Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that could lead to locks that fail. However, there are simple and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
Whether it's realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking, these quick fixes can help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great way to let in the outside and keep out the elements, they can also be security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. As time passes, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect your patio door's lock and make it difficult to open. With a little maintenance, you can ensure your patio door's locks will always function properly.
To begin with, it's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all of its moving parts. This helps get rid of any grime and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock with a wet cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. 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 your patio door has pin-tumbler latches you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can use a pencil with larger tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other debris, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then installing it. The same applies for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate by using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by keys. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. patio door repairs can be done with the use of a thin oil but not WD40. It should be done at least once a year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue it could be because the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool expand the mortise. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.
Take a measurement of the length of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood that is able to fit into the space above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until 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. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are secure. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.
The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this case you'll need to expand the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before purchasing a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This information will aid you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you should also examine it for any nicks or bends that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice signs of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into position using two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it into place as well. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks properly with the strike plate.
Check the door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure the latch secures the door. If these are misaligned and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very easy to fix.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure 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 latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten the screws, and then test the door to see whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they are essential to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to create the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed, the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You need to fix this problem as soon as possible. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.