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Patio Doors Repair – How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet Patio doors can provide a convenient and comfortable transition between your indoor and outdoor space. They can also save you money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air inside your home. Over time, the shine of your sliding glass or French door may fade. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and operating 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 near the sliding patio doors. You turn around to see that the rain from last night ripped through the patio door seals. patio door repairs won't be an easy project. But with a little patience and some tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet. The key is to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between the door and the jamb, keeping out the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills lower. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will let you know if the weatherstripping is in good condition or requires replacement. There are many types of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze and copper. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Felt and open-cell foam are both inexpensive however, they are also known to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and is resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great material for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as easily. To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that hold weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb with the putty knife. When you're done, reinstall the door and readjust the roller screws so that the door sits in the track and is closed correctly. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel is positioned to block sliding door and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less-reliable seal than the weatherstripping, but it should work for a time. Handles and locks Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to the security of your home. As time passes, they may get worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior and exterior handles could also be replaced. To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by dislodging any screws that held it in place. After the handle has been removed using a level, make sure the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it could hinder the lock and cause issues later on. Close and open the handle several times after installing it to make sure it's working correctly. If you experience any issues, check the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware expert for assistance. It's recommended to keep the lock mechanism lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant to avoid future issues. The most popular patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is usually made of metal and sits inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. They are usually used on sliding wood and aluminum doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is important to take a few measurements before ordering a new one. You will need to know the location of the mounting holes as well as the location in the keyway lock. Some handles for patio doors come with the ability to lock the handle. These handles feature an elongated key cylinder that is inserted into the handle's keyway. This kind of patio door has both the inside and exterior locks in one piece. This kind of patio door is most often found on aluminum sliding doors. If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door is not completely parallel with the side jamb. Try opening the door for about an inch and placing 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 to the bottom left or right side of the patio until it is perfectly parallel with jamb. Misalignment As time passes the tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and drafts to be able to enter your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and stop. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to move smoothly once more. This is a good option if you want to keep your doors running at their top performance. A damaged screen could also be a problem. It can be a hassle or a danger. It may also hinder the doors from closing and opening properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances, the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door has to be replaced. If you've damaged your window screen, make sure you wash it thoroughly. Also, don't turn the handles of the door in the wrong way. Hinges can become looser over time due to heavy use or normal wear. This can be fixed by tightening screws regularly. This is an easy task that you can do by yourself, however if you're not comfortable doing it, you should consult an expert to make sure your doors are correctly aligned and secure. It is also recommended to clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors regularly. A simple vacuuming or brushing can get rid of dust and debris that could impede the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ an instrument specifically designed to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. Checking and tightening the screws on the hinges can help with misalignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a solid, durable seal. The alignment and performance of your patio doors can be affected if the frames are warped or sliding. Warping or shifting can happen due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could also be caused by poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it to 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 ensure they are running smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move or it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. It is possible to clean it by spraying it with a lubricant, such as 2Slick. If the tracks are cleaned but the rollers not moving freely It's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They can be found at most hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you purchase replacements, take a good picture of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame, so experts can identify the exact model and type you require. They can also search for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples and flared edges and cut-outs that could narrow your replacement options. After replacing the rollers you'll have to reinstall the sliding door into its frame. You may need assistance with this one as the door is quite heavy. Make sure there are screws that hold the track to either side of the frame. If they are you must ensure that they are loose enough to allow the bottom of door to drop into the channel that is above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's free of track rollers, track and track. When the new rollers have been installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame and swing it back into position. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance where it needs it.