It may be because it’s no longer aligned properly. Fortunately, we know a few ways to tell if this is the case, and we can give you solutions to fix it. Let’s go over four of them.

1. Difficulty Opening/Closing

If your door used to open and close smoothly, but no longer does, this is one of the most obvious signs of a misalignment. You shouldn’t have to use excessive force to shut your door and it shouldn’t stick or jam frequently. This could be because of shifts in your home, changes in temperature, and humidity, or general wear and tear. Whatever the reason, the solution will involve checking that all hardware in the door is still intact and tightened. If issues still occur, the hinges (or entire door) may need to be replaced. If you’re unsure, a locksmith can help.

2. Visible Gaps

If there are gaps around the door when it’s closed, that’s another warning sign. This condition can allow light, dust and even pests to enter your home, in addition to creating a security concern. Energy efficiency may suffer, as well as indoor comfort, so this isn’t an issue you want to live with. Whether the gaps are on the top, bottom or sides of the door, you can start addressing it by inspecting for warping or damage. Use a level to confirm whether the door frame is straight, and if not, adjust or replace the door as necessary.

3. Uneven Floor Clearance

There should be consistent clearance along the bottom of the door. If one side seems higher or lower than the other, that means the door is likely misaligned. This can be due to uneven flooring surfaces as well, or improper installation. Again, check for damage to the door frame, and make any adjustments that need to be made. If you can’t fix it by shimming the hinges, adjustable door sweeps can help compensate for uneven alignment. But your best bet is to see a professional locksmith for their advice.

4. Excessive Noises

Finally, if you notice consistent squeaking, grinding, scraping, creaking or other, sounds, it could be due to a misalignment or friction between moving door components. In this case, inspect the hinges, latch and door hardware for issues (and lubricate as necessary). If the noises persist, consider replacing the hinges or hardware with options that restore smooth operation and prevent future issues.

These are just a few examples of how to work with or fix misaligned doors in your home. If you still have a door problem you can’t diagnose or you’re interested in new locks, keys or other security needs, contact A-1 Locksmith today.

For simplicity, replacing door hardware is almost always the economically correct decision. The question is, what are the symptoms you should look for that should prompt you to replace your door hardware? Are there also reasons to replace perfectly good door hardware?

From broken handles to worn locks, the hardware on your door can be replaced for a variety of reasons. Let’s go over five of the most common ones.

1. You’ve Had a Break-In

If you’ve had a burglary or, some other security issue (like an ex who makes you uneasy), it’s a good idea to replace your door hardware. For one, it’s apparent you need a better security solution. Secondly, the person who broke in might still have access to keys or a way to enter your home or business. For peace of mind, it’s always a good choice to replace. 

2. You Moved Into a New Home

Similar to the above situation, you have no idea who has access to your home when you move into a new one. There are the former homeowners, contractors, realtors, and other people who have had control of your locks, and entry points, so replacing door hardware will help you ensure that only the people you choose can enter your home or business.

3. You Want to Upgrade

You don’t always have to be reactive when it comes to door locks, and hardware. Upgrading is a smart decision even when you aren’t having security issues. Just like you change your password regularly online, it’s a good idea to upgrade or change out your locks every so often.

4. Your Existing Locks Have Wear or Damage

Anything mechanical is going to wear down eventually. Over time, your door locks may wear down and not provide adequate security for your building. Damage can also occur, due to blunt force, the weather or another accident. When it comes to replacing door hardware, you can choose to repair or replace, but we’ll always recommend the latter.

5. You Want to Change Things Up!

Finally, you might just not like how your existing door hardware looks. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials to choose from with door hardware. In addition to upgrading your door hardware security, it can deter potential thieves who can see that you keep up your home or business security.

If you’re interested in more door hardware advice or have a residential security-related question, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today.

Whether the door won’t stay closed or it won’t latch, door problems can be frustrating. Fortunately, a locksmith can help with every day inconveniences like this, and is often a better option than a handyman or general contractor. Let’s discuss why doors stop latching and what you can do about it.

