Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio door wear and tear could cause lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These simple fixes can make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However they can pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work properly. As time passes 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 care you can ensure that your patio door's lock is always working properly.
In sliding glass patio door replacement cost , it's important to clean your patio door's lock and all its moving parts. This will help to remove any grime or coatings that may be preventing your lock from functioning correctly. Start by wiping the moving parts on your patio door lock using an aqueous cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the door frame and frame. Then, wipe the lock down using a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before using it.
If your patio door uses a pin-tumbler latch you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and does not dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate a suitable lubricant, you might try using a pencil with an extremely thick tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dust, dirt, and debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to ice and snow which could cause them to jam or bind and make 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 damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The same can be done for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and sprayed with non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, operate with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.
If the hinges aren't causing the problem it could be because the door is misaligned. It could be rubbing or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate and then use an abrasive chisel, which will enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This allows the latch to sit correctly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.
When the cylinder is out of the way, measure its width with a book or piece of wood that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner dimension extends from the center of the adjustment screw until 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, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In many instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.
The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you'll need to enlarge the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to 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 have before buying an alternative. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock and note their dimensions. This will help you to locate an alternative lock that is the exact same width and will fit in your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that might require repair. A bent or damaged latch is more prone to break than one that hasn't been utilized often, so make sure to replace the lock with a new secure and safe version if you find any signs of wear or damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require It's time to begin the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two bolts or screws that secure it. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the handle on the outside and screw it in place as well. Once you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to make sure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch is catching correctly when you strike the plate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch is secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. This issue is usually simple to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Release the screws that hold the strike plate. This allows it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located between the top and bottom jambs of your door, which are where they help support the latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate, and it creates an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly, the latch may not properly lock the door.
One of the most common reasons for a patio door lock to become stuck or not close is a misalignment between the latch and strike plate. The easiest way to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave an impression when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can easily adjust the strike plate.
Sliding patio door locks help protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you should repair the issue quickly. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.