Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can cause locks that fail. There are a few easy steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
If it's resetting the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks These simple fixes can increase the security of your home.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep the elements out however, they can also pose a security risk in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care you can ensure that the lock on your aluminium patio door repairs door always functions in a proper manner.
It's important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any dirt and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts on your patio door lock using a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.
If you have an exterior door that is fitted with a pin tumbler latch mechanism You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or using a Teflon-based lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied with ease and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with larger tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them to jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French Doors, like sliding patios, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 points locking mechanisms. This includes the lock cylinder and handle which is operated by keys. These doors require maintenance, lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. This should be done every year, at a minimum.
If hinges that are sagging don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the strike plate's opening in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise that it rests in. This lets the latch sit perfectly in the hole and avoids scratching or catching on the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with 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, and the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Verify the width of the lock.
If your patio doors repair near me door latch isn't able to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Check if your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.
You must identify the kind of mortise lock you have before buying a replacement. You can do this by taking a look at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will aid you in finding a replacement that is the same size and will fit perfectly into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also need to check it for any nicks or bends that may need repairing patio doors. A badly damaged or bent latch is more likely to break than one that's not used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a new one that is secure when you spot any indications of wear or damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. The spindle and handle must be removed from the patio door. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Once the interior handle is in, install the handle on the outside and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to ensure they open and close easily and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The strike plate and the door latch are two components that work together to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door properly. This is typically simple to fix.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate. This will allow it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see if the door closes smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb where they support the door's latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged or rusted or not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door.
One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding patio door repair service near me aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. You need to fix this problem as soon as you can. If you follow these steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and regain its functionality within a short time.
