Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair
A secure lock will guarantee the security and safety of your patio door. The good news is that many lock issues can be solved with preventive maintenance and the most basic tools.
A latch that is difficult to lock could simply require lubrication. To avoid damaging sensitive components, it is important to choose the correct kind of lubricant.
Drafts and air leaks
Over time the sliding patio door can undergo normal wear and tear that affects its performance. Fortunately, a few simple maintenance tasks can address several common problems.
Drafts and air leaks around the door frame can cause discomfort within your home and increase energy bills. Air leaks are often caused by weather stripping that's been worn down or an improper alignment. Replacing the weather stripping, and ensuring that the door is properly aligned will resolve these issues, and improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.
A sticky track on the door can make it difficult to open and close the door. Most of the time, this issue can be resolved by lubricating the tracks and rollers with silicone-based fluid. It's also an ideal idea to wash the track on a regular basis to ensure it is free of debris and dirt that can cause friction and jamming.
In the final instance, if you notice carpets or rugs that are damp close to the sliding patio door, this could indicate that there is a water leak. Water can enter the door frame through cracks or gaps caused by inadequate installation. Replacing gaskets or seals that are damaged 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 are cracked or broken are not just an eyesore. They can also pose an hazard to safety and decrease the insulation capabilities of the door. Replacing damaged or broken glass is a difficult job that should only be performed by an experienced professional. If you're experiencing any of these problems with your sliding patio door contact a local contractor for repairs or replacements. In this way you'll be able to enjoy your sliding patio door 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 stylish additions to any home. But, they require regular maintenance to ensure that they operate smoothly for many years.
Worn Handle
Patio doors that slide are subject to wear from foot traffic and dust and the hardware that keeps them running smoothly may be damaged by neglect. Some issues can be fixed with DIY solutions. Others require professional repairs or replacement. With some care and attention homeowners can keep their sliding patio doors in great condition for a long time.
While most sliding patio door locks employ a latch system that resembles typical pin tumblers that are found in regular doors, certain types are unique and have their own unique mechanisms. Glass sliding door latches can be stuck or snag if foreign objects are caught between the handle and lock spindle. This type of issue is usually solved by lubricating or using a pencil to eliminate any debris that has built up.
The handle itself could malfunction, causing it to be difficult to open or to loosen. This problem is typically caused by the screws holding the handle in place becoming loose or wearing out. These handles can be tightened by a novice DIYer using an ordinary screwdriver.
A sliding door that does not shut properly can cause major annoyance and in certain instances could result in energy leaks or damage to your home. Sliding patio door tracks are generally designed to run across the floor. The track may be worn away by dirt, sand or grit. If this is not addressed, the 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 frequently will stop the buildup of dust that could harm the track or stop it from moving.
A regular lubrication of sliding door runners is beneficial to avoid stiffness or jamming. These parts are exposed to constant flow of dust and dirt that can be absorbed into the runners, and should be cleaned and lubricated as needed. It is vital that your sliding doors are operating properly for your family's comfort.
Poor weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a crucial component of a sliding patio door to keep out air, light and moisture. You may need to replace your weatherstripping when it's damaged, cracked, or brittle, or no longer forms an enveloping seal. One simple test is to shut the door and see whether light is shining through. Another is to put a dollar bill underneath the weatherstripping and try to pull it up or down. If the dollar bill slides easily under it, it's time for a replacement of the weatherstripping.
It is crucial to clean the lock mechanism on a regular basis to maintain its smooth operation and security. Make sure to regularly clean and remove the keyway, handle and latch using a household cleaning product. You can also grease the lock mechanisms using the lubricant based on silicone. This will ensure they continue running smoothly.
The replacement of the locking mechanism is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project and can be accomplished with the right tools and knowledge. Knowing the particulars of your lock, including its name and its location on the keyway is vital to deciding and installing the right replacement. If you own an electronic camera, snap an image of the lock to convey the details to a lock supplier and make sure you purchase the correct type for your patio door.
To replace the lock, unwind it and remove the screws that hold it in place. Then loosen the screws holding the strike of the lock to the jamb. Move the strike upwards and downwards 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 properly aligned with the strike.
Be aware of the location of the mounting holes, direction of the hasp's swing and the size of the strike to help choose the best replacement lock. If you aren't sure how to proceed, ask an expert or your local home improvement shop for assistance. They'll usually guide you to the right kind of lock replacement for your patio door, and also show you how to install it.
Broken Lock
A damaged lock on your sliding patio door could pose a serious security issue. If your door does not close and lock properly, it is impossible to keep the home secure. A professional locksmith can inspect the lock and fix or replace it when required.
In certain situations, the locking mechanism can be blocked by dirt or debris. It is possible to lubricate the lock to remove any debris or dirt that may be blocking the mechanism. This should be done on a regularly basis to stop dirt from causing issues to your lock. This is usually done using a graphite pencil to push up and downward on the latch in order to remove any obstructions. Continuing employ WD-40 or other oily lubricants to lubricate locks. However, this should be avoided because the residue of liquids can attract dust and other debris, and block your lock.
The most common kind of lock for sliding patio doors is mortise locks. They are rectangular in shape and feature a keyway that is cut into the frame of the door. A locksmith can tell if the lock you have is standard or if it has a unique design that requires a different type of key. They can also help you locate a replacement.
It's important that you find the lock that is compatible with the lock's design and size when replacing a mortise on a sliding patio door. Many doors have the name of the manufacturer or the name of the door inscribed in the corner. This can be helpful when communicating with locksmiths and hardware stores regarding fitting parts. You could also take a photograph of your existing lock with a digital camera to capture more details regarding its size and shape.
Surface-mount locking is also available for patio door which do not have mortise cutouts. These locks are mounted on the frame of the door with an adapter and use keys that are rectangular in shape. These locks are usually sold in assemblies that include mortise locks in the E2105 range, a recessed housing, or escutcheon, and a separate latch. These types of locks experience the same jamming problems as sliding door pin tumbler locks, but they can be repaired just the latch by inserting a graphite pen or lubricant to remove any obstructions.