Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few simple steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These easy fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements but they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes wear and tear cold and hot weather dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always perform effectively.
In the beginning, it's crucial to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth, then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before using it.
If your patio door has a pin-tumbler latch you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're not able to locate a suitable lubricant You can try using a pencil that has a thick tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks can be especially vulnerable to snow and ice, which can cause them become stuck or slack, making it harder 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 replacing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with keys. These doors also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin, but never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem it could be because the door isn't aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to enlarge its mortise. This lets the latch sit perfectly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on the frame.
Take a measurement of the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of wood or a book 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 center of the cylinder, and 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 oiling it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check if your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could fix the problem.
The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first determine what kind of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is square or round. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock, and note their size. This will help you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and fits into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that may need repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to begin the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed the steps then you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches correctly 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 parts aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door properly. This issue is usually easy to repair.
First, examine the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate and forms the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
One common reason for a patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. patio doors repairs need to repair the issue as soon as you can. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.