Patio Doors Repair - how to repair tilt and slide patio door 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 heating and cooling costs by keeping the air within your home.

Over time the luster of your sliding glass patio door repair or French door can fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and working like new.

Weatherstripping

You're walking your dog to the park at 5 AM, and you end up in a puddle right next to your sliding patio door. You turn around to see that the rain from last night has blown through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared and be prepared for this to be a quick fix. However, with a little patience and a few tools, you can fix this and save your dog from wet, cold feet in the process.

The most important thing is to replace the weatherstripping, which seals the gap between your door and the jamb, preventing moisture, pests, and drafts. This will also help keep your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will show you 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 like bronze or copper. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Open-cell foam and felt are not expensive however they tend to be noticeable and ineffective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive, but it's also durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic because it will not wear out as quickly.

To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the roller adjustment screws. Then using a flathead screwdriver, remove the plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of the frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame and clean any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the correct length, peel back the plastic strip on one end and apply it to the jamb using the putty knife.

After you're done, put back the door and re-adjust the roller screws so that the door is positioned in the track and closes properly. Then, apply waterproof caulk to the place where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and where the edge of the stationary panel meets the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping but should last for a while.

Handles and Locks

Patio door handles and locks are important for the security of your home. Over time they can be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles can also require replacement.

To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After the handle has been removere is, adjust the rollers on the bottom left or right of the patio door until you can get it to be perfectly parallel to the jamb.

Misalignment

As time passes the door's tracks and rollers will lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It can also allow drafts and cold air into your home, which can reduce energy efficiency. The issue of misalignment can be easily corrected and prevented. Simply applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide smoothly once more. It is a good idea to regularly do this to ensure your doors are in top operating condition.

A damaged screen could also be an issue. It can be a hassle or risky. In addition, it may hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to energy loss. In some instances, the torn screen can be replaced however in other cases, it's best to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, wash it thoroughly and be sure to avoid turning the handles of the door in the wrong way when closing and opening.

Over time, hinges can become loose due to normal wear and tear or use. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's an easy task you can tackle on your own. However, if you're not sure doing it yourself, you must seek out a professional.

You should also clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. A simple vacuuming or brushing can remove dirt and dust that might interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can utilize a special tool to remove stubborn dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the hinges' screws can help with misalignment, but sometimes it's necessary to replace them all together to ensure a strong, solid seal.

If your frames for your patio doors are sagging or warped it can affect their alignment and performance. The warping or shifting may occur 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 fix or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's properly aligned and functioning at its peak.

Rollers

Patio doors that slide are great to let the outside in and providing ample natural light, but they require some attention to keep them sliding smoothly. If you notice that you need to really pull the handle to get the door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track will fill up with dirt, sand and mud, making it difficult for the rollers to move over. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.

If the tracks have been cleaned and the rollers still don't glide freely, it's time to replace the tracks. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They are available at most hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a picture of the roller assembly installed in the frame to assist the experts determine the exact model and type you require. They can also look for identifying characteristics such as dimples, bumps, cut-outs and flared edges that can narrow down alternatives for replacement.

When the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall the sliding door back into its frame. It's a heavy door, so you may need some help. Make sure there are any screws holding the track on either side of frame. If there are you must ensure that they are loose enough for the bottom of door to fall into the channel that is above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure that it is free of the track, rollers and track.

Once the new rollers are installed place, carefully slide the door into the frame, then swing it down into place. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door clearance in the areas it requires it.