Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair A safe lock will ensure the safety and security for your patio door. The good news is that many lock issues can be solved with preventive maintenance and basic tools. For instance, a lock that is difficult to lock could simply need the lubrication. It is important to use the proper kind of lubricant to prevent damaging the delicate components. Drafts and air leaks Over time the sliding door patio will show wear and tear that can affect its functionality. Fortunately, simple maintenance tasks can resolve many of the common issues. One common problem is drafts and air leaks around the door's frame, which could cause discomfort in your home and higher energy bills. Air leaks are typically caused by weather stripping that is worn out or a door that is not properly aligned. These issues can be addressed by replacing the weather stripping, and ensuring that the door is properly aligned. This will increase the energy efficiency of your home. A slick track on the door may make it difficult to open or close the door. This is usually resolved by lubricating both the track and the rollers with a silicone-based lubricant. It's also a good idea to clean the track periodically to ensure it is free of dirt and other debris that could cause friction and jamming. In the final instance, if you notice damp carpets or rugs near the sliding patio door it could mean that there is a leak in the water. Damp carpets and rugs can be caused by a variety of things, including improper installation that causes gaps or cracks in the door frame, which allows water to enter. Replacing gaskets or seals that are damaged and installing a threshold or door sweep seal can help with these issues, but in extreme cases, it could be necessary to replace the door itself. Additionally, broken or cracked glass isn't just an eyesore -- it can cause injury to people and affect the door's insulating capabilities. Replacing damaged or broken glass is a complicated task that should only be handled by an experienced professional. Contact a local contractor if you have any of these problems with your sliding patio doors. You can then enjoy your sliding patio doors with peace of mind. The longer you delay in addressing these issues, the more the damage will be. Sliding patio door are stylish additions to any home. However, they need regular maintenance to ensure that they operate smoothly for many years. Worn Handle The sliding patio door hardware can be neglected and worn out 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 care and a keen eye, homeowners can keep their patio doors in good working order for years to come. Although many sliding patio door locks employ a latch system that resembles traditional pin tumblers that is found in regular doors, certain types are unique and have their own unique mechanisms. In general, glass sliding door latches can become stuck or snag foreign objects that get caught between the lock mechanism and the spindle of the handle. This kind of issue is usually solved by lubricating the latch, or using a graphite pen in order to eliminate any accumulated debris from the lock mechanism. Another common issue with sliding patio doors is when the handle becomes difficult to open or loose. This problem usually results from the screws that keep the handle in place coming loose or working their way out completely. The handles can be adjusted by a novice DIYer using the screwdriver that is a basic tool. A sliding patio door that fails to close properly could cause a lot of inconvenience and, in some cases, can even lead to damage to your home or energy leaks. Patio doors that slide are usually constructed with a bottom track that runs along the floor, and can suffer wear due to dirt, sand or grit. If not taken care of, this wear could cause the sliding panel to be misaligned with the jamb, or lose contact with the track altogether. The sliding patio door jambs and tracks must be cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of dirt that could damage or block the movement of the track. Sliding door runners are also benefited by regular lubrication to prevent stiffness and jamming. They are exposed to a constant flow of dirt and dust that can get into the runners, and should be cleaned and lubricated when required. Making sure that your sliding doors are working properly is essential to ensure the safety of you and your family, so be sure to address any issues promptly. Unusual Weatherstripping The weatherstripping on the sliding patio door plays an important function in keeping air, light, pests and moisture out. If your weatherstripping has missing chunks, hard or brittle or no longer creates a tight seal, you may need to replace it. One simple test is to shut the door and see whether light shines through. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-bedford/ can be placed under the weatherstripping to check. Pull it either way. If the dollar bill is able to slide under, it's time to replace the weatherstripping. Cleaning the mechanism of the lock is crucial to ensure its security and smooth operation. Take the keyway, handle, and latch and clean them using a household cleaner. You can also lubricate the lock mechanisms with an lubricant made of silicone. This will keep them running smoothly. With the right tools and information, replacing the locking mechanism can be a simple do-it yourself project. Understanding the specifics of the lock you have including its name, as well as the position of the keyway, is vital to deciding and installing the appropriate replacement. If you own a digital camera, take a picture of the lock to help communicate the details to a locksmith and ensure that you purchase the correct type for your patio door. To replace the lock, unwind the lock that was previously used and then remove the screws that secure it. 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 does not latch when you attempt to close it, it means the lock isn't lined up with the strike properly. Observe the mounting hole locations and the direction of the hasp's swing and size of the strike to help you pick the appropriate replacement lock. If you're not sure what to do, consult a professional or your local home improvement shop to help. They will usually direct you to the correct kind of lock replacement for your patio door and show you how to install it. Broken Lock A broken lock could pose a serious threat to the security of your home. It's impossible to ensure your home's security if the door doesn't close and lock properly. A professional locksmith will look over the lock, and then repair or replace it if necessary. In some cases, dirt or debris can block the locking mechanism. Lubricate your lock to help clear any dirt or debris that is blocking the mechanism. This should be done on regularly basis to stop dirt from causing issues to your lock. This is typically done by using a graphite pencil to push upwards and downwards on the lock latch to clear any obstructions. Some people also employ oil-based lubricants, like WD-40 to help lubricate their locks. However it is important to avoid this because the residue of liquids can attract dust and other debris and block your lock. A mortise lock is the most popular type of lock on sliding patio doors. These locks feature keys that are that is cut into the frame and can accept a rectangular-shaped keys. A locksmith can help determine if your lock is standard or has a special design that may require a different kind of key. They can also assist you in locating the right replacement. If you're replacing the mortise lock on your patio door sliding, it's important to find one that is compatible with the lock's style and size. Most doors feature the name of the manufacturer or the name of the door in the corner. This can be useful in contacting locksmiths and hardware stores regarding matching parts. You can also make use of a digital camera to snap a picture of the lock you have in place to find out more about its dimensions shape, form and other specifics. There are also surface-mount lock options for patio doors that do not have a mortise lock cutout. These locks utilize keys that are rectangular that is fixed to the door's frame with an adapter plate. These locks are usually sold in assemblies that include mortise locks in the E2105 range, a recessed housing, escutcheon, and a separate latch. These types of locks suffer similar jamming issues to sliding door pin tumbler locks but you can usually repair just the latch by inserting a graphite pencil or lubricant to remove any obstructions.