A door that latches tightly shut is often something that many of us take for granted. To be sure, when our front door latches well, it leaves us with no inconvenience; however, when the same door doesn’t latch correctly, we may find ourselves extremely frustrated each time we open and close it, and searching frantically for a solution to this irritating problem.
Fortunately, by understanding why it is that your door may not be latching, and by providing this information to a reputable locksmith, you should be able to have the problem fixed in short order. Consider these basic issues that may be affecting your front door, and reach out to a locksmith for help.
Shifting Foundation
If the door isn’t latching correctly, it is ultimately due to the latch being misaligned with the matching hole. And one of the most common reasons for this happening is the shifting of the house’s foundation over time, or even due to weather-related events. If the foundation of the home shifts, which includes the frame of the door, eventually the latch will no longer be in line with the opposing door jam; this, in turn, may cause difficulties when shutting the door, or even prevent the lock from latching altogether.
Sinking Hinges
On the other hand, if the house is structurally sound and the foundation hasn’t shifted, then the faulty latch may be a result of the door pulling down the hinges. The door may, in fact, be too heavy for the specific hinges; or the hinges may have been installed incorrectly when the door was installed. Regardless of the reason, this will lead to the door pulling downwards at an angle, causing the latch to be misaligned with the door jam.
How a Locksmith Can Help You Fix These Issues
In general, a door that doesn’t latch is often a nagging issue, and one that won’t go away without direct action. So instead of letting this problem continue, contact a locksmith, who will be able to provide you with an immediate solution.
For example, your locksmith can assist you with replacing or relocating the latch itself or the opposing door jam, to ensure that the door latches correctly when properly closed. This is a relatively simple fix that won’t require any structural modifications to your home. And it will also ensure that your home is properly locked again so that you can leave with peace of mind.
Don’t let a faulty latch bother you any longer. Call the skilled locksmiths at A-1 Locksmith in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and let us help you today.
