Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair A safe lock will ensure the security and safety of your patio door. It's important to know that the majority of lock issues can be easily solved with a few tools and preventive maintenance. A latch that is hard to lock might simply need the lubrication. To avoid damaging sensitive components, it is essential to use the right type of lubricant. Air and Drafts Leaks Over time, a sliding patio door will experience normal wear and tear that affects its functionality. Fortunately, a few easy-to-do maintenance tasks can address several common issues. Air leaks and drafts around the doorframe can cause discomfort within your home and increase energy bills. Air leaks can often be caused by weather stripping that has been worn down or an improper alignment. These issues can be addressed by replacing the weather stripping, and ensuring that the door is properly aligned. This will improve the efficiency of your home. A sticky track on the door may make it difficult to open and close the door. Most of the time, this issue is solved by applying lubrication to the tracks and rollers using a silicone-based lubricant. It is also recommended to clean the track regularly to keep it free of dirt and debris that could cause friction and jamming. Lastly, if you notice damp carpets or rugs close to the sliding patio door it could mean that there is a leak in the water. Rugs and carpets that are damp could be caused by a range of things, including improper installation that causes cracks or gaps in the door frame, which allows water to enter. Replacing faulty seals or gaskets and installing a door sweep or threshold seal can resolve these issues, however in severe cases it may be necessary to replace the door itself. Cracked or shattered glasses aren't just an eye-sore. They could also pose a safety risk and reduce the insulation capabilities of the door. Replacing broken glass is a complex task that should be left to a professional. If you're experiencing any of these issues with your sliding patio door, seek out a local contractor for repairs or replacements. You can then enjoy your sliding patio doors with peace of mind. The longer you put off addressing 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 require regular maintenance to ensure they function smoothly for a long time. Worn Handle Patio doors that slide are subject to wear from foot traffic and dust and the hardware that helps keep them running smoothly can suffer from neglect. Some problems can be easily solved with DIY solutions. Others require professional repair or replacement. With a little care and a keen eye homeowners can keep their patio doors in good working in good condition for many years to come. Certain sliding patio door locks may utilize a mechanism that is different from the standard pin tumbler type found on doors that are standard. Other locks might have their own distinct mechanism. Glass sliding door latches may get stuck or catch on when foreign objects are stuck between the handle and lock spindle. This kind of issue can be solved by lubricating the latch, or using a graphite pen in order to eliminate any debris that has accumulated on the lock mechanism. The handle itself may malfunction, causing it be difficult to open or to loosen. This problem usually results from the screws that keep the handle in place getting loose or moving out completely. The handles can be tightened by an amateur DIYer using the screwdriver that is a basic tool. A sliding door that doesn't close properly can be a major inconvenience, and in some cases could cause energy leaks or damage to your home. Tracks for sliding patio doors are typically constructed to run along the floor. The track may be worn away by dirt, sand or grit. If left unchecked, this wear can cause the sliding panel to become misaligned with the jamb, or lose contact with the track completely. Sliding patio door jambs as well as tracks should be cleaned frequently to avoid the accumulation of grime that can damage or block the movement of the track. Door runners that slide are also benefited by regular oiling to prevent stiffness and jamming. These parts are constantly exposed to dust and dirt which can build up in the runners. They should be cleaned and lubricated as needed. It is crucial that your sliding doors function well for the comfort of your family. Weatherstripping that isn't working properly Weatherstripping is a crucial component of a sliding patio door that helps keep out unwanted air, light and moisture. If your weatherstripping is missing chunks, brittle or hard, or it is no longer able to create a tight seal, you may need to replace it. Close the door and observe whether any light is coming through. Another test is to put a dollar bill on the weatherstripping and attempt to pull it either way. If the dollar bill slides easily beneath the weatherstripping, it is time to replace the weatherstripping. Cleaning the lock mechanism is important for maintaining its smooth operation and security. Take the keyway, handle, and latch and clean them with a household cleaner. It's also a good idea to lubricate the lock mechanisms using a silicone-based grease to keep them smooth and operating correctly. With https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ and information, replacing the locking mechanism can be a straightforward do-it yourself project. Understanding the specifics of your lock such as its name and location of the keyway is essential to accurately choosing and installing the right replacement. If you have an electronic camera, snap photos of the lock to help provide the information to a locksmith and ensure you buy the right lock for your patio door. To replace the lock, remove it and take off the screws that hold it in place. Then loosen screws that hold the strike of the lock to the jamb. Move the strike upwards or downwards until it's in a position where the latch of the lock will align with it when the door is shut. If the door's latch does not latch when you attempt to close it, it's because that the lock isn't aligned with the strike properly. To help you choose the right replacement lock, be aware of the mounting holes and the direction of the hasp and the length of the strike. If you are unsure how to proceed, ask an expert or your local home improvement shop to help. They can usually guide you to the correct kind of lock replacement for your patio door and teach how to install it. Broken Lock A broken lock on your patio door could be an extremely security risk. It's impossible to keep your home safe if the door doesn't close and lock properly. A professional locksmith can inspect the lock and fix or replace it when needed. In certain situations dirt or debris could obstruct the locking mechanism. Lubricate your lock to remove any dirt or debris that has impeded the mechanism. This should be done on regular basis to prevent dirt from causing problems with your lock. Typically, this is done using graphite pens to push upwards and downwards on the lock latch to clear any obstructions. Some people also employ oil-based lubricants, like WD-40 to lubricate their locks. However it is best to avoid this because the residue of liquids can attract dust and other debris, and block your lock. The most commonly used kind of lock for sliding patio doors is mortise locks. These locks have keys that are that is cut into the frame and can accept a rectangular-shaped keys. A locksmith can determine if the lock you have is standard or has a unique design that requires a specific type of key. They can also help you locate a replacement. If you're replacing a mortise lock on your sliding patio door it is crucial to find one that matches the current lock size and design. Many doors have their name or manufacturer's name embedded into the frame's corner and can be useful in communicating with locksmiths and hardware stores regarding the parts that are compatible. You could also take a photograph of your existing lock with a digital camera to capture more details about its size and shape. There are also surface-mount locking options available for patio doors that don't have mortise lock cutouts. These locks are fixed to the frame of the door with an adapter and keys that are rectangular in shape. These locks are usually sold as a set that includes an E2105 mortise lock an recessed housing, or an escutcheon, as well as a separate latch. These locks have the same jamming issues as sliding door pin tumbler locks, but they can be repaired just the latch by inserting a graphite pencil or lubricant to remove any obstructions.