Reasons Why Doors Stop Latching

Simply put, the reason a door won’t latch is because the latch isn’t aligned with the hole. Doors usually get out of alignment for two reasons: the foundation has shifted or the hinge on your door is sinking. Foundations shift due to weather-related incidents or the natural passage of time. Hinges sink when the door is too heavy or the door is pulling on the hinges for, some reason. Either way, something needs to be fixed if you want your door to latch again.

Solutions for a Door That Won’t Latch

The best solution is to call a professional locksmith, but if you’re going to attempt a fix yourself, you have a few options. Here are some solutions for a door that won’t latch:

• Tighten the screws to make sure the hinge is tight.
• Remove one hinge screw and adjust the position until it’s correct. 
• Reposition or replace the strike plate.
• Replace the door or door frame entirely.

How a Locksmith Can Help

The most common solution for a door that won’t latch is to replace the strike plate. These can be complex and frustrating, however, so you might want to call a professional locksmith for help. Not only does a locksmith have experience replacing strike plates, and repairing doors that won’t latch, but they can identify the cause of the problem quickly. If you attempt a DIY fix, it may take some time to diagnose the problem and you may make mistakes with strike plate placement or other elements of the repair. A locksmith can fix it right the first time, or point you in the right direction if locksmith services aren’t necessary.

If you have a door that suddenly stopped latching and are in need of assistance, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today for a consultation.

With all that being said, as an owner or operator of a business you are also probably short on the time necessary to install, manage, and maintain these much-needed systems on your own.  This is where the services of a quality locksmith, such as those available at A-1 Locksmith, can be beneficial whether in implementation or upkeep.  Here we break down some of the most common commercial security hardware solutions, and how they can help secure your business interests.

The Critical Nature of Doors

Doors may be an afterthought to some business owners/managers, but whether catering to customers or allowing employees on site, doors are critical to a business’s day-to-day operations.  These entryways are also one of the biggest areas of vulnerability to commercial ventures.  Multiple users of doors, and facilities necessitate the need for handing out keys, keycode, and fobs, presenting a host of security risks with employee turnover.  Interchangeable core door locks are a commercial business owner’s dream solution to security, providing new, secure access with only a few minutes of installation into existing door hardware.

For external rear doors, all businesses can benefit from reliable, tried-and-true door hardware such as push bars for ease of exit.  With the ability to open with little effort, however, comes to necessity of security to ensure this easy access point for potential intruders is shut.  This is where secure top-jamb closers that safely, and reliably force open doors shut, come in handy.

Monitoring, Remote Access, and More

Depending on the size, and scope of your enterprise, your commercial business may also benefit from other advanced security systems, and protocols.  Remote access gives business, and property owners the benefit to arm, disarm or confirm the status of electronic security systems, all from the comforts of home or while on the go.  Other monitoring systems such as exterior or interior camera or monitoring can allow peace of mind that your property is protected, and can also provide valuable back-up for employees in need of safety, security, and accountability.

Speaking of technology, commercial safety has come a long way from your standard lock-and-key set.  Digital access codes with electronic locking mechanisms are a great way to monitor individual comings, and goings, and can also allow owners to quickly activate or deactivate individual codes, ensuring secure access to buildings, and premises.  Asset tracking, biometric security systems, fire detection, intrusion monitoring and protection and more are all available in more advanced, easy to access systems than ever before, meaning that business owners can rest assured their physical inventory, property, and employees are safe at all times.

Consult with a Qualified Locksmith

If your commercial property or business is in need of these services or if you’d like a no-cost consultation regarding the available options for your individual property needs, call A-1 Locksmith today.  Our experienced, and professionally licensed locksmiths are experts in tailoring security solutions for a variety of clients.  With A-1 Locksmith, you’ll know that your business assets are always secure, allowing you to focus on the things that really matter such as growing your business enterprise.

The latest technological advancement to hit the security market has homeowners cautiously optimistic.  So called “smart” door locks, and doorbell systems promise all the benefits of a fully integrated, hands-free locking and alarm arming and disarming system and are being touted as the greatest advancement to home, and business security in decades.  While these claims certainly seem attractive, when it comes the safety, and security of your most valued possessions, are these locks really as “smart” and secure as they claim?

