Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear that can cause locks that fail. There are fortunately, a number of simple and effective steps that can help restore your uPVC patio door's security.

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

Clean the Lock

Although patio doors are a great option to let in the outside and keep out the elements, they can also be an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. With time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. Fortunately, with a little maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always perform properly.

In the beginning, it's essential to clean your patio repair near me door's lock and all its moving parts. This will help remove any coatings or dirt that could be preventing the lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of your patio door lock with an aqueous cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a rough damp cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then, wipe the lock down with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Allow it to air-dry before using it.

If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can grease the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or by using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate as time passes. If you're unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with larger tip. Put the pencil into the lock and jiggle it around a bit to spread the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free from dust, dirt and debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice and other debris, which could cause them to jam or bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to open and close.

You can clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio screen door repair near me doors by removing weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, then replace it. The rollers for patio door repair near me doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated using 3 to 4, or occasionally 5 point locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated with keys. They also require maintenance, specifically lubrication on the moving parts. This can be done with an oil that is thin however, never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't a reason, the door could be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate's hole in the frame. The solution is to remove the strike plate and use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise that it rests in. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.

Find 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 the distance from the outside of the door to the center of the cylinder, and the inner dimension 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. Examine if the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are tight However, in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue.

The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this case you'll need to expand the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to ensure that it contacts the strike plate without rubbing against or landing on the door's frame jamb.

It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before buying the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the size of each one. This information will assist you in finding an alternative lock that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole you have already.

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

After you've determined the type of lock replacement that you require, it's now time to begin the actual repair. The old spindle and handle should be removed from the patio door. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure that they open and shut easily and that the latch engages correctly with the strikeplate.

Check the Door's Strike

The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces that work together to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches will result in the latch not being able to latch the door properly. Fortunately, this issue is usually simple to fix.

Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to ensure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Remove the screws that hold the strike plate in place. This will allow it to move horizontally, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then adjust the strike plate until its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test to see whether the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated at the top and bottom jambs of the door, where they support its latch. The door latch is inserted into the strike plate and forms an airtight seal. If the strike plate is damaged or rusted or not installed correctly, the latch may not lock the door properly.

One common reason for an outdoor door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, and then apply masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave the mark when you close the door. This will show you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily alter the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly they could be a problem in keeping your home secure from intruders. It is imperative to repair the issue as soon as you can. If you follow these steps, you can repair the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal within a short time.