Dealing with Jammed Door Latches

To keep your home or commercial space safe and secure, it’s essential that all of your locks and latches are kept in proper working condition. Unfortunately, latches and doors are susceptible to wear and tear over time that can prevent them from functioning effectively. To ensure that your doors continue working, it’s important to understand how to repair jammed door latches and when you need to call for commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA to address the problem.

What causes jammed doors?

There are several issues that can cause doors to jam. Plate misalignment is one of the most common issues associated with this problem. With plate misalignment, the metal latch inside the door mechanism isn’t aligned properly with the hole in the strike plate, and that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to fully close and lock the door. A plate misalignment can happen when moisture gets into your wood door and causes components to expand and shift out of place. In other cases, this problem can be caused by shifts in your building’s foundation. To fix this problem, you might simply need to replace the locking mechanism, but it may also be necessary to replace your door if the situation is bad enough.

Another issue that might cause door latch jamming is a buildup of corrosion or debris inside the locking mechanism. Rust, dirt, debris and dust can all interfere with the locking mechanism and jam your door. You might be able to fix this jam by removing your locking mechanism and cleaning it thoroughly with diluted vinegar. After cleaning your locking mechanism, you should also reseal your lock components using car wax or a similar product that will reduce the risk of corrosion reappearing.

In some cases, a jammed latch is simply caused by broken components inside the locking mechanism. Many of the parts inside your lock are fragile, and they are more likely to become damaged or broken as time passes and your door experiences regular wear and tear. If you have an older lock, it might be time to replace it. You can consult with a technician who specializes in commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA to determine the best option depending on your particular door. They will be able to recommend new locks that will offer better functionality and long-term performance.

Schedule commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA

If you’re looking for a provider of commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA that you can rely on to do the job efficiently and with the utmost professionalism, reach out to the team at Artie’s Lock and Key. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured, so you can always feel confident in the quality of the services that you receive from our team. Whether you simply need a new set of keys or you want to replace the locks in your home or business, give our team a call for professional assistance. Reach out to us today to arrange a consultation and get a service quote. We look forward to helping you soon!

Consider These Five Commercial Storefront Security Ideas

Saving money is at the top of many business owners’ to-do lists, but you should not have to choose between cost-efficiency, storefront appearance and effective security. To get what you want, you need to consider all three factors—invest in a secure and proper function storefront door. Make sure the deadbolt locks work and that the door is always in good condition. If you have concerns whether your business’s locks and doors are secure enough, hire a professional for an assessment.

Here’s some helpful advice from a commercial locksmith in Fairfax, VA regarding business storefront security ideas.

Perform regular maintenance

Locks will need to be replaced at some point, but there’s an easy way to save money over the years: keep up with maintenance. The fact of the matter is that performing regular maintenance helps to keep locks in good working order and prime condition.

But while maintenance and care can extend the lifespan of storefront locks, you must also consider how much the lock gets used. Let’s look at deadbolt locks and keys. Having to fight the key into the keyhole or needing to wiggle the key in the keyhole to unlock a door are not good signs—in fact, they are not typical issues. The pressure put on the deadbolt can stress out the locking mechanisms and reduce the lifespan of the lock.

The benefits of performing routine lock maintenance include cleaning and lubricating the latches, bolts and keyholes. This decreases the friction placed on the metallic components that grind against each other. You can perform some types of maintenance yourself, but hiring a professional locksmith company ensures the job is done thoroughly and correctly.

Re-key instead of replacing locks

One of the best things business owners can do to protect their business is to ensure storefront security by installing quality deadbolt locks. Over time and after frequent use, locks can weaken, or a business owner might decide it’s time to improve the security of the building. This could lead to unnecessarily replacing the entire locking system. If the locks are still functional but you have security on your mind, save your money and consider re-keying the lock instead. A pro will come to you and alter the pins in the lock until the new key works with it.

Install commercial business locks

Did you know there are door locks and locking systems that are made specifically for commercial business spaces? While there are plenty of quality residential locks on the market that are enticing to business owners, it’s important to understand the factors that differentiate private home locks from commercial grade locks. A major difference is that locks made for storefronts are technologically advanced to withstand much lot more daily use than home locks. They can hold up against wear and tear and take more damage than typical residential locks.

Whether you’re a business owner in need of key duplication, access control installation or commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA, you can trust the team at Artie’s Lock and Key to get the job done right. Call us anytime to schedule a commercial service!

