Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair
A secure lock is essential to ensuring the security and safety of your patio door. It's good to know that most lock problems can be solved with a few tools and preventive maintenance.
A latch that is hard to lock might simply need some lubrication. It is important to use the right kind of lubricant to prevent damage to sensitive components.
Air leaks and drafts
Over time the patio of a sliding door can suffer normal wear and tear which impacts its performance. Fortunately, some easy maintenance tasks can fix many common problems.
The most frequent problem is drafts and air leaks around the door frame, which can cause discomfort in your home and higher energy costs. Air leaks are often caused by weather stripping that has worn out or a door that isn't properly aligned. Replacing the weather stripping, and ensuring that the door is aligned can resolve these issues, and improve your home's energy efficiency.
Another issue that is frequently encountered is a door track that is sticky that makes it difficult to open or close the door. Most of the time, this issue is solved by lubricating the tracks and rollers using a silicone-based lubricant. It's also a good idea to wash the track frequently to ensure it is free of dirt and debris which can cause friction.
If you notice carpets or rugs with a damp appearance 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 gaps or cracks caused by inadequate installation. The problem can be solved by replacing gaskets that are defective or seals, and then installing an threshold seal or door sweep. In the most extreme cases, it may even be required to replace your door.
Cracked or shattered glasses aren't just an eye-sore. They can also be a safety risk and reduce the insulation capacity of the door. Replacing broken or cracked glass is a challenging task that should be performed by an experienced professional. If you're having any of these problems with your sliding patio door, get in touch with a local contractor to arrange repairs or replacements. You can then enjoy your sliding patio doors with peace of mind. The longer you delay in taking care of these issues, the worse the damage you'll suffer. Sliding patio doors are stylish and a functional addition to your home, but they will require regular maintenance to function properly for years to come.
Worn Handle
Patio doors that slide are subject to wear from foot traffic and dust and the hardware that keeps them running smoothly may suffer from neglect. Certain issues can be fixed by DIY solutions. Others require a professional repair or replacement. With a little maintenance and a keen eye homeowners can keep their patio doors in good in good condition for many years to come.
Although many sliding patio door locks utilize a latch system that resembles standard pin tumbler variety found in regular doors, certain types are unique and have their own distinct mechanisms. In general, glass sliding door latches often become jammed or snag on foreign objects that get caught between the lock mechanism and the handle spindle. This kind of issue is usually 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 to be difficult to open or loose. This is usually caused by the screws that hold the handle in place getting too loose or wearing out. A novice DIYer can tighten up these handles with an ordinary screwdriver.
A sliding patio door that does not shut properly can cause a lot of inconvenience and, in some cases it can cause damage to your home or energy leaks. Patio doors that slide are usually constructed with a track at the bottom that runs along the floor and the track may suffer wear from dirt, sand or grit. If not taken care of, this wear and tear can cause the sliding panel to misalign with the jamb, or lose contact with the track entirely. Cleaning the tracks of sliding patio doors and jambs frequently will stop a buildup that can damage the track or stop it from moving.
Sliding door runners also benefit from regular lubrication to prevent stiffness and jamming. These parts are constantly exposed to dust and dirt which can build up in the runners. They must be cleaned and lubricated when needed. It is crucial that your sliding doors function properly for your family's comfort.
Faulty weatherstripping
The weatherstripping around the sliding patio door plays an important function in keeping unwanted light, air, pests and moisture out. If your weatherstripping has missing chunks, is hard or brittle, or it is no longer able to create a tight seal, you might need to replace it. A simple test is to close the door and observe whether light shines through. A dollar bill can be placed under the weatherstripping to check. Pull it up or down. If the dollar bill is able to slide under, it's time to replace the weatherstripping.
Cleaning the lock mechanism is important to maintaining its sturdiness and security. Make sure to regularly clean and remove the handle, keyway and latch using a household cleaning product. It's also an excellent idea to lubricate the lock mechanisms using a silicone-based grease to keep them smooth and operating properly.
With the right tools and information changing the lock mechanism can be a simple do-it yourself project. Knowing the particulars of your current lock including its name, as well as the location of the keyway is vital to deciding and installing the correct replacement. Take a picture of the lock with your digital camera to communicate the information to the lock supplier. This will ensure you get the correct kind of lock for your patio door.
To replace the lock, unscrew the lock you have previously installed and take off the screws that hold it in place. Then loosen the screws that hold the lock strike to the jamb. Move the strike up and down until it's positioned where the lock latch will line up with it when the door is shut. If the door's latch does not latch when you try to close it, it's because the lock isn't lined up with the strike correctly.
To help Repair My Windows And Doors choose the best 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, call an expert for assistance or contact your local home improvement store for assistance. They can assist you in choosing the right replacement lock for your patio and demonstrate how it's installed.
Broken Lock
A broken lock on your patio door can be an extremely security risk. It's impossible to secure your home if the door doesn't close and lock properly. A professional locksmith will examine the lock, and then repair or replace it if necessary.
In certain situations, dirt or debris can obstruct the locking mechanism. It is possible to lubricate the lock to help clear any debris or dirt that may be blocking the mechanism. This should be done frequently to stop dirt buildup from creating problems for the lock. This is usually done using a graphite pencil to push up and downward on the latch of the lock in order to remove any obstructions. Some people also employ oil-based lubricants like WD-40, to help lubricate their locks. It is best to avoid this as the residue of liquids can attract dust and other debris, clogging your lock.
A mortise lock is the most popular kind of lock used on sliding patio doors. They have keyways cut into the door frame and can accept a rectangular-shaped keys. A locksmith can determine whether the lock you've got is standard or is a unique model that requires a different kind of key. They can also help you find a suitable replacement.
It is essential to find an appropriate lock that matches the lock's size and design when replacing a mortise on a sliding patio door. A lot of doors have the name of the manufacturer or name of the door etched on the corner. This can be helpful when negotiating with locksmiths and hardware stores about fitting parts. You can also use a digital camera and snap a picture of your existing lock to learn more regarding its size shape, form and other specifics.
Surface-mount locking is also available for patio door that don't have a mortise cutout. These locks utilize a rectangular key, and they're mounted on the frame of the door using an adapter plate. They are typically sold in assemblies that include an E2105 mortise lock an recessed housing, or escutcheon, and a separate latch. They can jam similar way as sliding door pin tumblers, however, you can repair the latch by putting in graphite or the lubricant.