Why Does My Sliding Door Lock Keep Breaking?
It can be incredibly annoying when the lock on your sliding glass door constantly breaks down. You fix it or replace it, only to have it stop working again in no time. Why does your sliding door lock seem to fail repeatedly?
There are a few common reasons behind continuously problematic sliding glass door locks. By understanding the root causes, you can solve the issues and prevent ongoing discomfort.
Your Lock is Old
Like the painful joints of an aging person, an older sliding door lock will experience regular breakdowns because of its advanced years. Years of use lead to internal wear and tear. The latch bolt gets loose, the strike plate gets bent out of shape, and the rails get bumpy. All this adds up to trouble.
Every moving component ages and creaks! Replacing select components can offer a temporary solution, but eventually, you’re better off upgrading the entire lock mechanism for smooth performance.
Your Door is Out of Alignment
Over time, sliding doors can lose their balance or fall out of alignment with the door frame. The constant back-and-forth sliding action eventually takes a toll. When the door shifts position, even slightly, it throws off the correct alignment needed for the multipoint lock to engage correctly.
When the lock stops latching properly, you will know there is a problem. Wind or an attempted break-in are ways your sliding door can get knocked out or damaged. Proper realignment by door service providers is important.
You’ve Had Forced Entry
This is a frightening thought: the scratches surrounding the lock on your sliding door may indicate an attempted break-in. Lock picking, prying, and drilling – burglars have their methods of defeating locks.
The forced entry attempt might have harmed the internal parts of the lock, even if they were unable to open the door. The weak spots will eventually lead to failure down the road. After an attempted forced entry, replacing the lock provides peace of mind.
Rust is Your Enemy
Exposure to outdoor moisture is harmful to sliding glass door locks. Humidity causes surface rust. Rain keeps the components constantly damp. Salt air accelerates corrosion. Rust buildup eventually causes the lock bolt and internal mechanisms to become jammed and sticky.
Stainless steel lock parts stand up to weather exposure better than standard steel. However, heavily rusted locks need professional attention to get back into a smooth operating order.
Your Quick Fix is Still Broken
When a sliding door lock stops latching properly, it’s tempting to do a quick repair yourself. But a fast DIY patch job is unlikely to resolve the underlying issue. If age, imbalance, rust, or break-in damage are the root causes, the lock needs professional service to truly fix the problem.
Hire a qualified sliding glass door lock repair service for a thorough examination and a long-lasting solution. This way, you can avoid the disappointment of another malfunction. Your patience will pay off in long-term peace of mind.
Dealing with a constantly problematic sliding door lock is no fun. However, identifying and addressing the cause of the recurring problems is a smart decision. With the right maintenance and professional service, your sliding glass door lock can once again offer years of smooth, secure performance.