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 ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These easy fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However, they can be risky for security if the lock doesn't work correctly. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always function properly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that could hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the frame and door. Then wipe the lock using a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind 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 patio door repair near me into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other debris that could cause them to 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 dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then installing it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with a key. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be misaligned and catching or hitting the strike plate hole in 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 will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole, and stop it from rubbing against the frame.
Measure the width of the cylinder with a piece of book or wood that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension 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, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is balanced and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each one. This will enable you to find the replacement lock that has the exact same width and will fit into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also need to check it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A badly damaged or bent latch is more prone to break than one that hasn't been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure when you spot any indications of wear or damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and determined which type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then put in the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place by using the two screws or bolts that hold it. Once the handle's interior is in, install the handle that is outside and screw it into place as well. Once 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 is catching properly with the strike plate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The strike plate and door latch are two parts that work together in order to secure the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. This problem is usually very easy to solve.
First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Then, 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 then test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for a patio lock to not close or stay. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt and apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave the 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 it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality within a short time.