The 10 Scariest Things About Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair
Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair
A secure lock is vital to ensure the safety and security of your patio door. The positive side is that many lock issues can be solved with preventive maintenance and the most basic tools.
A latch that is hard to lock could simply require lubrication. It is crucial to select the proper type of lubricant to avoid damage to sensitive components.
Air leaks and drafts
Over time, a sliding patio door may be subject to normal wear and tear that impacts its performance. Fortunately, a few simple maintenance tasks can resolve a number of common problems.
Drafts and air leaks in the doorframe can cause discomfort in your home, as well as higher energy bills. Air leaks are typically caused by weather stripping that has worn out or a door that isn't properly aligned. Replacing the weather stripping and making sure that the door is aligned can resolve these issues, thereby increasing your home's energy efficiency.
Another common issue is a sticky door track that makes it difficult to open or close the door. In most cases, this issue can be resolved by applying lubrication to the tracks and rollers with a silicone-based lubricant. It is also recommended to clean the track regularly to keep it free of dirt and other debris that can cause friction and jamming.
If you notice carpets or rugs with a damp appearance near the sliding patio doors, this could indicate that there is a leak in the water. Carpets and rugs that are damp can be caused by a range of things, including improper installation that leads to gaps or cracks in the door frame, which allows water to enter. Replacing faulty seals or gaskets and installing a door sweep or threshold seal can resolve these issues, however in extreme cases, it could be necessary to replace the door itself.
Glasses that have cracked or shattering aren't just an eye-sore. They can also be a safety risk and reduce the insulation capacity of the door. Repairing damaged or cracked glass is a difficult job that should only be handled by a professional. Contact an expert in your area if you are experiencing any of these problems with your sliding patio doors. You can then enjoy your sliding patio door repair service near me doors with peace of mind. The longer you delay in addressing these issues, the greater the damage that will result. Sliding patio doors are stylish and a practical addition to your home, but they require routine maintenance to operate smoothly for a long time.
Worn Handle
The sliding patio doors are subject to wear and tear from foot traffic and dust and the hardware that runs them smoothly may suffer from neglect. While some problems are easily remedied by DIY solutions while others require professional assistance to fix or replace. With just a little attention and care homeowners can keep their sliding patio doors in great condition for a long time.
Some sliding patio door locks could use a system that is distinct from the pin tumbler type found on standard doors. Others may have their own unique mechanism. Glass sliding door latches can jam or snag when foreign objects get caught between the lock and handle spindle. This kind of issue can be solved by lubricating the latch or using a graphite pen to dislodge any debris that has accumulated from the lock mechanism.
The handle itself could malfunction, causing it be difficult to open or loose. This is typically due to the screws that keep the handle in place getting loose or working their way out completely. These handles can be tightened by a novice DIYer using the screwdriver that is a basic tool.
A sliding door that doesn't close properly could be a major issue and in certain instances could cause energy leaks or damage to your home. The sliding patio doors are typically constructed with a track at the bottom that runs along the floor and the track may suffer wear due to dirt, sand, or grit. If this is not addressed, the wear could cause the sliding panel to be misaligned with the jamb, or lose contact with the track altogether. Cleaning the sliding patio door tracks and jambs on a regular basis will prevent a buildup that can damage the track or stop it from moving.
A periodic lubrication of sliding door runners is beneficial to avoid stiffness or jamming. These parts are subject to constant flow of dirt and dust that could be absorbed into the runners, and should be cleaned and lubricated when needed. It is vital that your sliding doors function well for the comfort of your family.
Unusual Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping around the sliding patio door repairs near me door plays an important function in keeping air, light, pests and moisture out. If your weatherstripping has missing chunks, brittle or hard, or it does not provide a secure seal, you may need to replace it. One simple test is to close the door and observe if light shines through. A dollar bill can be put under the weatherstripping to test. Pull it up or down. If the dollar bill is able to slide under the weatherstripping, it's time to replace the weatherstripping.
Cleaning the lock mechanism is important for maintaining its smooth operation and security. Regularly remove and clean the keyway, handle and latch with a home cleaning product. You can also grease the lock mechanisms using the lubricant based on silicone. This will ensure that they are working smoothly.
Replacing the locking mechanism is an easy DIY project that can be completed with the right tools and experience. It is important to identify the particulars of your current lock, such as its name and location of the keyway. This will allow you to choose and install the correct replacement. Photograph the lock with your digital camera to communicate the information to the locksmith. This will ensure you get the correct kind of lock for your patio door.
To replace the lock, unwind it and remove any screws holding it in place. Then, loosen the screws that hold the strike of the lock to the jamb. Move the strike upwards and downwards until the lock latch lines up with it. If the door's latch doesn't latch when you try to close it, it's because the lock isn't aligned with the strike properly.
To help you select the best replacement lock, be aware of the mounting holes and the direction of the hasp, and the size of the strike. If you're not sure what to do, call a professional for help or visit your local home improvement store for help. They can help you choose the appropriate replacement lock for your patio, and also show you how it's installed.
Broken Lock
A broken lock on your sliding patio door could pose a serious security issue. If your door does not close and lock properly, it's impossible to keep the home secure. A professional locksmith can examine the lock and make repairs or replacements as needed.
In some instances dirt or debris could obstruct the locking mechanism. If this is the case, you can lubricate the lock to assist in dislodging the obstruction. This should be done on regular basis to avoid dirt from causing issues with your lock. This is usually done by using graphite pencils to push upwards and downwards on the latch of the lock to eliminate any obstructions. Some people make use of WD-40 or other oily lubricants to grease locks. However it is best to avoid this because the liquid residue can attract dust and other debris, and block your lock.
The most common type of lock used on sliding patio doors is mortise locks. These locks have keys that are that is cut into the frame and accept a rectangular-shaped key. A locksmith can tell whether the lock you've got is standard or if it has a unique design that requires a different type of key. They can also help you in finding an alternative.
If you're replacing a mortise lock on your patio door sliding it's crucial to locate one that is compatible with the lock's size and design. Most doors feature the name of the manufacturer or name of the door inscribed into the corner. This can be helpful when communicating with hardware stores and locksmiths about the exact parts. You can also utilize a digital camera and capture a picture of the lock you have in place to learn more regarding its size shape, form and other characteristics.
Surface-mount locks are also available for patio doors which do not have mortise cutouts. These locks are fitted with keys that are rectangular that is mounted on the frame of the door with an adapter plate. They are typically sold in assemblies consisting of an E2105 mortise lock, a recessed housing or escutcheon plate and a separate hasp. These locks can jam the similar to sliding door pin tumblers, however, you can fix the latch by inserting graphite or lubricant.