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Patio Doors Repair – How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet Patio doors are an excellent way to connect your home with the outdoors. They offer a pleasant and easy transition. They also help save money on heating and cooling bills by keeping air within your home. Over time, the shine of your sliding glass or French door can fade. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and working like new. Weatherstripping It's 5 AM and you're letting your dog out for his morning routine when you step into an emerald-colored pool of water right near the sliding patio doors. You glance around and realize that last night's rain blew in through the seals on your patio doors. This is not going to be a simple task. With a bit of patience and a few tools, you can fix it and prevent 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 drafts, pests and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will let you know whether the weatherstripping is in good shape or needs replacing. There are many kinds of weatherstripping available, including felt, open-cell foam, vinyl, thermoplastic rubber and metals such as bronze or copper. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Felt and open-cell foam are both inexpensive, but they also tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's durable and resists moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas with high traffic because it will not wear as fast. To install new weatherstripping, first 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 screws that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping that was previously installed from the frame and remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the new to the proper length, then peel off the plastic strip at one end, and apply it using a putty-blade to the jamb. Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly placed in the track. Apply waterproof caulk to the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is a less secure seal than the weatherstripping however, it will last for a time. Locks and handles Patio door handles and locks are important for the security of your home. Over time, they can become worn or damaged and require replacement. The spindle connecting the interior handles and the exterior handles may also need to be changed. To replace a patio door handle, first remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place. Once the old handle is removed using a level, make sure the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door is not straight, it could interfere with the lock and cause issues later on. Close and open the handle several times after installation to ensure that it's functioning properly. If you experience any issues, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or a hardware specialist for assistance. It's also a good idea to keep the lock mechanism lubricated using a silicone-based lubricant in order to avoid any future issues. The most popular patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits in a pocket cut into the door frame. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. Before you purchase a new mortise lock it is important to take some measurements. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the position within the keyway lock. Certain patio door handles come with the ability to lock the handle. The handles are rectangular key cylinder that fits inside the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one unit. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors. If your patio door latch isn't fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't getting the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. The door should be opened one inch and then position it against the frame. This will show you whether there is a gap between the door jamb and the door. If there is a gap, you can adjust the rollers at the bottom left or right of the patio until it is exactly parallel to the jamb. Misalignment Over time the tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and drafts to infiltrate your home, which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Luckily, misalignment is easy to correct and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move again. This is a good option if you want to keep your doors running at their top performance. Another common issue with patio doors is a ripped screen, which could be a nuisance or even a safety risk. It could also stop the doors from opening and closing properly, causing energy loss. In tilt and slide patio doors problems , the screen can be repaired however in other instances, the door needs to be replaced. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, clean it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when you open and close the door. Hinges can loosen as time passes due to heavy usage or normal wear. Regularly tightening the screws can aid in fixing this issue and ensure your doors shut tightly. It's a simple job you can perform yourself. However, if you're not confident doing it yourself, you must consult an expert. It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing will get rid of dust and debris that could hinder the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool for tough dirt or corrosion. 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, long-lasting seal. The alignment and performance of your patio doors can be affected when the frames are warped or sagging. Shifting or warping can occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but it could be caused by poor installation or through frequent use. A professional can replace or repair the frame of your patio door, and make sure it is properly aligned. This will allow it to perform its best. Rollers The sliding patio doors are an excellent way to let the outdoors in and let in plenty of light, but they need some attention to ensure that they're running smoothly. If you notice that you have to really yank on the handle to get the door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it did in the past then the problem could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track may become clogged with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to roll across. You can clean it and spray it with a lubricant such as 2Slick to determine if it helps. If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers not moving freely it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. These can be purchased at most hardware stores, but you'll need a friend to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a picture of the roller assembly within the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you require. They can also look for specific features like bumps or dimples, cutouts or flared edges to narrow down your alternatives for replacement. Once the rollers are replaced then you'll need to install your sliding door in its frame. Get help in this regard as the door is quite heavy. Examine if there are screws securing the track on either side of the frame. If they are check that they're loose enough to allow the door's bottom to drop into the channel that is above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it is free of track, rollers and track. After the new rollers have been installed then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it back into position. If the new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance to the extent it requires.