Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism for locking These simple fixes can make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great option to bring the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. Over time, wear and tear, 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. With a little effort, you can make sure that your patio door's lock is always working in a proper manner.

In the beginning, it's crucial to clean your patio door lock repair door's lock and all the moving parts. This helps get rid of any grime and coatings that may hinder the lock from working in the way it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub any difficult-to-access areas of the door or frame that are ingrained with dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before using it again.

If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate as time passes. If you're unable to find the right lubricant for your lock, make use of a pencil with a larger tip. Put the pencil in the lock, then shake it to distribute the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other debris, which can cause them block or become stuck. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and shut.

You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio sliding doors repair doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work with 3-4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. These doors require maintenance, oiling of the moving parts. This can be done using a thin oil (never WD40) and should be done once per year.

If hinges that are sagging don't cause the issue, it could be that the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching the strike plate's hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool increase the size of its mortise. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole, and also prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.

Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of book or wood that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the cylinder.

Check the Lock's Width

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's not in alignment with the strike plate hole. Check to see if the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are tight however, in many instances shifting the strike plate up or down can correct the issue.

The latch may not engage properly in the event that the strike of the lock is too small. In this instance, you can widen the opening using an hammer and chisel. Then, test the latch to ensure that it doesn't touch the jamb frame of the door or get caught the frame.

You should identify the type mortise lock you are using before you purchase an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Take a look at each screw hole on the current lock and note their dimensions. This information will allow you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same size and will fit into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any bends or scratches that may need repairing. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's frequently used to break. Replace the lock if it displays signs of damage.

Once you've checked the lock and identified which type of replacement you need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle from your patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it in place using the two bolts or screws. Once the handle in the interior is installed, put in the handle that is outside and screw it into the position as well. After you've completed the 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.

Make sure the door's strike is checked

The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work together to ensure the latch secures the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to correct.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are clear of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not removing it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate to align its holes for receiving with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test whether the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding local patio door repairs doors. However they are crucial to secure and unlock your door. These metal plates are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door where they support its latch. The door latch slides onto the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch might not be able to lock the door properly.

A misalignment of the strike plate and latch is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or stick. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt, then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape that will show you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your patio door locks for sliding aren't working correctly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. You need to resolve this issue as quickly as you can. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.