Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could result in locks that fail. However, there are simple and effective steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great way to let in the outside and keep the elements out however, they can also pose security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time wear and tear cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock of your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks 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 might be hindering your lock from functioning correctly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp, clean cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to using it again.
If your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it won't disintegrate with time. If you're unable to find an appropriate lubricant you could try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Insert sliding patio door repair near me in the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. They include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by keys. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin, but never WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This allows the latch to sit perfectly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way and out of the way, measure its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Examine if the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can correct the issue.
The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance, you can widen the opening with a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch to ensure that it doesn't rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.
You should identify the type mortise lock you are using before you purchase an alternative. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each one. This will enable you to locate a replacement lock that is the exact same width and will fit into your existing hole.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any bends, scratches or other damage that needs to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require Now it's time to begin the actual repair. The spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it into place as well. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. If these are misaligned and the latch isn't latching the door shut properly. This problem is usually very easy to solve.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This allows it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. 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 is adjusted then tighten all screws, and check whether the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically located at the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for a patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be verified using 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 marks on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You must resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.