Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair: What No One Is Talking About

Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair A secure lock will ensure the security and safety of your patio door. The good news is that many lock problems can be addressed by preventive maintenance and simple tools. For instance, a latch that is difficult to lock might require some lubrication. It is important to use the correct kind of lubricant to prevent the risk of causing damage to delicate components. Air leaks and drafts Over time, a sliding patio door may undergo normal wear and tear that affects its efficiency. Fortunately, some simple maintenance tasks can solve many common problems. A common issue is drafts and air leaks around the door frame, which can cause discomfort in your home, as well as more expensive energy bills. Air leaks are often caused by old weather stripping that's been worn down or an improper alignment. These issues can be addressed by replacing the weather stripping and making sure that the door is properly aligned. This will improve the efficiency of your home. A sticky track on the door can make it difficult to open or close the door. This can often be resolved by lubricating both the tracks and rollers with a silicone-based grease. It's also recommended to clean the track on a regular basis to keep it free of debris and dirt that can cause friction and jamming. If you notice carpets or rugs with a damp appearance around the sliding patio doors, it could be an indication of leaks. Damp carpets and rugs can be caused by a range of things, including improper installation that leads to gaps or cracks in the door frame, allowing water to seep in. Replacing faulty seals or gaskets and installing a door sweep or threshold seal can resolve these issues, but in severe cases it may be necessary to replace the door itself. Glasses that are cracked or broken are not just an eyesore. They could also pose an hazard to safety and decrease the insulation capacity of the door. Repairing broken glass is a difficult task that should be handled by an expert. Contact a local contractor if you have any of these issues with your sliding patio doors. You can then enjoy your sliding patio doors with peace of mind. The longer you delay in taking care of these issues, the greater the damage that will result. Sliding patio doors are a stylish addition to any home. However, patio door repairs need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly for many years. Worn Handle The sliding patio door hardware can be neglected and deteriorated by dust and foot traffic. Some issues can be repaired with DIY solutions. Others require professional repair or replacement. With some care and attention, homeowners can keep their sliding patio doors in good working order for many years. Some sliding patio door locks might have a system distinct from the pin tumblers that are used on regular doors. Others may have their own unique mechanism. In general glass sliding door latches can get stuck or catch on foreign objects that get stuck between the lock mechanism and the handle spindle. This type of problem is usually resolved by applying lubrication or using a pencil to eliminate any debris that has accumulated. The handle itself can also malfunction, causing it to be difficult to open or loose. This problem is typically caused by the screws that hold the handle in place becoming loose or worn out. A novice DIYer can typically tighten up these handles with an ordinary screwdriver. A sliding door that doesn't shut properly can cause major inconvenience and in certain instances could result in energy leaks or damage to your home. Tracks for sliding patio doors are generally designed to run along the floor. This track can be damaged by dirt, sand or grit. This wear could cause the panel to become misaligned or lose contact with track if left unchecked. Sliding patio door jambs as well as tracks should be cleaned frequently to avoid the accumulation of dirt that could hinder or stop the movement of the track. A regular lubrication for sliding door runners is also beneficial to prevent stiffness and jamming. They are exposed to constant flow of dirt and dust that could be absorbed into the runners and should be cleaned and lubricated when required. Keeping your home's sliding doors operating properly is crucial to ensure the safety of your family, so be sure to fix any issues as soon as you notice them. Poor weatherstripping The weatherstripping around the sliding patio door play an important function in keeping unwanted insects, light, and moisture out. You may need to replace your weatherstripping if it is damaged, cracked, or brittle, or no longer forms an enveloping seal. Close the door and see whether any light is coming through. A dollar bill can be put under the weatherstripping for testing. Pull it either way. If the dollar bill slides easily beneath the weatherstripping, it is time to replace the weatherstripping. Cleaning the mechanism of the lock is essential to maintaining its security and smooth operation. Make sure to regularly clean and remove the handle, keyway and latch with a home cleaning product. You can also lubricate the lock mechanisms with a silicone based lubricant. This will keep them functioning smoothly. Replacing the locking mechanism a relatively easy do-it-yourself project that is achievable with the right tools and experience. Understanding the specifics of your lock such as its name and position of the keyway, is crucial to choosing and installing the appropriate replacement. If you have a digital camera, take photos of the lock in order to convey the details to a lock dealer and make sure you purchase the right lock for your patio door. To replace the lock, unscrew the old one and remove any screws that secure it. Then loosen the screws holding the strike to the jamb. Move the strike up and down until the lock latch lines up with it. If the latch on the door isn't latching when you close it, the lock might not be aligned properly with the strike. To help you choose the right replacement lock, pay attention to the mounting holes and the direction of the hasp and the size of the strike. If you're not sure what to do, you can ask an expert or visit your local home improvement shop to help. They'll usually guide you to the correct type of replacement lock for your patio door and show you how to install it. Broken Lock A broken lock can be a major threat to the security of your home. If your door doesn't close and lock properly, it is impossible to keep your home safe. A professional locksmith will inspect the lock, and repair or replace it as necessary. In certain situations dirt or debris could hinder the locking mechanism. It is possible to lubricate the lock to help clear any dirt or debris that has impeded the mechanism. This should be done on a regularly basis to stop dirt from causing issues with your lock. Typically, this involves using graphite pen to push upwards and downwards on the lock latch to remove any blockages. Some people also employ oil-based lubricants, like WD-40 to grease their locks. This should be avoided as the residue from the liquid will attract dust and other debris, which can block your lock. The most common type of lock used on sliding patio doors is a mortise lock. They are rectangular in shape and have a keyway which is cut into the frame of the door. A locksmith can help determine if your lock is standard or has a specific design that requires a different kind of key. They can also help you find a compatible replacement. It's important that you find the lock that is compatible with the lock's design and size when replacing the mortise on a sliding patio door. Most doors feature the name of the manufacturer or the name of the door inscribed into the corner. This can be useful when communicating with locksmiths and hardware stores about the exact parts. You can also snap a photo of your existing lock with digital cameras to capture more specific information about its size and shape. There are also surface-mount lock options available for patio doors that don't have mortise lock cutouts. These locks are mounted on the frame of the door using an adapter, and utilize the rectangular lock key. They are typically sold in a set comprising an E2105 mortise latch an escutcheon or housing with a recess plate, and a hasp. These types of locks suffer the same jamming issues as sliding door pin tumbler locks, but you can usually repair just the latch by inserting a graphite pencil or lubricant to remove any blockages.