Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could lead to locks that fail. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective ways to restore your uPVC patio door’s security.
These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep the elements out but they can also pose security risks when your lock isn’t functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris could affect the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can ensure that the locks on your patio door always function effectively.
It’s important to clean your patio door’s lock and all the moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that may be preventing your lock from working properly. Start by wiping the moving parts on your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow it how to Repair patio door lock air-dry before using it.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it won’t disintegrate over time. If you’re unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, you can use a pencil with more of a thicker tip. Insert the pencil into the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they’re free of dirt, dust, and debris. These tracks can be especially vulnerable to snow and ice which could cause them to become stuck or slack which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The same can be done to patio door rollers which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio repair near me doors, work with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by keys. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It should be done at least once a year.
If sagging hinges aren’t a reason, the door could be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate’s hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool increase the size of the mortise. This lets the latch sit properly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.
Measure the diameter of the cylinder using a piece of book or wood that can be inserted into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner dimension 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 hard to turn even after oiling and cleaning it’s possible that it’s not aligned properly with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is in a balanced position, and that the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance, you can widen the opening with an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch the frame.
Before you purchase a replacement lock, it is important to determine the mortise type of lock you currently have. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each. This will help you find an alternative that is the same size and fits perfectly into the hole that you already have.
You’ll want to identify the mortise lock and examine it for scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has frequently used to break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.
Once you’ve inspected the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require, it’s time to start working on the actual repair patio door. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle and aligning it with the spindle and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the handle’s interior is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into the position as well. After you’ve completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they can be shut and open easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure you check the Strike of the door.
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.
First, inspect the strike plate’s holes for receiving to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not detaching it from the door frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and test the door to see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate, and it creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not installed correctly the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
One of the most common reasons for the patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. This can be verified using the “lipstick” test. Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will reveal exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily alter the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You need to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these simple steps to repair your patio glass repair door lock and restore its function.