Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio doors undergo wear and tear which can lead to locks that fail. There are a few basic steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

It's about realigning the lock or cleaning the locking mechanism these simple fixes will make your home more secure.

Clean the Lock

While patio doors are a great way to bring the outside in and keep out the elements however, they can also pose a security risk when your lock isn't functioning as it should. As time passes wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With some minor maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks always function properly.

It is important to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working as it should. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a wet cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the dirt-infested parts of the door frame and frame. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and allow it to air dry before applying it to the next time.

If you have a patio door that uses a pin tumbler latch mechanism, you can apply lubrication to the lock by applying powdered graphite to the key or applying an lubricant based on Teflon like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied with ease and does not dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs you could use a pencil with an extremely sharp tip. Place the pencil in the lock and move it around a bit to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding repairing patio doors doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them jam or bind. This can make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.

Clean the track rails and rollers of sliding patio doors by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it and replace it. The same applies for rollers on patio doors, which can be cleaned and sprayed with non-stick lubricant in order to allow them to move freely.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, work with 3 to 4 or sometimes 5-point locking mechanisms that include the handle and lock cylinder operated by a key. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be accomplished with a thin oil, but never WD40. It is recommended to do it at least once a year.

If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door could be skewed and catch or striking the strike plate's hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and use a sharp tool to enlarge its mortise. This will permit the latch to fit into the hole and prevent it from scratching against the frame.

Find the width of the cylinder with an object 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.

Verify the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is balanced, and that the hinge screws are secure. In most cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards will solve the issue.

The latch might not work properly when the strike of the lock is not large enough. In this situation you'll have to increase the hole with the hammer or chisel and then test the latch to make sure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb.

Before buying a replacement lock, first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is round or square. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will help you find an alternative that is the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have.

In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any nicks or bends 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 it displays indications of damage.

Once you've inspected the lock and determined which type of replacement you need now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle out of your patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by putting in the handle inside and aligning it with the spindle and then securing it by using the two bolts or screws that hold it. Install the exterior handle following the interior handle. Once you've completed these steps you can test the new handles to ensure they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch catches correctly with the strike plate.

Check the Strike of the Door.

The strike plate and the door latch are two pieces which work together to lock the door. Misaligned strike plate and door latch will cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, this issue is usually easy to correct.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that hold the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically but not separating it from the frame of your door. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its holes for receiving with latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate has been adjusted, tighten the screws and then test the door to determine if it shuts smoothly with the new adjustment.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio doors. However, they are essential to lock and unlock your door. The metal plates are situated on the top and bottom jambs of your door, where they support its latch. Then, the door latch slides into the strike plate to form a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted, or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely.

One common reason for a patio door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and strike plate. The easiest method to check for this is with the "lipstick test." Apply some lipstick on the outside of the deadbolt, then attach masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave an impression on the tape, showing you 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 locks help protect your home from burglars, and if they're not working correctly, you must solve the issue fast. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock and restore it's functionality.