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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. By keeping air inside your home, they can help you save money on cooling or heating costs.

But with time, your sliding glass or French doors could lose their appeal. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and working like new.

Weatherstripping

It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning jog when you stumble into the puddle of water by your sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that the rain of last night blew in through the seals on your patio doors. This won't be an easy project. With a bit of patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and keep your dog safe from cold, wet feet as well.

The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between the door and jamb, preventing moisture, pests, and drafts. It also keeps your energy costs down. sliding glass patio door repair of your windows and doors will let you know if the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacement.

There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Foam and open-cell foam are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it holds up well and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent option for areas that have high traffic because it will not wear out as fast.

To install 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, loosen the screws that hold the weatherstripping in place at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and clean any adhesive remnants. Then, cut the new to the appropriate length, peel back the plastic strip at the other side and attach it to the jamb with the putty knife.

Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly seated in the track. Apply waterproof caulk on the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel reaches the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping, but it should be able to last for a period of time.

Locks and Handles

Patio door handles and locks are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time they can become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also need to be changed.

To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight it can interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.

Close and open the handle a few times after installing it to ensure it's functioning properly. If you experience any issues ask the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To prevent future problems, it is recommended also to lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.


The most common door lock for patio doors is a mortise latch. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are used on wood and aluminum sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is essential to measure a few things prior to ordering a new one. The measurements you need to take include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the location of the keyway in the lock.

Some handles for patio doors have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. These handles feature a rectangular key cylinder which can be inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.

If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed it could be because the lock tongue isn't grasping the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't aligned to the side jamb. The door should be opened by about an inch, then place it against the frame. This will reveal whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is, adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door to get it perfectly parallel with the jamb.

Misalignment

As time passes the door's tracks and rollers can lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It can also allow cold air and draughts infiltrate your home, which can decrease energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease to the tracks and rollers can make your doors glide again. This is a good idea for those who want to keep your doors operating at their peak.

Another common issue with patio doors is a torn screen, which is an issue or even a security risk. It can also prevent the doors from opening and closing correctly, which can result in energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired but in others, the door has to be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, wash it thoroughly and try not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when you open and close the door.

Hinges may loosen over time due to heavy use or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure your doors close tightly. It's an easy task you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not confident, it is best to seek out a professional.

It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. A simple brushing or vacuuming will remove dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a specific tool to clean off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. Checking and tightening the hinges' screws can aid in re-alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them altogether to ensure a solid and durable seal.

If your frames for your patio doors are sagging or warped they could affect their alignment and performance. Warping or shifting can be caused by foundation changes, however, it can also result from poor installation or repeated use. A professional can fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure that it is properly aligned so that it can function at its best.

Rollers

The sliding patio doors can be a great way to bring the outdoors in and let in lots of light, but they require some maintenance to ensure they are moving smoothly. If you find that you have to really pull 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. As time passes, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it difficult for the rollers to roll over. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick.

If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers don't glide freely, it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can purchase them at most hardware stores, but will need someone to help you remove and reinstall the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take a good picture of the roller assembly that is placed in the door frame, so the experts can identify the exact model and the type you require. They can also look out for specific features like dimples or bumps, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down alternatives for replacement.

After the rollers have been replaced after which you'll have to put the sliding door back into its frame. This is a heavy door, and you might require help. Examine if there are any screws holding the track on either side of the frame. If there are, make sure they are loose enough for the door's bottom to fall into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's free of track tracks, rollers and track.

When the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and swing it back into position. If your new rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to give the door clearance to the extent it requires.

Member since: Thursday, September 26, 2024

https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/maidstone-patio-door-repairs-near-me/

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