Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could cause locks that fail. There are a few basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks These simple fixes can increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep the elements out however, they can also pose security risks in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks always work properly.
To begin with, it's essential to clean the lock on your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing the lock from working effectively. Begin by wiping all 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 hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then clean the lock using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve with time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them to become stuck or slack, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The same can be done to patio door rollers which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the lock cylinder and handle operated by a key. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil but not WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem it could be because the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool increase the size of the mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole, and also prevent it from rubbing against the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is in balance and if the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down could fix the problem.
Most of the time, the issue occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation you'll need to expand the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This information will allow you to find a replacement lock that is exactly the same width and will fit into the hole you have already.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for scratches, bends or other damage that needs to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require It's time to begin the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in position using two bolts or screws. Once patio door repairs is in, install the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching properly with the strike plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is usually simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically, but not removing it from the door frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten the screws and test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated between the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not properly installed the latch may not properly lock the door.
One common reason for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You need to repair the issue as soon as possible. If you follow these steps, you can repair your patio door's lock and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.