Over time, patio door repairs near me doors experience wear and tear that can cause lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.
These easy fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.
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 security risks when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always functions correctly.
It's essential to clean the lock of your patio door and all of its moving parts. This will help remove any dirt or coatings that may be preventing your lock from functioning properly. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door and frame. Then wipe the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is able to be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other debris, which could cause them to block or become stuck. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then replacing it. The same is true for rollers on patio door repairs doors, which can be wiped down and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. This includes the handle and lock cylinder that is operated by the key. These doors also require maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't the reason, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole and prevents scratching or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with the help of a book or piece wood patio door repair that can fit into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Verify that the door is in balance and whether the hinge screws are secure however, in many instances it is possible to move 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 instance, you can widen the opening with the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have before purchasing the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to find the replacement lock that has the exact same width and fits into the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock, you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, tilt and slide patio door repairs then install the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place by using the two screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps check the handles to make sure they open and shut easily and that the latch is in contact properly with the strikeplate.
Make sure the door's strike is checked
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. If these parts aren't aligned correctly and the latch isn't latching the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very easy to fix.
First, inspect the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure that they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and check if the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located on the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted, or if it is not properly installed the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or stick. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you shut the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly, they can keep your home safe from burglars. You must fix this problem as soon as possible. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore its functionality.