Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are fortunately, a number of easy and efficient steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.

Clean the Lock

While aluminium patio door repairs doors are a great option to let the outside in and keep out the elements, they can also be an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris can cause damage to your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little effort you can ensure that the lock on your patio door always functions properly.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps to remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from working as it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to applying it to the next time.

If you have an exterior door that is fitted with pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by 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're unable find the right lubricant for your lock, you can make use of a pencil with a thicker tip. Put the pencil into the lock and move it around to spread the graphite.

Sliding patio door track repair door tracks also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice, which can cause them jam or bind, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned 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 patio doors, work by using 3-4 or occasionally five-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 accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and catching or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to sit properly in the hole and prevents scratching or catching on the frame.

Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner measurement 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 difficult to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it's possible that it's not aligned properly with the strike plate. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.

Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this case you'll have to increase the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock you currently have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each. This will enable you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and will fit into the hole that you already have.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that requires to be repaired. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely break than one that's not used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version when you spot any indications of damage or wear.

After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to start the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in place using the two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open tilt and slide patio door repairs near me close with ease and that the latch locks correctly with the strike plate.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to fix.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the frame of the door. Then, adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted tighten the screws, and test the door to determine whether it locks smoothly after the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio door repair service near me patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are located on the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door.

A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge 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 high or low you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. You need to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. By following these easy steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.