Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can cause locks that fail. However, there are easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always work correctly.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and let it to air dry prior to making use of it again.
If your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks, you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied quickly and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to become stuck or slack and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, then replace it. The same applies to patio door rollers which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by a key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue it could be because the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
Take sliding patio door repair repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of wood or a book that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it is not aligned with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are in good condition. In many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you need to widen the opening with an hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it doesn't rub against the door jamb frame or catch the frame.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock you have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This information will aid you in finding a replacement that is the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version when you spot any indications of wear or damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you need Now it's time to begin the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Start by putting in the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place by using the two screws or bolts that hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps Test the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
The most common reason for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily alter the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.