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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 way to connect your home with the outdoors. They provide a comfortable and easy transition. By keeping the air inside your home, they will help you save money on cooling or heating costs. However, over time your sliding glass or French doors can lose their appeal. Fortunately, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning as new. Weatherstripping You're walking your dog to the park at 5 am when you get into a puddle that is right close to your sliding patio door. You turn around to see that the rain of last night has blown through the seals of your patio doors. Buckle up and be prepared for this to be a quick fix. With a little patience, and a few simple tools you can fix the problem and prevent your dog's feet from becoming cold and wet. It is essential to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests, and moisture. This will also keep your energy bills down. If you check your windows and door, you can tell if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not. There are a variety of weatherstripping to choose from such as open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals such as copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Felt and open-cell foam are not expensive, but they also tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive however, it is durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with heavy traffic since it will not wear as fast. For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, with Keep Reading , unscrew plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping that was previously in place and scrape any adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the new to the appropriate length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb. When you're done, reinstall the door and re-adjust the roller screws until the door is positioned in the track and is closed correctly. Apply waterproof caulk where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding door and where the edge of the panel joins the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping however, it should last for a while. Handles and Locks Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. As time passes, they could be damaged or worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the spindle which connects the exterior and interior handles may also need to be replaced. To replace a handle for a patio door, first remove the old handle by removing any screws that are holding it in place. After removing the handle, you can use a level and ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause problems later on. Close and open the handle several times after installation to make sure it's working correctly. If you encounter any issues, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware expert for assistance. To prevent future problems it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant. The most commonly used patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These locks are typically used on sliding doors made of aluminum and wood. Before you purchase a new mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. The measurements you need include the locations of the mounting holes as well as the location of the keyway within the lock. Certain patio door handles come with a locking mechanism built into the handle. These handles come with a rectangular key cylinder which is inserted into the handle's keyway. This type of patio door includes the exterior and inside locks in one piece. This kind of patio door is typically found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch isn't able to stay closed, the lock tongue may not be properly catching the hasp. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel to the jamb on the side. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will tell you if there is a gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, you can adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door until you can get it perfectly parallel with the jamb. Misalignment As time passes the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to move. This could also allow drafts and cold air enter your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and stop. Simply applying a silicone-based oil to the tracks and rollers will make your doors glide smoothly once more. This is a great idea if you want to keep your doors running at their peak. Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which is an issue or even a safety risk. In addition, it can stop doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be replaced however, in some cases it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a torn screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and make sure to avoid turning the door handles the wrong way when closing and opening. Hinges can become looser as time passes due to heavy usage or normal wear. This can be corrected by tightening screws regularly. This is an easy task which you can perform yourself, but if not confident doing it, consult a professional to ensure your doors are securely aligned and secure. It's recommended to clean your patio doors tracks and rollers. A simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove the most stubborn dirt or rust. Inspecting and tightening the screws on the hinges may aid in re-alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them altogether to ensure a solid and long-lasting seal. The performance and alignment of your patio doors could be affected if the frames are warped or sagging. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused due to poor installation or by frequent usage. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best. Rollers Patio doors that slide are great for letting the outside in and letting plenty of light, but they do require some maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move, or it isn't sliding as it did in the past, it could be the rollers. As time passes the lower track may get clogged by dirt, dirt, and sand. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick to see if it helps. If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not moving freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. You can buy these at a variety of hardware stores however, you will require someone to help you remove and reinstall the rollers. Take a picture of the roller assembly installed within the frame to help the experts determine the exact model and type you need. They can also look for specific features like bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down your alternatives for replacement. After the rollers have been replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door into its frame. This is a very heavy door, and you might require assistance. Check to see if there are screws securing the track on either side of frame. If they are check that they're loose enough to allow the bottom of door to fall into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of the track, rollers and track. After the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and then swing it down into place. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them to ensure that the door is able to be opened.