Doors are often overlooked, but they perform a vital function. The doors in our homes keep us safe and secure from unwanted guests. They also provide insulation against the outside elements, keeping cold air out and warm air inside. Exterior doors are more important and come with a greater range of features that keep us safe and insulated. These exterior doors have locking mechanisms. It’s not uncommon to see a mortise deadbolt and a multi-point lock.
It can be a surprise when we realise that our doors may need to be repaired or replaced. Although they are very durable, wear and tear will eventually catch up to them. These are some of the problems that can arise when doors become old:
Alignment issues
If the hinges are loose, a door will become misaligned over time. This will be noticeable when the door becomes difficult to open or close. It may not be noticeable at first, but the misalignment can cause excessive stress to the locking mechanism over time. The worst-case scenario would be that the door will not close or lock correctly. The hinges will become misaligned over time if the door is heavy, such as a upvc door, for example. As long as the lock has not been damaged, fixing is easy. For Composite Doors Stroud, visit a site like https://www.truhouse.co.uk/double-glazing/doors/composite-doors/stroud/
Swelling Issues
Wood doors are more susceptible to swelling. Wood absorbs moisture in humid environments, causing it to expand. The door will eventually swell until it is difficult to open or close. It may be necessary to sand or plane the edges of the door to make it fit into its frame. The correct weather treatment can prevent swelling of wooden doors.
Hardware Faults
Most door complaints are due to broken lock mechanisms or door handles. The moving parts of these doors are subjected to heavy use throughout their lifetime, and wear and tear will eventually occur. Over time, keys can also deteriorate and become stuck or snap inside the lock.
Hinge Deterioration
Hinges are crucial to the ease with which a door can be opened and closed. Maintaining hinges is important. Weather conditions and dirt accumulation can affect hinges, resulting in a creaky and stiff door. Regular lubrication should help to reduce problems and extend the life of these components.