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Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can cause locks that fail. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These simple 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 option to bring the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With some minor maintenance, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always perform properly.
In the beginning, it's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that may be preventing your lock from working correctly. Start by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is able to be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to locate the right lubricant for your needs You could try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them become stuck or slack which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3-4 or occasionally five-point locking mechanisms, which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year.
If the hinges aren't causing the problem, it could be that the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Measure the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood that can be inserted 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 dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Verify repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of the lock.
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Verify that the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll need to expand the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.
Before purchasing a new lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any bends or scratches that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.
Once you've checked the lock and identified which kind of replacement you require, it's time to start working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Begin by installing the handle in the interior and aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it by using the two bolts or screws that secure it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. This problem is usually very easy to repair.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door shuts smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could 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 strike plate. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.