Tips for Choosing the Right Commercial Storefront Door

Your commercial storefront door is a vital component of your business. Your door is integral in creating a good first impression for anyone that walks into your store. If your door looks shoddy and needs commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA, you put yourself in jeopardy of losing that customer’s business. On the other hand, a nice-looking door can help draw in customers and help you generate revenue. If it’s been a while since you’ve replaced your door, keep reading—this post will teach you what you need to know about choosing a new door for your business.

Things to consider

You never want to rush into anything before making a purchase. Here are a couple of things to consider before you buy and install a new door for your storefront:

  • Appearance: First and foremost, you need to choose a door that looks great and goes along with the rest of your store’s facade. As you’ll learn below, your options for door styles are nearly limitless, so be sure to shop around and choose the best-looking door for your business.
  • Security: Appearance is obviously crucial, but we can’t overemphasize the importance of safety and security. Make sure your new door has a top-of-the-line lock to help prevent any break-ins. Additionally, make repairs as soon as you notice any signs of damage, as a compromised door makes it easy for burglars to get in.
  • Cost: Don’t overspend when you’re shopping for a door! Sure, having a new, great-looking door is important, but it may not be worth breaking the bank over. The good news is that you can find great deals on new doors if you just put in a little time and effort to shop around.

Types of storefront doors

As you can imagine, there are many types of doors out there. The material your door is made of is ultimately up to you, but here are a few of your top options:

  • Aluminum: An aluminum door is durable, cost-effective and can be painted to match the exterior of your building. These doors are also safe and secure, so you don’t need to worry about break-ins occurring at your property. For all of these reasons, aluminum is the number one choice for commercial doors across the country.
  • Glass: Give your business a more modern look by installing a glass door. In addition to a sleek appearance, glass doors let in more light and can make your store seem larger than it actually is.
  • Steel: The back of your business most likely doesn’t need to impress anyone. For that reason, we recommend choosing steel for the rear door of your commercial building. It doesn’t have any frills, but a steel door will last for years and years without needing repair, which is what really matters in the long run. And depending on the area around your business, you may be able to get away with a steel door on your storefront and blend right in!

Whether you need installation or commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA, be sure to choose Artie’s Lock And Key. We have decades of industry experience working with doors of all kinds, so you can rest easy knowing that there’s nothing we can’t do.

Hire an Expert for Commercial Door Repair in Fairfax, VA

Does your list of responsibilities include properly maintaining commercial doors? If you own or manage a commercial property, these access points are likely integral to your operations. Ensuring they are well maintained is an important task. To successfully complete it, hire an expert in commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA.

These professionals offer specific skill sets that make them uniquely qualified to repair your commercial doors. Other technicians simply don’t provide the advantages offered by commercial door experts. These pros provide:

  • The right vehicles: Experts in commercial door repairs offer trucks that are outfitted for the job. The technicians are able to bring the right equipment with them to your location. Items such as vises, welders and parts are conveniently brought on-site to get the job done right, and in a timely manner.
  • The right experience: Commercial doors are not like other doors. Experience with other types of projects won’t necessarily transfer to these jobs. Commercial door experts have the experience in the types of projects you need to complete for your doors. They know the safest, quickest and most cost-effective ways to repair or replace these types of doors. You’ll save time and money due to their experience.
  • The right crew: Due to their knowledge, experience and equipment, most commercial door projects can be handled by one commercial door technician. This will save you further in labor costs and travel expenses for the job.
  • The right plan: Commercial door services can provide solid maintenance plans to keep your doors in top shape. Check with your local provider of commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA to learn about what plans are available for your company. They can partner with you to properly maintain your doors to avoid future repairs and keep operations smooth.
  • The right parts: Logically, your doors will function best when they include the best parts. A commercial door expert has access to high-quality parts recommended by the manufacturer. They will ensure that only reliable parts are used for your repairs and maintenance.
  • The right protection: Before you hire any type of technician to perform work for your company, it is essential to verify that they have the proper coverage. A professional commercial door repair service is fully licensed, bonded and insured. This protects you from liability in the case of any incidents during the project. It also ensures the technicians are qualified for the job.
  • The right projects: When should you call for commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA? It is best to leave it to the experts if you need repairs or maintenance for roll-up doors, overhead doors, hollow metal and wood doors, glass and aluminum doors, gates, grilles, high-speed doors, air curtains and other specialty doors.

If you are in need of professional commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Artie’s Lock and Key. With over four decades of experience, we are your go-to source for commercial doors. Our family-owned company offers full service for your door needs. Contact us today for smoother, safer, more secure commercial door operation tomorrow!