Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always perform properly.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. Then, wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.
If your patio door has pin-tumbler latches You can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're not able to locate an appropriate lubricant, you can try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to ice and snow, which could cause them to be stuck or jammed and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The same applies for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by the key. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder. the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is hard to turn even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation you'll need to expand the hole with a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will enable you to find an alternative lock that is the exact same width and will fit in the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that may need repairing. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's not utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure when you spot any indications of damage or wear.
Once you've inspected the lock and decided on the type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in position using two screws or bolts. Once the interior handle is in, install the exterior handle and screw it in place as well. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure they can be shut and open easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together in order to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very easy to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not separating it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is placed on the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If patio doors repairs near me has been damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly, the latch may not lock the door properly.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. The most effective way to test for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You need to repair the issue as soon as possible. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.