Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear which can result in locks that fail. There are a few easy steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are ideal to let the outdoors inside and keeping the elements out. However they could pose risky for security in the event that the lock isn't working correctly. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather dirt, and other 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 is always working 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 grime or coatings that might be hindering the lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then employ a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach parts of the door and frame that are coated with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.
If your patio door has pin-tumbler locks you can apply powdered Graphite to the key. You can also use a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant is able to be applied easily and will not disintegrate over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, you can apply a pencil that has a more of a thicker tip. Place the pencil into the lock, then shake 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. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them become stuck or slack which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any dirty or damaged weather stripping and then cleaning it, before installing it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is nonstick.
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 lock cylinder and handle which is operated by the key. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done once per year.
If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and use a sharp tool to increase the size of its mortise. This allows the latch to fit properly in the hole and prevents getting caught or rubbing against the frame.
While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder. 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 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 sliding patio door repair near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are tight. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the problem.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance, you can widen the hole with the hammer and chisel. Then test the latch to ensure it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.
You should identify the type mortise lock you have before buying a replacement. You can do this by looking at the faceplate of the lock and determining whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the size of each one. This will help you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same width and will fit in the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also want to inspect it for any bends or scratches that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice signs of damage.
After you've examined the lock and identified which kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door. Introduce the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in place using the two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike on the door.
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 latch will cause the latch to not latch the door properly. This is typically simple to repair.
Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate. This will allow it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Then adjust the strike plate so that its holes for receiving 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 see if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door, which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to form an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could stop the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment between the strike plate and latch is a common reason for the patio lock to not close or stay. The easiest method to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the edge of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch joins the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can adjust 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 you can. Follow these easy steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.