Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great way to let the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris could take their toll on the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little care you can ensure that your patio door's locks will always function correctly.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help remove any dirt and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping the moving parts on the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door frame and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can lubricate the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs You can try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around to distribute 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 can be especially vulnerable to snow and ice, which could cause them to be stuck or jammed, 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 dirty or damaged weather stripping and cleaning them before installing it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil, but never WD40. It should be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole and prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above 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.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult 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 in balance and if the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
The latch may not 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 connects to the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, first determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each. This information will assist you in finding an alternative that is the same width and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.
In Repair My Windows And Doors to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also need to check it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows signs of damage.
Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require Now it's time to start the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the handle in the interior is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it in the position as well. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The strike plate and the door latch are two parts which work together to secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can result in the latch not being able to latch the door in a proper manner. This is typically easy to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that keep the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the frame of your door. Then, you can adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed, the latch may not lock the door properly.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is a common reason for a patio lock to not close or stay. This can be confirmed using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave marks on the tape that will show exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.