Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear which can lead to locks that fail. Fortunately, there are several easy and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks These simple fixes can help you make your home more secure.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep out the elements but they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with some minor maintenance you can make sure that the locks on your patio door always work correctly.
door replacement london Repair My Windows And Doors to clean the lock on your patio door and all of its moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of your patio door's lock with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using an lubricant based on Teflon such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant can be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then installing it. The same is true for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work using 3 to 4 or sometimes five-point locking mechanisms, which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by the key. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using the use of a thin oil but not WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If the hinges aren't causing the issue, it could be that the door isn't aligned. It could be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This lets the latch sit perfectly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.
Take a measurement of the length of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood 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, while the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
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 a balanced position, and if the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.
The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or landing on the frame of the door jamb.
You should identify the type mortise lock that you have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is round or square. Examine each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This will enable you to locate the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and will fit in the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any nicks or bends that may need repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.
Once you've checked the lock and determined which type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Insert the new handle. 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's interior is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it into place, too. Once you have completed these steps check the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two parts that work together in order to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to ensure they are clear of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not installed correctly, the latch may not lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is the most common reason for a patio lock to not close or remain in place. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, and then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you shut the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks aren't working correctly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You need to fix this problem as soon as you can. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its function.