Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. However, there are simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These easy fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep the elements out but they can also pose a security risk if your lock isn't working as it should. With time wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could affect the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always function correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that might be hindering your lock from functioning properly. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches, you can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied with ease and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your needs you might try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice, snow, 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 close.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same is true 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, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by the key. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and stop it from hitting the frame.
Take a measurement of the length of the cylinder using an object of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, while 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 oiling and cleaning, it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are tight. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole 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 getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to determine what kind of mortise lock you currently have. You can do this by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is round or square. Look at each screw hole on the current lock and note the size. This information will allow you to locate a replacement lock that is the exact same width and fits into the hole that you already have.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for any scratches, bends or other damage that need to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version if you find any signs of damage or wear.
After you've examined the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into place using the two bolts or screws. Once the handle's interior is installed, you can install the handle on the outside and screw it in place, too. 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.
Check the Door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to correct.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move vertically but not separating it from the door frame. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving are aligned with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see if the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or stick. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When upvc patio door repairs Repair My Windows And Doors shut the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars. If they're not functioning correctly, you must solve the issue fast. By following these easy steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and regain its functionality in a matter of minutes.