Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism These simple fixes can increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
While patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose an issue for security if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time wear and tear cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With some minor maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks always function effectively.
In the beginning, it's important to clean the lock on your patio door and all of its moving parts. This helps remove any dirt and coatings that may hinder the lock from working as it should. Start by wiping all the moving parts on your patio door lock with a damp cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door frame and frame. Then, wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before applying it to the next time.
If you have a patio door that uses pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can grease 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 is easy to apply and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you're unable to locate an appropriate lubricant you can try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow which can cause them to be stuck or jammed, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem it could be because the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it rests in. This will permit the latch to fit properly into the hole and prevent it from scratching against the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if balcony door repair repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the opening using a chisel or hammer and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
Before purchasing a new lock, first determine what kind of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Look at each screw hole on the current lock, and note their size. This will assist you in finding a replacement that is the same width and fits perfectly into the hole you have already.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that requires to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.
Once you've checked the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The old spindle and handle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it in by using two bolts or screws. Once the interior handle is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it into place, too. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch is in contact correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the door's Strike
The strike plate and the door latch are two parts that work together to secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will result in the latch not being able to latch the door correctly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and test if the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually located on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate to form the seal when it is closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not installed correctly, the latch may not be able to lock the door properly.
One common reason for the patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave the mark when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can alter the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help keep your home safe from intruders, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should solve the issue fast. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.