Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However they could pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work properly. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris could cause damage to your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always work correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that could hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. It is recommended to 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 you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and doesn't break down over time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs you could try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, 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 patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by a key. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool expand the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
Measure the width of the cylinder with 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 cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center 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, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.
The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each one. This will aid you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any nicks or bends that might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace patio door repairs RepairMyWindowsAndDoors if you notice signs of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require It's time to begin the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches properly with the strike plate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two components which work together to lock the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door shut properly. Fortunately, this problem is often easy to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not separating it from the frame of your door. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch may not lock the door properly.
One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. By following these easy steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in no time.