Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear which can result in locks that fail. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These quick fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic for bringing the outdoors inside and keeping out the elements. However, they can be risky for security when the lock isn't functioning properly. Over time, wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little maintenance, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always work effectively.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from functioning as it should. Begin by wiping all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access parts of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then, wipe the entire lock with dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry prior to using it again.
If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to apply lubrication to 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 can be applied with ease and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
patio door glass replacement price uk for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow, which can cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. The same applies for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. They require maintenance and lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause 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. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This lets the latch sit perfectly in the hole, and also prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Measure 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 middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the lock's width
If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases shifting the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this case you'll need to expand the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, you should first determine the mortise type of lock you have. This can be done by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note the size. This will enable you to find an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and fits into the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you should also examine it for any bends or scratches that may need repairing. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that hasn't been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version when you spot any indications of damage or wear.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require Now it's time to begin 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 and aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts that secure it. Once the interior handle is in, install the exterior handle and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed these steps then 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 with the strike plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together to lock the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door shut properly. This problem is usually very easy to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate's holes for receiving to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, however they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or stay. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, then apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they can help keep your home safe from burglars. You must resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these simple steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.