Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could lead to locks that fail. There are a few basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes will make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However they could pose risky for security in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. As time passes, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always function correctly.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime or coatings that could be preventing your lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.
If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches You can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. patio door repair near me can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your needs, you can try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other debris, which can cause them block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then reinstalling 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, similar to sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by the key. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This allows the latch to fit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents scratching or catching on the frame.
Measure the width of the cylinder with an object of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases, moving the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.
The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, you'll need to enlarge the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or catching on the frame of the door jamb.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Examine each screw hole on the existing lock, and note their size. This will help you to locate an alternative lock that is the exact same width and will fit into 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 badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays evidence of damage.
After you've examined the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into place using the two bolts or screws. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it into place as well. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The strike plate and the door latch are two parts that work together in order to secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.
First, examine the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This allows 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. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or stick. The most effective way to test for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they can help keep your home secure from intruders. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.