5 Laws That Can Benefit The Patio Door Lock Repair Industry
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 take to ensure the security of your uPVC door.
These easy fixes can make your home safer, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are fantastic for letting the outdoors in and keeping the elements out. However they can pose risky for security in the event that the lock isn't working properly. With time wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris could cause damage to the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With some minor maintenance you can make sure that your patio door's locks will always perform properly.
It is important to first clean the patio door lock and all moving parts. This will help to remove any dirt or coatings that might be hindering your lock from working properly. Begin by wiping down all the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with an aqueous cloth. Then you can use a scouring paper or a rough damp cloth to scrub the dirt-infested areas of the frame and door. Then wipe the lock with a dry towel to get rid of any moisture. Allow it to air-dry before you use it.
If you have an outdoor door that has pin tumbler latch mechanisms You can apply lubrication to the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or using a lubricant made of Teflon, like WD-40 Multi-Use. This kind of lubricant can be applied quickly and does not dissolve over time. If you're not able to locate the right lubricant for your needs you might try using a pencil with a thick tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.
The tracks for sliding patio doors also require regular maintenance to keep them free of dirt, dust and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow, ice, and other particles, which can cause them get stuck or to bind. This could make it difficult for your patio door to be opened and closed.
Tracks for sliding patio doors and rollers can be cleaned by removing weather stripping that is damaged or dirty and then cleaning it, before installing it. The same applies for patio door rollers, which can be cleaned and sprayed with a non-stick lubricant that will allow them to move freely.
Lubricate the moving parts
uPVC french doors, like sliding patio doors, operate using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the lock cylinder and handle controlled by a key. These doors require maintenance, the lubrication of moving parts. This can be done using an oil that is thin but not WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum.
If sagging hinges don't cause the issue it could be because the door is not aligned. It may be rubbing or catching against the hole of the strike plate in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool to expand the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole and also prevent it from hitting the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way take a measurement of its width using a book or piece of wood that can fit into the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center 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 difficult to turn, even after cleaning and lubricating, there's a possibility that it's out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Make sure that your door is properly balanced and that the hinge screws are secure. In most instances, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this case 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 catching on the door's frame jamb.
Before purchasing a new lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and determining if it is round or square. Then, look at the screw holes on the existing lock and note the dimensions of each. This will enable you to locate an alternative lock that is exactly the same size and will fit into your existing hole.
In addition to identifying the current mortise lock you should also examine it for any nicks or bends that may require repairing. A badly bent or damaged latch is more likely than one that's been used a lot to break. Replace the lock if it shows indications of damage.
After you've examined the lock and decided on the type of replacement you'll need then it's time to begin working on the actual repair. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Begin by installing the handle in the interior, aligning it with the spindle and then securing it with the two screws or bolts that secure it. Install the exterior handle after the interior handle. After you've completed these steps Test the handles to ensure that they are able to open and close easily and that the latch works properly with the strikeplate.
Check the Strike of the Door.
The door latch and strike plate are the two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door properly. Fortunately, reliable patio door repair company is often easy to fix.
First, check the strike plate's receiving holes to make sure they are free of obstructions such as dirt or plastic plugs. Then, loosen the keeper screws that keep the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not separating it from the frame of your door. Then adjust the strike plate to ensure that its holes for receiving align with the latch hooks on the door latch. Once the strike plate has been adjusted then tighten all screws, and check whether the door closes smoothly.
These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However they are vital to lock and unlock your door. These metal plates are located between the top and bottom jambs of the door where they serve as the support for the latch. The door latch is inserted into this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not properly installed, it could prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
A misalignment of the latch and strike plate is the most common reason for the patio lock not to close or remain in place. 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 shut the door the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape that will show 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.
The sliding patio door locks protect your home from intruders, and if they're not working correctly, you should solve the issue fast. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its functionality.