FRONT DOOR

Have You Checked Your Doors Lately?

Doors are the entryway into our homes and businesses. They provide access as well as restrict it. In addition to a safety and welcoming measures, doors are also a great way to keep out insects, critters and even unwanted temperatures. But after so much opening and closing, they also wear down.

If it’s been a while since you’ve taken a look at your doors to assess the condition they are in, it might be time to do so. Doors that are no longer protecting your home may remain unlocked, even when a lock is turned, can swing open unexpectedly, and can even be lowering energy efficiency.

Here are 3 things you should look for on your door right now before calling a locksmith for help.

Check for Frame Damage

One of the most obvious signs of damage to your door can be seen by observing the frame. If it is made of wood, which can easily rot, you can grab a screw driver to poke at the wood and see if it is soft or brittle. In addition to the frame you should check the door jamb, trim and threshold for soft spots or other damage that could hinder its operation.

Keep Appearance in Mind

Keeping our homes clean and tidy isn’t just a task for the indoors. Most property owners also take pride in landscaping their yards and keeping their walkways and driveways free of debris. The next time you’re thinking about sprucing up your home to increase curb appeal, think about a new door. A damaged door is both a security risk, since it could allow an intruder to break in easily, as well as an eyesore and can diminish the curb appeal of your home or business if the decaying conditions are obvious to onlookers.

Energy Analysis

It is recommended to have an energy analysis done to ensure your home is optimally using and conserving energy. These reports are also a great indicator that something more could be wrong. If you realize you’re spending a lot of money on air conditioning or heating your home, you may want to head over to your door an check for things like gaps under it or along the side of the door as well as damage to the lock that won’t allow doors to fully close and have the issues fixed as soon as possible.

All American Locksmiths can help with your door regardless of the condition it’s in. We deliver fast, reliable service at a reasonable price and are focused on ensuring your safety and the security of your family, employees and property.

Contact us today to request service!

A Problem with Your Lock May Actually Be Caused by Something Else

Homeowners often experience problems when they try to open or lock a door. When a lock is not working properly, it is natural to assume that the problem is with the lock itself, but that is not always the case. Sometimes the problem is caused by an issue with one of the other components involved.

A Problem with the Key Can Prevent Your Lock from Working

If you are having trouble opening a door, it could be due to a problem with the key. The key and the pins in the lock need to line up correctly in order to work. If the key is off by even a tiny fraction of an inch, it may not be able to open the lock. A duplicate key will always be slightly different than the original. The variations will be greater if a copy is made from a copy. If you need to have duplicate keys made, it is best to make them from an original or to have a locksmith make several all at once if you have the locks rekeyed.

A Problem with the Door Hinges Can Affect the Lock

Your lock may not be opening correctly because of a problem with the door hinges. Sometimes the hinges are not completely attached, or they are only attached to the door jamb, but not to the door. This can cause the door to sag and can prevent the lock and strike from lining up correctly. This can cause you to be locked in or out of your house. A locksmith will check to make sure the gap between the door and the jamb is even and can repair a damaged or bent strike.

The Strike May Be Installed Incorrectly

Sometimes the strike has not been installed correctly and is not centered. The strike needs to prevent the deadlatch plunger from falling in the strike opening. If that happens, the door is not secure. The strike should be anchored into the 2×4 framing to prevent it from being forced open. When a home is broken into, it is usually the door jamb or the edge of the door that is broken, not the lock.

Call All American Locksmiths If You Need Help

If you are having trouble opening your door, it could be caused by one of these problems or by an issue with the lock itself. A locksmith can identify the problem and fix it. If you need a locksmith in Connecticut, call All American Locksmiths. We are available 24/7 to serve cities and towns all over the state, including Redding, Westport, and Branford. Call us whenever you need help.

Repairing or Replacing the Door Can Make Your CT Home More Energy-Efficient

The entry door is designed to keep the interior of your home protected from the elements. Unfortunately, over time the caulk and weather-stripping around a door can become worn out or a house can shift and cause the door to no longer be in the correct position. When those things happen, air can leak in around the outside of the door. In a cold Connecticut winter, this can make the interior of a house uncomfortable and can force the heating system to work harder. That can raise your energy bills.

If your winter heating bills are higher than you would like and your house tends to be cold, it could be because the entry door is damaged or out of alignment. It may be possible to make some simple repairs, or it may be necessary to replace the door.

Possible Causes of Air Leakage around the Door

The most common cause of air leakage around a door is damaged or improperly installed weather-stripping. Weather-stripping is placed along the four sides of a door to create a seal to prevent air leakage when the door is closed. If the house settles and the door shifts in its frame, it can move out of alignment, which can prevent the weather-stripping from doing its job. Worn-out weather-stripping can be replaced with adhesive foam, felt, or interlocking metal strips.

Another common problem is caulk that has rotted away because of exposure to the weather. It is relatively easy to remove damaged caulk and to re-caulk a door.

Air can also leak into a house if the door itself is damaged. The door may be out of alignment with the frame, which can cause it to stick or squeak. It might be possible to fix this by tightening the screws.

When to Replace a Door

If it is not possible to repair the door and sealants around it, you may need to replace the entire door. For a house in Connecticut, it is important to choose a door with a high R-value because it will provide the amount of insulation needed to keep cold air out.

If you want a door with glass, look for one with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. They will reduce energy loss by as much as 30 to 50 percent, which will make your house more energy-efficient and help keep your heating bills down.

Contact All American Locksmiths for Door Repair or Replacement

All American Locksmiths can help with door repair and replacement. We can inspect your door, figure out where air is leaking in, and suggest the best way to repair it or tell you if the door needs to be replaced. We serve towns all over Connecticut, including Fairfield, Norwalk, and Milford. Contact us today to learn more.