Different Communication Methods Bring Varying Concerns

Before we can delve into the safety of smart locks, and doorbells, it’s important to understand the three main types of technology that most systems operate from.  For communicating between a phone based app, and your lock, most smart security systems use either Bluetooth, Z-wave, and Wi-Fi.  Each of these systems have their plusses, and minuses.

For example, both Bluetooth and z-wave are limited by distance, typically within 120 feet or, so of the device.  Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi both require separate hardware to be stored or plugged in near your smart door lock system and all three systems are powered via battery if not hardwired.

Can Smart Systems Be Compromised

While it seems only natural that customers would be concerned about the integrity of smart, wired, door locks, and doorbells given the daily news stories regarding hacking and internet security, in reality smart systems are as safe, and secure as traditional locks, if not more so.  Most smart systems still have an option for manual entry, and communications with the electronic portion of the device are typically very secured.  Another point to consider is that the majority of break ins that are forced entries don’t occur as a result of a picked, or in this case, hacked system but by kicking in windows or doors.

The Bottom Line is all About the Right Product (and Partner)

You may be asking what the benefits are to smart system, or if they really are more useful/safer than traditional door locking systems.  The answer to that is: it depends.  This is where choosing the right security partner is critical.  A qualified, and experienced locksmith will be able to evaluate your family or business’ needs, and suggest a product that not only adds convenience but also an extra layer of security.

Many intruders will canvas neighborhoods or try out multiple homes, typically by testing whether doors are locked, and whether there is visible presence of any alarms.  Many smart door lock systems can be monitored remotely, providing information such as whether the deadbolt is engaged, and alerting users when a door has been opened or a lock manually disengaged.  This can provide many homeowners with peace of mind that their property is safe, and secure, and won’t end up easy pickings for a would-be thief.

Experienced locksmiths, and security professionals, such as those at A-1 Locksmiths, know the ins, and outs of all the various smart lock and doorbell systems available on the market.  Certain smart locks have known security bugs while others require extensive alteration to existing door structure.  A knowledgeable locksmith, independent certified, and licensed, has the extensive knowledge, and experience necessary to provide this type of information to you, their customer, in order to help select the system that fits your family or business.  Whether a traditional deadbolt or a modern smart lock, call A-1 for a consultation for all of your security needs.

Like any other home appliance, a door and its related hardware requires routine inspection and maintenance to make sure that everything works correctly. The following guide is meant to help you understand the hardware of your door, as well as what you can do if it needs repair or replacement.

Door Hardware Specifics

Nearly all doors are installed with the same (or similar) hardware. To be sure, in order to latch shut, the door must contain a latch on the door, as well as a latch strike on the door frame. And, if the door utilizes a deadbolt, opposite this will be a deadbolt strike in the door frame, as well. Finally, the door will possess a mortise plate that surrounds the latch, as well as a lever or knob to open the door itself. This is not an exhaustive list of the hardware you may see on your door; however, issues often arise with these specifically, so understanding their placement and purpose can help in the pursuit of a remedy.

Inspecting and Maintaining Door Hardware

In general, as a homeowner or business owner, it is imperative that you take action immediately if you notice an issue with one of your doors. And, one of the most common issues to arise with door hardware involves the door not latching easily when shut, or not latching at all. This can be an inconvenience, at best; or a safety hazard, if the door cannot be locked.

Ultimately, if the door is unable to latch, it means either the latch or the deadbolt (or both) is missing the strike on the door foundation; this could be due to the house foundation shifting over time, or the door pulling the hinges downwards.

Check Your Hardware Routinely, and Call a Locksmith for Help

While there is no exact amount of time after which you must check your door hardware, doing, so on a routine basis, especially if you notice wear and tear, can help you catch problems before they arise.

Of course, if you do notice a problem with your door hardware, it is imperative that you contact a locksmith. A skilled locksmith can identify the source of the issue, and find a quick solution to help you protect your home.

Do you need a locksmith in the Dallas area? Reach out to us today at A-1 Locksmith for assistance. We have been helping Dallas residents for over 65 years, and we would like to put our experience to work for you immediately.