Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With some minor maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks always function properly.
It's essential to clean your patio door's lock and all of its moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that could hinder the lock from working as it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.
If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate over time. If you're not able to find an appropriate lubricant, you might try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them to become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty. Clean it, then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue it could be because the door is not aligned. It could be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from scratching against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that can fit into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after oiling and cleaning it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is too small. In this case, enlarge the hole with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
You should identify the type mortise lock you are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This will enable you to find the replacement lock that has the exact same width and will fit in the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require It's time to start the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align patio door repairs near me with the spindle and then secure it in by using two screws or bolts. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix.
First, check the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and check whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.