Think You're Perfect For Doing Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair? Try This Quiz

Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair A secure lock will ensure the security and safety of your patio door. It's a good idea to know that most lock problems can be fixed with the use of basic tools and preventive maintenance. For instance, a lock that is difficult to lock may simply need the lubrication. It is important to use the right kind of lubricant to prevent the risk of causing damage to delicate components. Drafts and Air Leaks Over time the sliding door patio can suffer normal wear and tear that can affect its efficiency. Fortunately, some easy maintenance tasks can fix many of the common issues. Air leaks and drafts around the doorframe can cause discomfort within your home and increase energy bills. Air leaks are often caused by worn-out weather stripping or an improperly aligned door. These issues can be fixed by replacing the weather stripping, and making sure that the door is properly aligned. This will improve the efficiency of your home. A slick track on the door can make it difficult to open or shut the door. This issue can be solved by lubricating the tracks and rollers using silicone-based lubricant. It's also a good idea to clean the track regularly to keep it clear of dirt and other debris that can cause friction. Lastly, if you notice carpets or rugs that are damp close to the sliding patio door This could mean that there is a leak in the water. Water can enter the door frame through cracks or gaps caused by inadequate installation. Replacing gaskets or seals that are damaged and installing a threshold sweep or seal can help with these issues, however in extreme cases, it could be necessary to replace the door itself. Cracked or shattered glasses aren't just a nuisance. They can also be a safety risk and reduce the insulation capacity of the door. Replacing broken glass is a difficult task that should be left to an expert. Contact a local contractor if have any of these issues with your sliding patio doors. You can then enjoy your sliding patio doors with peace of mind. The longer you wait to fixing these issues, the more the damage that will result. Patio doors that slide open are stylish and a functional addition to your home, but they need routine maintenance to operate smoothly for the long haul. Worn Handle The sliding patio door hardware can be neglected and deteriorated by foot traffic and dust. While some problems are easily fixed by DIY solutions, others require professional attention to fix or replace. With a little maintenance and a keen eye, homeowners can keep their sliding patio doors in good working in good condition for many years to come. Some sliding patio door locks might have a system distinct from the pin tumbler type found on standard doors. Some may have their own unique mechanism. Glass sliding door latches may get stuck or catch on when foreign objects get stuck between the handle and lock spindle. This kind of issue is usually resolved by lubricating or using a pencil to remove any accumulated debris. Another common sliding patio door malfunction is the handle itself becoming loose or difficult to open. This is usually caused by the screws holding the handle in place becoming too loose or wearing out. A novice DIYer can typically fix these handles using the use of a screwdriver. A sliding patio door that does not close properly could cause a lot of hassle and, in a few instances it could cause damage to your home or energy leaks. The tracks for sliding patio doors are generally designed to run across the floor. The track can be worn out by sand, dirt, or grit. This wear can cause the panel to be disaligned or lose contact with the track if it is not maintained. Sliding patio door jambs and tracks should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt that could damage or block the movement of the track. Sliding door runners also benefit from regular oiling to prevent stiffness and jamming. These parts are exposed to a constant flow dirt and dust that can work their way into the runners, and should be cleaned and lubricated as required. Keeping your home's sliding doors working properly is essential for the comfort of you and your family, so be sure to take care of any issues immediately. Unusual Weatherstripping The weatherstripping around a sliding patio door plays an important role in keeping unwanted insects, light, and moisture out. If your weatherstripping is lacking chunks, hard or brittle or if it no longer creates a tight seal, you might need to replace it. A simple test is to close the door and see whether light is shining through. A dollar bill can be put under the weatherstripping for testing. Pull it up or down. If the dollar bill easily slides under it, it's time for a replacement of the weatherstripping. It is important to clean the lock mechanism on a regular basis to ensure its operation is smooth and security. Make sure to regularly clean and remove the keyway, handle and latch using a household 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 knowledge. Knowing the particulars of your lock such as its name and position of the keyway, is essential to accurately choosing and installing the appropriate replacement. If you have a digital camera, take an image of the lock in order to provide the information to a lock supplier and ensure that you purchase the correct lock for your patio door. To replace patio doors repairs , unscrew it and take off the screws that hold it in place. Then loosen the screws that secure the lock strike to the jamb. Move the strike upwards or downwards until it's positioned so that the latch of the lock will line up with it when the door is closed. If the door latch doesn't latch when you try to close it, that means the lock isn't aligned with the strike properly. To help you select the best replacement lock, take note of the mounting holes, the direction of swinging the hasp and the length of the strike. If you aren't sure what to do, you can ask a professional or your local home improvement shop to help. They can usually guide you to the appropriate type of replacement lock for your patio door, and also show how to install it. Broken Lock A damaged lock could be a major threat to your home's security. If your door doesn't close and lock properly, it is impossible to keep the home secure. A professional locksmith will inspect the lock and fix or replace it as needed. In some cases dirt or debris may obstruct the locking mechanism. Lubricate your lock to remove any debris or dirt that may be blocking the mechanism. This is something that should be done on a regular basis to avoid dirt from causing issues to your lock. This is usually done using a graphite pencil to push upwards and downwards on the latch to clear any obstructions. Some people use WD-40 or other oily lubricants to lubricate locks. However it is important to avoid this because the liquid residue can attract dust and other debris, and block your lock. The most commonly used type of lock used on sliding patio doors is a mortise lock. They are rectangular in shape and feature a keyway that is cut into the door's frame. A locksmith can identify whether the lock you've got is standard or if it has a unique design that requires a different type of key. They can also help you find a compatible replacement. It is crucial to locate the lock that is compatible with the size and design when replacing a mortise on a sliding patio door. Many doors have their names or the manufacturer's name embedded into the frame's corner this can be helpful in communicating with locksmiths and hardware stores about the right parts. You can also use a digital camera and capture a picture of your existing lock to get more information regarding its size, shape, and other details. There are also surface-mount lock options for patio doors that do not have mortise lock cutouts. These locks are fixed to 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 an E2105 mortise lock, a recessed housing, or an escutcheon, as well as a separate latch. These locks can block the same as sliding door pin tumblers, but you can repair the latch by putting in graphite or the lubricant.