Patio Door Lock Repairs

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

It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the mechanism that locks these simple fixes will increase the security of your home.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great way to let in the outside and keep the elements out, they can also be an issue for security in the event that your lock isn't operating as it should. Over time, wear, tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little care you can ensure that your lock for your patio door always functions correctly.

To begin with, it's important to clean the lock of your patio door and all the moving parts. This will help remove any dirt and coatings that could be preventing the lock from functioning in the way it should. Start by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door frame repair door with a damp cloth, then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are covered in dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock using a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time.

If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler locks you can lubricate it by applying powdered graphite to the key. You can also apply a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied easily and doesn't dissolve over time. If you're unable to find the right lubricant to use with your lock, use a pencil with larger tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around to distribute the graphite.

Tracks for sliding patio doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dust, dirt, and debris. They are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice, which can cause them to become stuck or slack which makes it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

Clean the track rails and rollers on sliding patio doors by removing any weather stripping that is dirty or damaged. Clean it, and then replace it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

upvc patio door repairs french doors, which are similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by a key. They require maintenance and oiling of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil (never WD40) and is recommended to be done at least once per year.

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door could be misaligned and caught or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to expand its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and prevent it from rubbing against the frame.

While the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using the help of a book or piece wood that can fit into the adjustment screw gap above the lock. 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.

Verify the lock's width

If your patio door latch is hard to turn, even after cleaning and oiling it could be because it is not aligned with the strike plate. Verify that the door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

The latch might not work properly in the event that the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation, you need to widen the opening using a chisel and hammer. Then test the latch so that it does not rub against the door jamb frame or catch on it.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you are using before you purchase the replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and noting if it is round or square. Take a look at each screw hole in the existing lock, and note their size. This information will aid you in finding an alternative that is of the same size and is a perfect fit for the hole you have already.

You'll need to identify the mortise lock and inspect it for scratches, bends, or other damage that need to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if you notice evidence 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 handle and spindle should be removed from the patio door. Install the new handle. Begin by installing the handle in the interior by aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two bolts or screws that hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, put in the exterior handle and screw it into place, too. After you've completed the steps you can test the new handles to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch catches correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch locks the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door properly. This is typically easy to solve.

First, examine the holes in the strike plate's receiving to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This allows it to move vertically, but it will not be able to separate from the frame. Then, you can adjust the strike plate to ensure that its receiving holes align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted then tighten all screws, and test to see whether the door shuts smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to secure and unlock your door. The metal plates are typically located at the top and bottom of the door jamb, which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates the seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is one common cause for a double glazed patio door repairs lock to not close or remain in place. The easiest method to check for this is by performing the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. The lipstick will leave a mark when you close the door. This will indicate exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low you can easily adjust the strike plate.

If your sliding patio door locks aren't functioning properly, they can keep your home secure from intruders. You must repair the issue as soon as you can. By following these simple steps, you can fix the lock on your patio door and get it back to normal in a matter of minutes.