The exterior doors of your house are much more than a barrier against the elements outside. It reflects yourself and the value you place on your home’s quality and maintenance. Knowing some of the most common residential door issues will help you extend the life of your front door and keep it looking new. Are you looking for solutions to your door problems? Let us learn about the most common door problems and their fixes.

The door does not latch on its strike plate

If your door does not latch properly, the latch is missing the hole in the striking plate on the door frame. Repeated use of the door eventually leads to the sagging of the door, leading to misalignment. It could also be that the strike plate is set up too low or too high. Sometimes, all it takes to resolve the problem is to tighten the hinges on the door jamb side using 3-inch screws so the door frame can adequately support the door. Another solution is to move the strike plate up or down to align it with the latch. If this did not solve the problem, try enlarging the strike plate with an X-Acto knife or small file to make enough room for the latch to fit through.

The door lets drafts in

Ineffective weatherstripping (or the lack of it) will let drafts come in through the door. Over time, the weatherstripping around your door will wear, tear, or break. Fortunately, replacing door weatherstripping is a simple project involving a trip to the hardware store. All you need is the right kind of material, some measuring, and cutting, and you can outfit your door with weather-protecting seals before you know it. Before installing the weatherstripping, make sure that the door is flushed against its frame and make some adjustments if necessary. Do not forget to compliment your new weatherstripping with a new door sweep.

The door makes squeaking noises

A simple solution for a squeaking door is lubricating the hinges. Wax, grease, or even cooking oil can do the trick, although it is best to use a lubricant compatible with metal parts, like WD-40. You may need to use a hammer to remove the pins and coat the shafts. To allow the lubricant to work its way down the hinges, open and close the door numerous times. After that, your door should no longer squeak.

The door sticks at the top corner

It is pretty normal for doors to stick in the top corner opposite the hinges because gravity will pull the door away from the top hinges over time. However, you can fix a door that sticks or rubs in the frame by tightening the screws on the hinges. Even better, consider replacing the screws with longer ones that will drive through the door jamb and grip the hinges into the framing behind.

The latch is sticking in the door

If the door latch keeps getting stuck, perhaps the screws on the doorknob are overtightened, causing the knobs to bind. Loosening the screws on the doorknob can work. You can also try and remove the doorknob and lubricate the latch on the inside of the door. Replace the knob and turn it several times to spread the lubrication. If nothing works, the doorknob may need to be replaced. Fortunately, this quick remedy takes around five minutes to complete.

Front door replacement near me

Welcome to MacArthur Locks and Doors. We offer a wide range of lock and door services to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for locksmith services, front door repair, or door replacement, we are here to help. We pride ourselves on being the leading provider of lock and door solutions in Washington DC, so you can rest assured that your doors are in good hands with us. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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It could be one of the worst situations you have ever encountered; standing outside your home, unable to enter. Even if you have not had the unfortunate experience of being locked out, it is easy to understand how bad it can be.

It is an easy mistake to make, despite it being something you do not think about very often. It is possible that you have left your keys inside your house by accident or that you have misplaced them entirely. Regardless of whether or not you are in an emergency, it is better to research and choose a locksmith before something happens.

There are various reasons why you might want the help of a locksmith Washington DC, some of which are more common than others. Here is why you might need a locksmith service.

Getting Locked Out

One of the most common problems people have is locking themselves out of their homes. It is also one of the most frustrating experiences you will ever have.

If you ever find yourself in this scenario, you should never attempt to access the property yourself. This could result in further property damage that is not covered by insurance, as well as injury. In this situation, calling an emergency locksmith could be a more cost-effective and convenient solution to your problem.

Residential Services

Many people only think about calling a locksmith when they have locked themselves out of their house. While being locked outside can be inconvenient, a locksmith can offer a lot more residential services if you need them.

Did you know, for example, that your home’s locks should be maintained regularly? It is recommended to get your locks checked regularly to ensure they are still in good condition, while repairs and replacements may be required occasionally.

Aside from the one on the front door, you probably have a lot of other locks in your house. Locks on garage doors, antique cabinets, desk drawers, and safes, for example. Any of these locks can benefit from the maintenance, rekeying, and other services provided by a good key and lock service. You may even get assistance with old, antique locks if you find the right locksmith.

Commercial Services

Of course, if you own a business, your needs will be vastly different—and almost certainly more complex—than what a typical residential locksmith can offer. Regardless of the type of business you want to secure, you will need a qualified commercial locksmith. For your business, do not rely on a simple key replacement service.

Commercial locks must be designed to be tougher than residential locks, not only for security reasons but also because the doors of businesses are subjected to a lot more strain. Hiring a commercial door locksmith ensures that your locks will be kept in working order to keep your business running smoothly.

You Moved Houses

If you have recently relocated, it is a good idea to upgrade all of your locks. Even if previous owners of the home may have changed the locks before they left, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Some homeowners have a custom of duplicating extra keys to give to family members or neighbors in an emergency. If this is the case, strangers can enter your home whether or not you have closed the doors. You must contact a locksmith as soon as you relocate to reduce the risk of this happening.

Now that you know why you might need the services of a locksmith, who can you hire to take care of your security? MacArthur Locks & Doors is available every day of the week, guaranteeing customer satisfaction with the best professional service. For any of your locksmith needs, help is only a call away.

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