically used on aluminum and Wood patio door repair sliding doors. Before you purchase a new mortise lock, you need to take some measurements. You'll need to know the location of the mounting holes and the location in the keyway lock.

Certain patio door handles have the ability to lock the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This kind of patio sliding door repair door is often found on sliding patio door repair near me aluminum doors.

If your patio door latch isn't staying fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't catching the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. You can open the door for by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will tell you the gap between the jamb and the door. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio so that it is perfectly parallel with 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. This can also let drafts and cold air enter your home, which reduces energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to correct and stop. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide smoothly again. This is a good idea if you want to keep your doors operating at their best.

Another issue that is common to patio doors is a damaged screen, which is an issue or even a safety risk. It can also prevent the doors from closing and opening correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, wash it thoroughly and make sure to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when closing and opening.

Hinges can become looser as time passes due to heavy usage or normal wear. Regularly tightening screws can help correct this issue and ensure that your doors close tightly. This is a simple job that you can do yourself, but if not confident 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 frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing will take away dust and other debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can use a special tool for the most stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the screws on the hinges can help with misalignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a secure, durable seal.

If your frames for your patio doors are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation changes, however, it can also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly so that it can function at its best.

Rollers

The sliding patio doors are ideal for bringing the outside in and let in plenty of light, however they need some attention to keep them moving smoothly. If you find that you have to really pull the handle to get your door to move, or just doesn't slide as easily as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track can fill with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to roll across. Clean it and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to see if that helps.

If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't sliding glass patio door repair freely, it's time to replace them. There is a variety of replacement rollers available to suit your door and kind of track you have. They are available at many hardware stores, however you'll require a companion to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Get a picture of the roller assembly installed in the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you require. They can also look out for features that can be identified, such as bumps or dimples cutouts, flared edges, or cutouts to narrow down alternatives for replacement.

After replacing the rollers you'll need to put the sliding door into its frame. This is a very heavy door, and you might require help. Check to see if there are screws that hold the track on either side of the frame. If they are check that they're loose enough for the door's bottom to slide into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of track, rollers and track.

Once the new rollers are in place, carefully slide the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.