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Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can lead to locks that fail. There are a few easy steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors in and keeping out the elements. However, they can be risky for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. Over time, wear, tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention you can ensure that your patio door's lock is always working correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that may be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Begin by wiping 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 difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to using it again.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as 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 to find a suitable lubricant You can try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, then shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also required to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and debris. These tracks can be especially susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult 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, and then replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by a key. They also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the problem it could be because the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool enlarge the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from hitting the frame.
Take a measurement of the length 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 center of the cylinder, while the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are in good condition. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
The latch may not be able to engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case, enlarge the opening with the hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or fall the frame.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will help you find an alternative that is the same width and will fit perfectly into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also want to inspect it for any nicks or bends that may require repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice signs of damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into place using the two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The strike plate and door latch are two pieces which work together 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 problem is often easy to fix.
First, examine the strike plate's receiving holes 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 and allow it to move vertically but not removing it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once sliding patio door repair is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate, and it creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you must fix the problem quickly. By following these simple steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.
