Doors are a crucial access and safety feature in any home. Hence, it can be unsettling to notice that your door is not locking or opening well. However, you do not have to panic if you have a hard time keeping the door closed. Instead, get a competent 24/7 locksmith to assess your lock and determine why it has stopped functioning and how to fix the problem. Here are the most common reasons why locks jam and ways to solve it.
The Strike Plate Is Out of Alignment
The door won't close correctly if some areas of your house start settling due to environmental factors. Note that once this happens, the door will shift out of alignment, and the latch will no longer line up with the strike plate's hole. In most cases, you can notice this issue when you look at the door. For example, you can use a marker to see if the door has shifted downward. If this is the case, some homeowners might try to adjust the screws to the hinge to try and transform the alignment. However, this might not provide a long-term solution, and it is best to call an expert to realign the entire locking mechanism.
The System Has Debris
Dirt and debris are other common causes of trouble with door locks. So, if yours will not close, the chances are that the hinges, screws, and other components have dirt caked up, limiting motion. The good news is you can solve this problem by cleaning the lock parts. On the other hand, the accumulation of dirt mixed with moisture can cause the system to rust. When this happens, you must eliminate any rust on the components, as it will damage the door and compromise your home's security. More importantly, call a locksmith to do the cleaning and restore your locks.
The Hinge Is Out of Alignment
The hinges support the door's weight and allow it to open and close. However, with time and countless repetitions of opening and shutting the door, the hinge wears out and loses its strength. In most cases, experts recommend replacing the hinges once they fall out of alignment. Sometimes, fixing a loose screw can also solve the problem. So, get a locksmith to make the necessary changes and restore your hinges to support proper locking.
These are some common reasons why door locks stop functioning as they should. Note that speaking to a 24/7 locksmith is advisable because most problems affecting your locks are more than you can solve through DIY. Furthermore, they will give you a lasting solution and ensure you don't compromise your home's safety.
Contact a local locksmith company, such as Lock and Roll Locksmith, to learn more.
When my dad came to visit, his first comment was about how sticky the front door lock was. He mentioned that it could be a problem that needed to be resolved soon, so I started getting serious about replacing things. We began going through and evaluating different home security challenges I had, and it was really clear that we needed to replace our door locks quickly. We went through our entire home, replaced the locks with the help of a locksmith, and then enjoyed the peace of mind that came with knowing our home was secure. Check out this website for tips on identifying and resolving problem locks.