Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that can lead to locks that fail. There are a few basic steps you can take to restore the security of your uPVC door.

These easy fixes will make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep the elements out however, they can also pose an issue for security when your lock isn't functioning as it should. With time, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With a little effort you can ensure that the lock on your patio door is always working correctly.

It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any dirt and coatings that may be preventing the lock from functioning as it should. Begin by wiping the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then make use of a scouring pad, or a rough damp cloth to scrub any hard-to-reach areas of the door and frame that are ingrained with dirt. Then clean the lock with a dry cloth to get rid of any remaining moisture. Let it air dry before you use it.

If your patio door is equipped with pin-tumbler latches You can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to locate an appropriate lubricant, you can try using a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil in the lock and jiggle it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Sliding patio door tracks also require regular maintenance to ensure that they're free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are particularly vulnerable to snow, ice, and other particles, which could cause them to jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.

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 door repair doors can be cleaned and sprayed down with an oil that is non-stick.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, operate 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 with an oil that is thin (never WD40) and should be done every year.

If sagging hinges aren't a cause, the door may be misaligned and catching or striking the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate and use a sharp tool to increase the size of the mortise. This lets the latch sit correctly in the hole and prevents rubbing or catching on the frame.

When the cylinder is out of the way take a measurement of its width using an object or a piece of wood that will fit in 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.

Check the lock's length

If your patio door repair service near me door latch isn't able to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility 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 a lot of cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will fix the problem.

The most common issue is when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this instance you'll need to expand the hole using the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it connects to the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.

Before purchasing a new lock, it is important to identify the type of mortise lock you currently have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and noting whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This will enable you to find an alternative lock that is the exact same width and fits into your existing hole.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you'll also want to inspect it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A bent or damaged latch is more likely break than one that's been used much, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new, secure version in the event you notice any signs of damage or wear.

Once you've inspected the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Remove the old handle and spindle from your patio door, and then install the new one. Begin by installing the interior handle by aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts that hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. After you've completed the steps you can test the new handles to make sure they can be opened and closed easily and that the latch locks correctly with the strike plate.

Check the door's Strike

The strike plate and door latch are two components which work together to secure the door. If they are not aligned properly and the latch doesn't latch the door shut correctly. This problem is usually very easy to fix.

Examine the holes that receive the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place and allow it to move horizontally, but not detaching it from the frame of the door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten all screws and test whether the door closes smoothly.

Door strike plates can be a bit difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, however they're crucial to lock and unlock your door. These plates are usually placed on the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. The door latch slides into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not installed correctly 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 some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door the lipstick will leave marks on the tape, showing exactly where the latch contacts the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low it is possible to adjust the strike plate.

Sliding patio door repair service near me door locks help keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should solve the issue fast. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's function.