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Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of easy and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep the elements out however, they can also pose an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little care, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always perform properly.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help get rid of any grime or coatings that may be preventing your lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to air dry prior to making use of it again.
If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and doesn't break down as time passes. If you're not able to locate an appropriate lubricant You could try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow which can cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and cleaning them before reinstalling it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by a key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. It should be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of wood that fits into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances it is possible to move 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 situation, you need to widen the hole with the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it doesn't touch the door jamb frame or catch on it.
You should identify the type mortise lock that you are using before you purchase a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each. This information will aid you in finding an alternative that is the same width and is a perfect fit for the hole that you already have.
In patio door repair to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle and then securing it by using the two bolts or screws that hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it into place, too. After you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to make sure they open and close easily and that the latch catches correctly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together to secure the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut properly. This issue is usually simple to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow 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 has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see if the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However patio door repairs are crucial for locking and unlocking 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 is inserted into the strike plate, and it creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch may not properly lock the door.
One of the most common reasons for a patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. 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 low or high you can easily alter the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks protect your home from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you must solve the issue fast. If you follow these steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in no time.
