Who Is Responsible For An Patio Door Lock Repair Budget? 12 Top Ways To Spend Your Money
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors experience wear and tear that can cause locks that fail. There are a few easy steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These simple fixes will make your home safer regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are great for bringing the outdoors in while keeping out the elements. However they could pose a security threat if the lock doesn't work correctly. As time passes wear and tear, hot and cold weather dirt and debris could affect your patio door's lock and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little care you can ensure that your lock for your patio door always functions in a proper manner.
In the beginning, it's crucial to clean the lock of your patio door and all its moving parts. This will help get rid of any coatings or dirt that could be preventing your lock from working properly. Start by wiping all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a wet cloth. Then apply a scouring pad or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door and frame. You should then wipe down the entire lock with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness, and allow it to air dry prior to making use of it again.
If your patio door is equipped with a pin-tumbler latch, you can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be easy to apply, and it doesn't dissolve as time passes. If you're unable find the right lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with more of a thicker 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 other debris. These tracks are especially 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.
The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and cleaning them before replacing it. The rollers for patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by the key. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished using an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.
If sagging hinges don't cause the problem, it could be that the door is misaligned. It may be rubbing against or catching the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool enlarge its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from hitting the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way and out of the way, measure its width using an object or a piece of wood that can fit into the gap between the adjustment screw and the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw until the end cylinder.
Check the lock's length
If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after cleaning and oiling, it's possible that it's not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure, but in many cases it is possible to move the strike plate up or down can fix the issue.
The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation, you need to widen the opening with a chisel and hammer. Then, test the latch to ensure it does not rub against the jamb frame of the door or fall on it.
It is important to identify the type of mortise lock you have before purchasing an alternative. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and determining if it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This will help you find an alternative that is the same size and is a perfect fit for your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence of damage.
After you've determined the type of lock replacement you require It's time to begin the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then put in the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle. Align it with the spindle and then secure it into by using two screws or bolts. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. Once you have completed these steps, test the handles to make sure they can be shut and open easily and that the latch engages 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 to ensure that the latch locks the door. If upvc patio door repairs aren't aligned correctly, the latch won't latch the door shut properly. This issue is usually easy to fix.
Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and check whether the door shuts smoothly.
Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to locate for homeowners with sliding patio doors, but they're essential to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch is able to slide into the strike plate to create an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch might not lock the door properly.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is a common reason for the patio lock not to close or stick. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Apply a little lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt and then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can alter the strike plate.
Locks for sliding patio doors help keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not functioning properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. If you follow these steps, you can fix your patio door's lock and regain its functionality in no time.