Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can result in locks that fail. There are a few easy steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These simple fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean sliding glass patio door repair
While patio doors are an excellent way to let the outside in and keep the elements out, they can also be a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes wear and tear hot and cold weather, dirt and debris can cause damage to the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little attention, you can make sure that your patio door's lock always works in a proper manner.
It's crucial to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that could be preventing your lock from working properly. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the door and frame. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch You can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate a suitable lubricant, you might try using a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around to spread the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to ice and snow, which could cause them to be stuck or jammed which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty, cleaning them, then installing 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 patio doors, work using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. These doors also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door could be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise it sits in. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and also prevent it from hitting the frame.
Find the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of wood or a book that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, and the inner dimension runs from the center of the adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.
Check the width of the lock.
If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it's not aligned with the strike plate. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards could fix the problem.
The latch may not engage properly if the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock that you have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate of the lock and noting if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock, and note their size. This will enable you to locate an alternative lock that is the exact same width and fits into your existing hole.
You'll want to identify the mortise lock, and then examine it for bends, scratches or other damage that need to be fixed. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays indications of damage.
After you've examined the lock and determined which type of replacement you'll need, it's time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by installing the inside handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into place using the two bolts or screws. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it into place as well. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike on the door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two components of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door properly. This problem is usually very easy to solve.
Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This will allow it to move vertically but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten the screws and then test the door to determine whether it shuts easily with the new adjustment.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they serve as the support for the latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create a seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly the latch may not properly lock the door.
A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for a patio lock to not close or stay. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to alter the strike plate.
If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You must repair the issue as soon as possible. By following these easy steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.