Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair: What's New? No One Is Talking About

Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair A secure lock will ensure the safety and security for your patio door. It's good to know that the majority of lock problems can be resolved with basic tools and preventive maintenance. For example, a latch that is difficult to lock may require some lubrication. It is important to use the right type of lubricant to avoid damaging the delicate components. Air leaks and drafts Over time the sliding patio door may undergo normal wear and tear that impacts its efficiency. Fortunately, a few simple maintenance tasks can solve a variety of common problems. A common issue is air leaks and drafts around the door frame, which can lead to discomfort in your home and higher energy costs. Air leaks are often caused by weather stripping that is worn out or a door that isn't properly aligned. Replacing the weather stripping and making sure that the door is properly aligned will resolve these issues, improving your home's energy efficiency. A track that is stuck on the door can make it difficult to open and close the door. Most of the time, this issue can be resolved by applying lubrication to the tracks and rollers with silicone-based lubricant. It's also recommended to clean the track periodically to ensure it is free of debris and dirt which can cause friction and jamming. Lastly, if you notice carpets or rugs that are damp close to the sliding patio door it could mean that there is a leak in the water. Water can seep into the door frame through cracks or gaps created by inadequate installation. Replacing faulty seals or gaskets and installing a threshold or door sweep seal can help with these issues, but in extreme cases, it might be necessary to replace the door itself. Glasses that are cracked or broken aren't just an eye-sore. They can also pose a safety risk and reduce the insulation capabilities of the door. Replacing broken glass is a complex task that should be left to a professional. Contact a local contractor if have any of these problems 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 costly and long-lasting the damage can be. Sliding patio door are a beautiful addition to any house. However, they need regular maintenance to ensure they run smoothly for years to come. Worn Handle The sliding patio door hardware can be neglected and deteriorated by foot traffic and dust. Some issues can be repaired with DIY solutions. Others require a professional repair or replacement. With some care and attention homeowners can keep their sliding patio doors in good condition for a long time. Some sliding patio door locks could utilize a mechanism that is different from the standard pin tumblers that are used on regular doors. Some may have their own distinctive mechanism. In patio door contractor sliding door latches frequently become stuck or snag foreign objects that get caught between the lock mechanism and the spindle of the handle. This type of issue is usually resolved by applying lubrication or a pencil to get rid of any accumulated debris. The handle itself may fail, causing it to be difficult to open or unloose. This is usually caused by the screws that hold the handle in place getting too loose or wearing out. These handles can be adjusted by an amateur DIYer using the screwdriver that is a basic tool. A sliding patio door that doesn't close properly could cause a lot of hassle and, in some cases it can cause damage to your home or energy leaks. Patio doors that slide are usually built with a bottom track that runs along the floor, and the track may suffer wear from dirt, sand or grit. If left unchecked, this wear and tear can cause the sliding panel to misalign with the jamb or lose contact with the track entirely. Cleaning the sliding patio door tracks and jambs on a regular basis will prevent accumulation of dirt that can damage the track or stop it from moving. A regular lubrication for sliding door runners is also beneficial to prevent stiffness or jamming. These parts are subject to a constant flow dirt and dust that can work their way into the runners, and should be cleaned and lubricated whenever required. Making sure that your sliding doors are functioning correctly is important for the safety of your family So, be sure to fix any issues as soon as you notice them. Afflicted Weatherstripping Weatherstripping is an essential part of sliding patio door that helps keep out unwanted moisture, light and air. You may need to replace your weatherstripping if it is damaged, cracked, brittle or hard or does not form a tight seal. Close the door and see if any light comes through. A dollar bill can be put under the weatherstripping to test. Pull it up or down. If the dollar bill slides easily under the weatherstripping, it's time to replace the weatherstripping. It is important to keep the lock mechanism clean to ensure its operation is smooth and safety. Make sure to regularly clean and remove the keyway, handle and latch with a home cleaning product. You can also lubricate the lock mechanisms by using an lubricant made of silicone. This will ensure that they are functioning smoothly. Replacing the locking mechanism is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project that can be completed with the right tools and experience. It is essential to know the particulars of your current lock, such as its name and the position of the keyway. This will help you determine the best replacement. Photograph the lock using your digital camera and send the information to the lock supplier. This will ensure you get the correct kind of lock for your patio door. To replace the lock, unwind it and then remove any screws holding it in place. Then loosen the screws holding the strike of the lock to the jamb. Move the strike up and down until the latch line up with it. If the door latch doesn't latch when you attempt to close it, it means the lock isn't aligned with the strike correctly. Take note of the locations of the mounting holes, direction of the hasp's swing and size of the strike to help you select the right replacement lock. If you are unsure how to proceed, ask an expert or your local home improvement shop for assistance. They can usually guide you to the appropriate kind of lock replacement for your patio door and show you how to install it. Broken Lock A damaged lock on your patio door could be an extremely security risk. If your door does not close and lock properly, it is impossible to keep the home safe. A professional locksmith will look over the lock, and then repair or replace it if necessary. In some cases, dirt or debris can block the locking mechanism. If this is the case, you can lubricate the lock to help dislodge whatever is blocking it. This should be done on a regularly basis to stop dirt from causing problems with your lock. This is typically done by using graphite pencils to push upwards and downwards on the latch of the lock to clear any obstructions. Some people also use oil-based lubricants like WD-40, to grease their locks. It is best to avoid this as the residue from the liquid will attract dust and other debris, clogging your lock. A mortise lock is the most common type of lock on sliding patio doors. These locks feature keyways that is cut into the frame and can accept a rectangular-shaped keys. A locksmith can help you determine if your lock is standard or has a special design that may require a different kind of key. They can also assist you to locate a replacement. It's important that you find an appropriate lock that matches the dimensions and design when replacing the mortise on your sliding patio door. Many doors have their name or the manufacturer's name embedded into the corner of the frame this can be helpful in contacting locksmiths as well as hardware stores about the right parts. You can also snap a photo of the lock you have currently using a digital camera to capture more details about its dimensions and shape. Surface-mount locking is also available for patio door which do not have mortise cutouts. These locks are affixed to the frame of the door using an adapter and use keys that are rectangular in shape. Typically, these locks come in assemblies consisting of an E2105 mortise lock, an escutcheon or housing with a recess plate and a separate hasp. These types of locks suffer similar jamming issues to sliding door pin tumbler locks, but you can usually repair just the latch by inserting a graphite pen or lubricant to dislodge any blockages.