Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that could cause locks that fail. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective methods that can restore your uPVC
patio door lock repair near me door's security.
These easy fixes will ensure your home is secure no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they can pose risky for security in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. As time passes wear and tear extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock on your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. Fortunately, with a little maintenance, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always perform correctly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This helps to get rid of any grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If your patio door has pin-tumbler latches you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate with time. If you are unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, make use of a pencil with a more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.
Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow which can cause them jam or bind, making it harder for your patio doors to open and close.
Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio door repair service near me (
visit) patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. The rollers of
patio door glass repair doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC French doors, like sliding patios, operate by using 3 to 4 or sometimes, 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by the key. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with the use of a thin oil however, never WD40. This should be done every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges aren't the reason, the door could be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole and avoids getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, while 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 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. Verify that the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or catching on the door's frame jamb.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will enable you to locate the replacement lock that has exactly the same size and will fit into the hole you have already.
You'll need to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be repaired. A bent or damaged latch is more likely to break than one that hasn't been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version when you spot any indications of wear or damage.
Once you've identified the type of lock replacement that you require It's time to start the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Install the new handle. Start by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle, and then secure it into position using two bolts or screws. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps then you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks correctly with the strike plate.
Check the door's Strike
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 doesn't latch the door properly. Fortunately, this problem is usually simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not detaching it from the door frame. Then, adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and check whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch slides into the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it may prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
One of the most common reasons for a patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high it is possible to adjust the strike plate.
The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not working properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you can fix your
double glazed patio door repairs door's lock and get it back to normal within a short time.