Why You're Failing At Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair
Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair A safe lock is crucial to ensure the security and safety of your patio door. It's important to know that the majority of lock issues can be easily resolved with basic tools and preventive maintenance. For example, a latch that is difficult to lock might require some lubrication. To prevent damaging delicate components, it is important to choose the correct kind of lubricant. Drafts and Air Leaks Over time the sliding door patio will experience wear and tear, which can impact its performance. Fortunately, a few simple maintenance tasks can solve many of the common issues. A common problem is air leaks and drafts around the door's frame. This can lead to discomfort in your home, as well as more expensive energy bills. Air leaks are often caused by weather stripping that has been worn down or an improper alignment. Replacing the weather stripping, and ensuring that the door is aligned will resolve these issues, improving the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Another common issue is a door track that is sticky that makes it difficult to open or close the door. Most of the time, this issue is solved by applying lubrication to the tracks and rollers using a silicone-based fluid. It is also an ideal idea to wash the track on a regular basis to keep it free of dirt and other debris that can cause friction and jamming. If you notice carpets or rugs that are damp near the sliding patio door it could mean that there is a leak in the water. Carpets and rugs that are damp can be caused by a range of issues, including improper installation that leads to cracks or gaps in the door's frame which allows water to enter. Replacing damaged gaskets or seals and installing a door sweep or threshold seal can solve these issues, but in severe cases it may be necessary to replace the door itself. Glasses that are cracked or broken aren't just an eye-sore. They could also pose a safety risk and reduce the insulation capabilities of the door. Replacing damaged or broken glass is a difficult job that should only be performed by an expert. Contact a local contractor if you are experiencing any of these issues with your sliding patio doors. You can then enjoy your sliding patio doors with peace of mind. The longer you put off taking action to address these issues the more extensive and costly the damage can be. Patio doors that slide open are a stylish addition to any home. However, they require regular maintenance to ensure that they operate smoothly for years to come. Worn Handle The sliding patio doors are subject to wear and tear from foot traffic as well as dust, and the hardware that runs them smoothly may suffer from neglect. While some problems are easily repaired with DIY solutions some require expert attention to fix or replace. With a little care and attention homeowners can keep sliding patio doors in great condition for a long time. Certain sliding patio door locks may use a system that is different from the standard pin tumblers that are used on standard doors. Some may have their own distinctive mechanism. In general glass sliding door latches can become stuck or snag foreign objects that are stuck between the lock mechanism and the spindle of the handle. This kind of issue is usually resolved by lubricating or using a pencil to get rid of any debris that has accumulated. The handle itself may malfunction, causing it be difficult to open or loose. This problem usually results from the screws that keep the handle in place getting loose or moving out completely. A novice DIYer can tighten these handles using a simple screwdriver. A sliding patio door that doesn't close properly could cause a lot of hassle and, in some cases, can even lead to damage to your home or energy leaks. Patio doors that slide are usually built with a bottom track that runs along the floor and this track can experience wear due to dirt, sand, or grit. If left unchecked, this wear can cause the sliding panel to become misaligned with the jamb or lose contact with the track completely. Sliding patio door jambs and tracks should be cleaned regularly to avoid a buildup of dirt that could damage or block the movement of the track. A periodic lubrication of sliding door runners is beneficial to prevent stiffness or jamming. They are exposed to a constant flow of dust and dirt that can get into the runners, and should be cleaned and lubricated when required. Making sure that your sliding doors are operating properly is crucial for the comfort of your family, so be sure to take care of any issues immediately. Faulty weatherstripping The weatherstripping on a sliding patio door plays an important function in keeping air, light, pests and moisture out. You may have to replace your weatherstripping when it's damaged, cracked, or brittle or has stopped forming an adequate seal. A simple test is to close the door and observe whether light is shining through. A dollar bill can be put under the weatherstripping to test. Pull it either way. If the dollar bill slides easily beneath the weatherstripping, it is time to replace the weatherstripping. Cleaning the lock mechanism is important for maintaining its security and smooth operation. Remove the handle, keyway, and latch and clean them with a household cleaner. It's also a good idea to lubricate the lock mechanisms with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them in a smooth state and functioning properly. Replacing the locking mechanism is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project and can be accomplished with the right tools and experience. Knowing the particulars of the lock you have including its name, as well as the position of the keyway, is vital to deciding and installing the appropriate replacement. Take a photo of the lock with your digital camera to relay the details to the supplier of the lock. This will ensure that you get the correct type of lock for your patio door. To replace patio doors repair near me , remove it and take off any screws holding it in place. Then, loosen the screws that hold the lock strike to the jamb. Move the strike up and down until the lock latch lines up with it. If the door's latch isn't latching when you close it, the lock might not be aligned correctly with the strike. Take note of the locations of the mounting holes, direction of the hasp's swing and size of the strike to help pick the appropriate replacement lock. If you aren't sure what to do, consult a professional or your local home improvement store for help. They will usually direct you to the correct type of replacement lock for your patio door and show how to install it. Broken Lock A damaged lock on your patio door could pose a serious security issue. It's impossible to ensure your home's security in the event that the door does not close and lock properly. A professional locksmith will examine the lock, and repair or replace it if needed. In some instances the locking mechanism could be blocked by debris or dirt. If this happens, you can lubricate the lock to help remove whatever is blocking it. This should be done on a regular basis to avoid dirt build-up causing problems with your lock. This is usually done by using a graphite pencil to push up and downward on the latch to eliminate any obstructions. Some people use WD-40 or other oily lubricants to lubricate locks. It is best to avoid this as the liquid residue will attract dust and other debris, clogging your lock. The most common kind of lock for sliding patio doors is a mortise lock. These locks have a keyway cut into the frame of the door and can accept a rectangular-shaped keys. A locksmith can assist you determine if your lock is standard or has a special design that may require an alternative type of key. They can also help you in finding an alternative. It's important that you find a lock that matches the design and size when replacing the mortise on a sliding patio door. Many doors have their name or the name of the manufacturer etched into the frame's corner and can be useful in contacting locksmiths and hardware stores about matching parts. You can also take a picture of the lock you have currently using an electronic camera to record more specific information regarding its size and shape. Surface-mount locking is also available for patio door that do not have mortise cutouts. These locks are fixed to the frame of the door with an adapter and the rectangular lock key. These locks are usually offered in a complete set, which includes an E2105 mortise lock, a recessed housing, or an escutcheon and a latch. These locks can block the same as sliding door pin tumblers however, you can repair the latch by inserting graphite or oil.