Sliding Patio Door Lock Repair A secure lock is vital to ensure the safety and security of your patio door The good news is that a lot of lock issues can be fixed with preventive maintenance and the most basic tools For instance, a lock that is difficult to lock might simply need lubrication To prevent damaging https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/patio-door-repairs-bournemouth/ , it is essential to use the right type of lubricant Air and drafts Leaks Over time the patio of a sliding door can suffer normal wear and tear, which can impact its functionality Fortunately, a few easy-to-do maintenance tasks can resolve a number of common issues The most frequent problem is drafts and air leaks around the door's frame, which could lead to discomfort in your home and higher energy bills Air leaks are often caused by weather stripping that has been worn down or an improper alignment Replacing the weather stripping, and ensuring that the door is correctly aligned will resolve these issues, thereby increasing the efficiency of your home's energy usage Another issue that is common is a slick door track that makes it difficult to open and close the door Often, this can be solved by applying lubrication to the tracks and rollers with silicone-based lubricant It's a good idea also to clean the track on a regular basis to keep it clear of dirt and other debris that can cause friction In the final instance, if you notice damp carpets or rugs near the sliding patio door This could mean that there is a water leak Damp carpets and rugs can be caused by a range of factors, including poor installation that causes cracks or gaps in the door's frame, permitting water to get in Replacing gaskets or seals that are damaged and installing a threshold sweep or seal can solve these issues, but in severe cases it may be necessary to replace the door itself Cracked or shattered glasses are not just an eyesore They can also be a safety risk and reduce the insulation capabilities of the door Replacing broken glass is a complex task that should be left to an expert If you're experiencing any of these problems 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 Sliding patio door are stylish additions to any home However, they require regular maintenance to ensure they run smoothly for many years Worn Handle The hardware for sliding patio doors can be neglected and deteriorated by foot traffic and dust Some issues can be repaired with DIY solutions Others require professional repairs or replacement With some care and attention homeowners can keep sliding patio doors in good functioning condition for many years Some sliding patio door locks could have a system different from the standard pin tumbler used on regular doors Others may have their own distinctive mechanism In general, glass sliding door latches often get stuck or catch on foreign objects that are 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 the handle itself becoming difficult to open or loose This problem is usually caused by the screws holding the handle in place becoming too loose or wearing out A novice do-it-yourselfer can usually fix these handles using the use of a screwdriver A sliding patio door that doesn't close properly can cause a lot of inconvenience and, in some instances it can cause damage to your home or energy leaks The sliding patio doors are typically constructed with a track at the bottom that runs along the floor and the track may suffer wear from dirt, sand or grit This wear may cause the track to become off-center or lose contact with track if left unchecked The sliding patio door jambs and tracks must be cleaned regularly to avoid a buildup of grime, which can hinder or stop the movement of the track A regular lubrication for sliding door runners is also beneficial to avoid stiffness or jamming They are exposed to dust and dirt that can settle into the runners They must be cleaned and lubricated when required Keeping your home's sliding doors operating properly is crucial for the safety of your family and yourself So, be sure to address any issues promptly Weatherstripping that isn't working properly Weatherstripping is an essential part of sliding patio door to stop unwanted moisture, light and air You may have to replace your weatherstripping if it is damaged, cracked, brittle or hard or does not form an adequate seal Close the door and see if any light comes 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's time to replace the weatherstripping Cleaning the lock mechanism is important to maintaining its sturdiness and security Clean and regularly 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 they continue functioning smoothly With the right tools and information replacing the locking mechanism can be a straightforward DIY project It is important to identify the specifics of your existing lock, such as its name and the location of the keyway This will allow you to select and install the right replacement If you own a digital camera, take a picture of the lock in order to convey the details to a lock dealer and ensure you buy the correct lock for your patio door To replace the lock, unscrew the lock that was previously used and then remove the screws that secure it Then loosen the screws that secure the lock strike to the jamb Move the strike upwards and downwards until the latch line up with it If the door's latch does not latch when you close it, the lock might not be aligned correctly with the strike Take note of the locations of the mounting holes, direction of the hasp's swing and size of the strike to help you choose the best replacement lock If you're not sure how to proceed, you can contact a professional for help or visit your local home improvement store for assistance They'll usually guide you to the correct type of replacement lock for your patio door and show how to install it Broken Lock A damaged lock on your sliding patio door can be an extremely security risk If your door does not close and lock properly, it is impossible to keep your home safe A professional locksmith will look over the lock and fix or replace it if needed In some cases the locking mechanism could be blocked by debris or dirt If this happens you can apply lubrication to the lock to help remove the obstruction This should be done on a regularly basis to stop dirt from causing issues to your lock Typically, this involves using graphite pens to push up and down on the lock latch to clear any obstructions Some people use WD-40 or other oils to lubricate locks However it is best to avoid this since the liquid residue could attract dust and other debris, and block your lock The most popular type of lock that is used on sliding patio doors is a mortise lock They have keyways that is cut into the frame and accept a rectangular-shaped lock A locksmith can help you determine if the lock you have is standard or has a special design that may require an alternative type of key They can also assist you in locating an alternative If you're replacing mortise locks on your sliding patio door it's crucial to locate one that is compatible with the current lock design and size Most doors feature the name of the manufacturer or name of the door in the corner This can be useful when communicating with hardware stores and locksmiths about matching parts You can also utilize a digital camera and capture a picture of your current lock to get more information about its size shape, design, and other details Surface-mount locks are also available for patio doors that don't have a mortise cutout These locks are fitted with keys with a rectangular shape that is mounted on the frame of the door with an adapter plate They are typically sold in a set comprising an E2105 mortise lock, an escutcheon or recessed housing plate and a separate hasp These types of locks experience the same jamming issues as sliding door pin tumbler locks however, you can usually fix just the latch by inserting a graphite pencil or lubricant in order to eliminate any obstructions