Blog entry by Lee McKelvy

Anyone in the world

Replacement-Doors-300x200.jpgPatio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet

Patio doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your outdoor and indoor space. By keeping the air inside your home, they could save you cash on cooling or heating costs.

Over time the luster of your sliding glass or French door may fade. Simple repairs can keep your sliding glass or French doors looking and working like new.

Weatherstripping

You're walking your dog to the park around 5 am when you get in a puddle right close to your sliding patio door. You look around and discover that the rain from last night came through the upvc patio door repairs near me door seals. This isn't going to be an easy task. With a bit of patience and a few simple tools, you can fix it and save your dog's feet from becoming wet and cold.

It is important to replace the weatherstripping which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will prevent drafts, pests, and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. If you look at your doors and windows, you can tell whether the weatherstripping should be replaced or not.

There are many types of weatherstripping that you can choose from, including felt and open-cell foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, as well as metals like copper or bronze. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Foam with open cells and felt are cheap, but they tend to be ineffective and noticeable at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great option for areas that have high traffic because it will not wear out as fast.

To install new weatherstripping remove the patio door from the frame by loosening the roller adjustment screws with the aid of a screwdriver. Then, using a flathead screwdriver loosen the screws that hold the weatherstripping in place on the bottom of the frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping that was previously in place and take off any remaining adhesive from the bottom of the frame. Then, cut the new to the correct length, then peel back the plastic strip at one end and apply it to the jamb using a putty knife.

Reinstall the door, and adjust the roller screws to ensure that it is properly placed in the track. Then, apply caulk to the area where the stationary panel is positioned to bypass the sliding door and the edge of the stationary panel is the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will last for a while.

Locks and Handles

Locks and handles for patio doors are essential to 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 handles and the exterior handles may also be replaced.

To replace a handle on a patio door, remove the previous one first by taking off any screws that hold it in the place. After removing the old handle, you can use a level and make sure that the door is straight. If the door isn't straight it could hinder the lock and cause issues in the future.

Close and open the handle a few times after installation to make sure it's functioning properly. If you have any problems ask the manufacturer or a hardware expert for assistance. To avoid future issues it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism using lubricant made of silicone.

The most commonly used type of patio door lock is a mortise lock. It is usually made of steel and fits inside a pocket carved into the door frame. These kinds of locks are found on aluminum sliding and wood doors. When replacing a mortise lock, it is essential to measure a few things before ordering a new one. You will need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes as well as the location within the keyway lock.

Some patio door handles have an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. They have a rectangular key cylinder that can be fitted inside the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one. This kind of patio door are typically found on sliding patio doors repair aluminum doors.

If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched 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 side jamb. Try opening the door 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, reposition the rollers at the bottom left or right side of the patio to make it perfectly parallel with jamb.

Misalignment

As time passes over time, the tracks and rollers of the door may lose their alignment. This can cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. This could also allow drafts and cold air into your home, reducing energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment can be easy to fix and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks will allow your doors to glide again. It's a good idea to do this periodically to ensure your doors are in good working order.

A damaged screen could also be an issue. It could be an inconvenience or even a danger. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases the damaged screen can be replaced, however, in some cases it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, make sure you clean it thoroughly and make 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 heavy usage. This can be corrected by regularly tightening screws. This is a simple job which you can perform by yourself, however if you're not sure about it, seek out an expert to make sure your doors are correctly aligned and secure.

It's recommended to clean your repair patio doors doors track and rollers. Simple vacuuming or brushing will get rid of dust and debris that could interfere with the smooth operation your patio doors. You can make use of a specific tool to remove tough dirt or rust. The inspection and tightening of the hinges' screws can help with misalignment however, sometimes it's necessary to replace them completely to ensure a secure and long-lasting seal.

The alignment and performance of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sliding. The shifting or warping could be caused by foundation issues, however, it can also result due to poor installation or regular use. A professional can fix or replace your patio door frame and ensure it's aligned properly and functioning at its peak.

Rollers

Patio doors that slide open are ideal to let the outside in and letting ample natural light, however they do require a bit of maintenance to ensure they slide smoothly. If you find that you need to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or if it simply doesn't move as smoothly as it used to then the problem could be the rollers. As time passes, the lower track can fill with dirt, sand, and mud that makes it hard for the rollers to roll across. You can clean it up and spray it with a lubricant like 2Slick to determine if it helps.

If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers are still not gliding freely, then it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track. They are available at many hardware stores, however you'll require a companion to help with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a picture of the roller assembly installed within the frame to help the experts determine the exact type and model you require. They can also look for distinctive characteristics like bumps, dimples and cut-outs and flared edges that could narrow your the options for replacement.

When the rollers are replaced, you'll need to reinstall your sliding door into its frame. This is a heavy door, so you may require 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 door's bottom to slide into the channel that is above the frame. If there is screen doors, take it from the opening and ensure that it is free of the track and rollers.

When the new rollers are in then carefully insert the door into the frame, then swing it back into position. If the rollers are adjustable you can adjust them so that the door is able to be opened.Replacement-Windows-150x150.jpg