Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair: 11 Things You're Not Doing
Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair A secure lock will guarantee the safety and security for your patio door. It's good to know that most lock problems can be solved with a few tools and preventive maintenance. For example, a latch that is difficult to lock might require lubrication. It is crucial to select the proper kind of lubricant to prevent damaging the delicate components. Drafts and air leaks Over time, a sliding door patio can suffer normal wear and tear that can affect its performance. Fortunately, a few simple maintenance tasks can solve a variety of common issues. A common problem is air leaks and drafts around the door's frame, which could lead to discomfort in your home and higher energy costs. Air leaks can be caused by weather stripping that has worn out or improper door alignment. Replacing the weather stripping and ensuring that the door is correctly aligned can resolve these issues, and improve your home's energy efficiency. Another issue that is common is a sticky door track that makes it difficult to open or close the door. In patio door repairs , this issue can be resolved by applying lubrication to the tracks and rollers with a silicone-based fluid. It's a good idea also to clean the track on a regular basis to keep it free of dirt and other debris that can cause friction. If you notice any carpets or rugs with a damp appearance around the sliding patio doors it could be an indication of a leak. Damp carpets and rugs can be caused by a range of things, including improper installation that causes gaps or cracks in the door's frame permitting water to get in. These issues can be resolved by replacing gaskets that are defective or seals, and then installing a threshold seal or door sweep. In extreme circumstances, it may be necessary to replace your door. Glasses that are cracked or broken are not just an eyesore. They can also pose an hazard to safety and decrease the insulation capacity of the door. Repairing damaged or cracked glass is a difficult task that should only be done by a professional. If you're experiencing any of these issues with your sliding patio door, contact a local contractor for repairs or replacements. In this way you'll be able enjoy your sliding patio door with peace of mind. The longer you wait to fixing these issues, the more the damage you'll suffer. Patio doors that slide open are stylish and a functional addition to your home, but they require regular maintenance to function properly for a long time. Worn Handle The sliding patio door hardware can be neglected and deteriorated due to dust and foot traffic. Some problems can be easily solved with DIY solutions. Others require a professional repair or replacement. With just a little attention and care, homeowners can keep sliding patio doors in good functioning condition for many years. Although many sliding patio door locks employ an latch mechanism that is similar to the standard pin tumbler variety that is found in regular doors, some are different and may have their own unique mechanisms. In general, glass sliding door latches frequently become jammed or snag on foreign objects that are caught between the lock mechanism and the spindle of the handle. This kind of issue can be solved by lubricating the latch, or using a graphite pen in order to eliminate any debris that has accumulated from the lock mechanism. Another common problem with sliding patio doors is the handle becoming loose or difficult to open. This problem is usually caused by the screws holding the handle in place becoming too loose or wearing out. A novice do-it-yourselfer can usually tighten up these handles with the use of a screwdriver. A sliding patio door that does not shut properly can cause a lot if inconvenience and, in a few instances it can cause damage to your home or energy leaks. The sliding patio doors are typically constructed with a bottom track that runs along the floor, and this track can experience wear and tear from dirt, sand or grit. If this is not addressed, the wear can cause the sliding panel to misalign with the jamb or lose contact with the track altogether. Sliding patio door jambs as well as tracks must be cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of grime that can damage or block the movement of the track. Door runners that slide also benefit from a periodic oiling to avoid stiffness and jamming. They are exposed to a constant flow of dirt and dust that can be absorbed into the runners and should be cleaned and lubricated when required. It is crucial that your sliding doors function correctly to ensure the comfort of your family. Weatherstripping that isn't working properly The weatherstripping on the sliding patio door plays an important function in keeping unwanted light, air, pests and moisture out. It is possible to replace your weatherstripping if it's damaged, cracked, brittle or hard or does not form an adequate seal. Close the door and check whether any light is coming through. A dollar bill can be placed under the weatherstripping for testing. Pull it either way. If the dollar bill easily slides under the weatherstripping, it's time to replace the weatherstripping. Cleaning the mechanism of the lock is crucial to maintaining its sturdiness and security. Take off the keyway, handle, and latch, and scrub them with a cleaning product that you can use at home. It's also recommended to lubricate the lock mechanisms using a silicone-based lubricant to keep them in a smooth state and functioning properly. With the right tools and information changing the lock mechanism can be a simple DIY project. Knowing the particulars of your lock, including its name and location of the keyway is crucial to choosing and installing the correct replacement. Take a picture of the lock with your digital camera and send the details to the locksmith. This will ensure that you get the correct type of lock for your patio door. To replace the lock, remove it and take off any screws that hold it in place. Then loosen the screws holding the strike to the jamb. Move the strike up and down until the latch line up with it. If the door's latch doesn't latch when you attempt to close it, it's because the lock isn't aligned with the strike in a proper way. To help you choose the right replacement lock, take note of the mounting holes, 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 your local home improvement store for assistance. They'll usually guide you to the correct type of replacement lock for your patio door and teach how to install it. Broken Lock A broken lock on your sliding patio door can be a serious security issue. If your door does not close and lock properly, it's impossible to keep your home secure. A professional locksmith will inspect the lock and fix or replace it if necessary. In certain situations the locking mechanism may become obstructed by debris or dirt. If this happens it is possible to lubricate the lock to help remove whatever is blocking it. This should be done on a regular basis to prevent dirt buildup from causing problems with the lock. This is usually done using graphite pencils to push upwards and downwards on the lock latch in order to remove any obstructions. Some people also use oily lubricants, such as 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. A mortise lock is the most common type of lock on sliding patio doors. These locks feature keyways cut into the door frame and accept a rectangular-shaped key. A locksmith can help determine if your lock is standard or has a specific design that requires the use of a different type of key. They can also help you find a compatible replacement. It is essential to find the lock that is compatible with your existing lock's dimensions and design when replacing the mortise on your sliding patio door. Most doors feature the name of the manufacturer or name of the door etched on the corner. This can be useful when negotiating with locksmiths and hardware stores about matching parts. You can also snap a photo of your existing lock with an electronic camera to record more details about its dimensions and shape. Surface-mount locking is also available for patio doors that don't have mortise cutouts. These locks are fixed to the frame of the door using an adapter and use keys that are rectangular in shape. They are typically offered in a complete set, which includes mortise locks in the E2105 range, an recessed housing, or an escutcheon and a latch. These types of locks experience similar jamming issues to sliding door pin tumbler locks, but they can be repaired just the latch by inserting a graphite pencil or lubricant to dislodge any obstructions.