Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can cause lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting 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 the elements out, they can also be an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little attention, you can make sure that the lock on your patio door always works correctly.
repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door frame and frame. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch You can apply powdered graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you're not able to locate a suitable lubricant you could use a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice which can cause them jam or bind, 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 weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. They include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with keys. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil, but never WD40. This should be done at least once a year.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and also prevent it from scratching against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood that can fit into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, while the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
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 properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.
The latch may not be able to engage properly if the strike of the lock is too small. In this situation you'll have to increase 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.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before purchasing a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is square or round. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This information will help you find an alternative that is the same size and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement that you require It's time to start the actual repair. The old handle and spindle should be removed from the patio door. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it by using the two bolts or screws which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the Door's Strike
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix.
First, check the strike plate's receiving holes to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. 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 holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test 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 to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could hinder the latch from locking the door securely.
The most common reason for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can alter the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from burglars. If they're not working correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and get it back to normal in a matter of minutes.