Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair The Process Isn't As Hard As You Think

Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair A secure lock is essential to ensuring the safety and security of your patio door. It's important to know that most lock problems can be solved with a few tools and preventive maintenance. For instance, a lock that is difficult to lock may require some lubrication. To avoid damaging sensitive components, it is essential to use the right type of lubricant. Air leaks and drafts Over time the sliding patio door will experience normal wear and tear that affects its performance. Fortunately, a few simple maintenance tasks can solve many common issues. A common issue is air leaks and drafts around the door's frame, which could cause discomfort in your home and higher energy costs. Air leaks are typically caused by weather stripping that is worn out or an improperly aligned door. Replacing the weather stripping, and ensuring that the door is aligned can solve these issues, thereby increasing the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A track that is stuck on the door can make it difficult to open or close the door. Often, this can be solved by applying lubrication to the tracks and rollers using a silicone-based fluid. It's also an ideal idea to wash the track on a regular basis to ensure it is free of dirt and other debris that can cause friction and jamming. Lastly, if you notice carpets or rugs that are damp near the sliding patio door it could mean that there is a water leak. Rugs and carpets that are damp could be caused by a range of issues, including improper installation, which can lead to cracks or gaps 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 the threshold seal or door sweep. In extreme instances, it could be necessary to replace your door. Additionally, broken or cracked glass isn't only an eye-sore It can also be a safety hazard and affect the door's insulating capabilities. Repairing damaged or cracked glass is a difficult job that should only be handled by a professional. If you're having any of these issues with your sliding patio door, contact a local contractor for repairs or replacements. You can then enjoy your sliding patio doors with peace of mind. The longer you wait to taking care of these issues, the more the damage will be. Patio doors that slide open are a stylish and functional addition to your home, but they require regular maintenance to ensure they function smoothly for a long time. Worn Handle The sliding patio door hardware can be neglected and deteriorated by dust and foot traffic. Certain issues can be repaired by DIY solutions. Others require a professional repair or replacement. With just a little attention and care, homeowners can keep their sliding patio doors in great condition for a long time. Certain sliding patio door locks could utilize a mechanism that is different from the standard pin tumblers that are used on doors that are standard. Other locks may have their own unique mechanism. Glass sliding door latches could get stuck or catch on when foreign objects are caught between the lock and handle spindle. This type of issue is usually resolved by lubricating or using a pencil to eliminate any debris that has built up. Another common sliding patio door malfunction is the handle becoming difficult to open or loose. This is usually caused by the screws that hold the handle in place becoming too loose or worn out. A novice DIYer can tighten up these handles with an ordinary screwdriver. A sliding door that doesn't close properly can be a major inconvenience and, in some instances, can lead to energy leaks or damage to your home. Sliding patio doors are typically built with a bottom track 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 become misaligned with the jamb, or lose contact with the track altogether. Sliding patio door jambs as well as tracks should be cleaned regularly to avoid a buildup of dirt that could hinder or stop the movement of the track. Sliding door runners also benefit from a periodic oiling to avoid stiffness and jamming. They are always exposed to dust and dirt that can settle into the runners. They must be cleaned and lubricated when required. It is essential that your sliding doors are operating correctly to ensure the comfort of your family. Faulty weatherstripping The weatherstripping on the sliding patio door play an important function in keeping light, air, pests and moisture out. If your weatherstripping is lacking chunks, brittle or hard or is no longer able to create a tight seal, you might need to replace it. A simple test is to close the door and check if light shines through. A dollar bill can be put under the weatherstripping to check. Pull it up or down. If the dollar bill slides easily under the weatherstripping, it's time to replace the weatherstripping. Cleaning the mechanism of the lock is essential to ensure its smooth operation and security. Regularly remove and clean the handle, keyway and latch with a household cleaning product. It's also a good idea to lubricate the locks mechanisms using a silicone-based grease to ensure they are smooth and working effectively. With the right tools and knowledge 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 its location on the keyway is essential to accurately choosing and installing the appropriate replacement. Take a picture of the lock with your digital camera and send the details to the locksmith. This will ensure you receive the right type of lock for your patio door. To replace the lock, remove the lock that was previously used and then remove any screws that hold it in place. Then loosen screws that hold the lock strike to jamb. Move the strike up or down until it's positioned so that the lock latch will align with it when the door is shut. If the door's latch does not latch when you close it, the lock may not be properly aligned with the strike. Observe the mounting hole locations, direction of the hasp's swing and the size of the strike to help you choose the best replacement lock. If you're not sure what to do, call an expert or visit your local home improvement store for assistance. They will usually direct you to the correct kind of lock replacement for your patio door and teach you how to install it. Broken Lock A damaged lock on your sliding patio door could be a serious security issue. If your door doesn't close and lock properly, it's impossible to keep the home safe. A professional locksmith will examine the lock, and then repair or replace it as necessary. In some instances, the locking mechanism can become obstructed by dirt or debris. It is possible to lubricate the lock to help remove any dirt or debris that has impeded the mechanism. This should be done frequently to avoid dirt build-up causing problems with your lock. This is usually done by using a graphite pencil to push upwards and downwards on the lock latch to clear any obstructions. Some people employ WD-40 or other oily lubricants to lubricate locks. However, this should be avoided because the liquid residue can attract dust and other debris and block your lock. A mortise lock is the most popular type of lock for sliding patio doors. These locks are rectangular-shaped and have a keyway that is cut into the door's frame. A locksmith can help determine if the lock you have is standard or has a specific design that requires an alternative type of key. They can also assist you in locating the right replacement. It is crucial to locate a lock that matches your existing lock's dimensions and design when replacing the mortise on your sliding patio door. patio door repairs have their names or the name of the manufacturer inscribed into the corner of the frame and can be useful in contacting locksmiths as well as hardware stores about matching parts. You can also make use of a digital camera to snap a picture of your existing lock to get more information about its size, shape, and other details. Surface-mount locking is also available for patio doors that do not have a mortise cutout. These locks use a rectangular key and are fixed to the frame of the door using an adapter plate. They are typically sold in sets that include an E2105 mortise latch, an escutcheon or recessed housing plate and a separate hasp. These types of locks suffer the same jamming problems as sliding door pin tumbler locks, but they can be repaired just the latch by inserting a graphite pencil or lubricant to dislodge any obstructions.