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Patio Doors Repair – How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet Patio doors provide a comfortable and comfortable transition between your indoor and outdoor space. They can also help you save money on cooling and heating bills by keeping air inside your home. But over patio door repair sliding glass or French doors may lose their shine. Simple repairs can keep your French or sliding glass doors looking and functioning like new. Weatherstripping It's 5 AM and you're taking your dog out for his morning constitutional when you step into the puddle of water in front of your sliding patio doors. You look around and see that last night's rain was able to get through the seals on your patio doors. Buckle up and be prepared for this to be a five-minute project. With a bit of patience and a few basic tools you can fix the problem and keep your dog's feet from getting cold and wet. The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the door and the jamb, which prevents the entry of pests, drafts and moisture. This will also help keep your energy bills low. A quick inspection of your windows and doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping in good shape or needs replacing. There are a variety of weatherstripping that are available, including felt, open-cell foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like bronze and copper. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, however, it's more durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is an excellent choice for areas that are heavily used because it won't wear out as easily. To install new weatherstripping you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws for adjustment of the roller. Then, using a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that secure the 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 new to the correct length, then peel back the plastic strip on one side and then apply it to the jamb with the putty knife. When you're done, reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws so that the door sits in the track and shuts properly. Apply waterproof caulk wherever the stationary panel bypasses sliding doors and where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping but should work for some time. Locks and handles Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they may become damaged or worn and require replacement. The spindle that connects the inside and exterior handles can also need to be changed. To replace a handle on a patio door first, remove the old one by unscrewing any screws that hold it in place. After removing the handle, use a level to ensure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could hinder the lock and cause issues later on. Close and open the handle a few times after installation to ensure that it is working properly. If you have any problems, consult the manufacturer or a specialist in hardware for assistance. To avoid future issues, 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 made of steel and sits in a pocket that is cut into the door frame. These kinds of locks are typically used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. When replacing a mortise lock it is important to take a few measurements prior to ordering a new one. The measurements you require include the location of the mounting holes and the position of the keyway inside the lock. Some patio door handles have an integrated locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have an elongated key cylinder that is inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the outside and inside locks are combined into one unit. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors. If the latch on your patio door does not stay locked the lock tongue might not be catching the hasp in the right way. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb's side. Try opening the door about an inch and placing it against the frame to see if there is any gap between the door and the jamb. If there is, adjust the rollers on the left or right sides of the patio door to make it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment In time, the rollers and tracks of the door may 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 infiltrate your home, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Luckily, misalignment is easy to fix and stop. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move smoothly once more. This is a good idea if you want to keep your doors running at their top performance. A damaged screen could also be an issue. It can be an inconvenience or even risky. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some instances the damaged screen can be replaced, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you've damaged your window screen, be sure you clean it thoroughly. Don't also turn the handles of the door the wrong way. Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. This is a simple task that you can do yourself, but if not sure about it, seek out a professional to ensure your doors are correctly aligned and secure. You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors regularly. Simple vacuuming or brushing will take away dust and other debris that can hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. The inspection and tightening of the hinges' screws can aid in alignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them altogether to ensure a strong and solid seal. If your patio doors' frames are warped or sagging it can affect their alignment and performance. Shifting or warping can be caused by foundation changes but it could also result from poor installation or frequent use. A professional can repair or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's properly aligned and functioning at its best. Rollers The sliding patio doors can be a great way to bring the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, however they require some maintenance to keep them moving smoothly. If you notice that you need to really push the handle to get your door to move, or isn't as easy to slide as it did in the past it could be due to the rollers. As time passes the lower track could become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it by spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick. If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers aren't gliding freely, then it is time to replace them. There are many replacement rollers available to suit your door and kind of track you have. They are available at many hardware stores, however you'll need a partner to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Before you order replacements, make sure to take an accurate picture of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame so experts can identify the exact model and the type you require. You can also search for identifying features such as dimples or bumps or cutouts, flared edges or cutouts to narrow down your replacement options. When the rollers are replaced after which you'll have to put the sliding door back into its frame. This is a very heavy door, so you may need some help. Start by examining to make sure there aren't any screws that hold the track in the frame on either side of the frame, and that they are loose enough to allow the door's bottom to slide down into the channel that is on the top of the frame. If there is a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure it's free of track and rollers. After putting in the new rollers, gently slide the door in the frame. It should be lowered to secure it. If your rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.