A Look Into The Future What's The Patio Door Lock Repair Industry Look Like In 10 Years?
Patio Door Lock Repairs
Over time, patio doors go through wear and tear that could lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few basic steps you can follow to restore the security of your uPVC door.
These quick fixes can make your home safer no matter if you adjust the lock or clean the locking mechanism.
Clean the Lock
Although patio doors are an excellent way to let in the outside and keep the elements out, they can also be security risks if your lock isn't working as it should. Over time, wear and tear, hot and cold weather, dirt, and debris can cause your patio door lock to become difficult to operate. With some minor maintenance, you can ensure the locks on your patio door always function properly.
It is essential to first clean the patio door lock as well as all moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that might be hindering the lock from working properly. Start by wiping down the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp, clean cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are covered in dirt. It is recommended to wipe the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before making use of it again.
If your patio door uses pin-tumbler latches You can lubricate it by applying powdered Graphite on the key. You can also use a Teflon lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This kind of lubricant is easy to apply, and it won't disintegrate as time passes. If you're unable to find the correct lubricant for your lock, use a pencil with larger tip. Put the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.
Regular maintenance is also essential to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors clear from dirt, dust and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.
Sliding patio door track rails and rollers can be cleaned by removing damaged or dirty weather stripping and then cleaning it, before reinstalling it. The same can be done for rollers on patio doors, 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 patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or occasionally 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the lock cylinder and handle that is operated by keys. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with the use of a thin oil but not WD40. This should be done at least once per year.
If hinges that are sagging aren't the cause, the door may be skewed and catch or hitting the strike plate hole in the frame. The solution is to take off the strike plate, and then use an abrasive chisel to increase the size of the mortise it sits in. This allows the latch to fit correctly in the hole and avoids rubbing or catching on the frame.
Once the cylinder is cleared of the way and out of the way, measure its width using the help of a book or piece wood that will fit in the adjustment screw gap above the lock. The outer dimension is the distance from the outside of the door to the middle of the cylinder, while the inner measurement runs from the center of the adjustment screw until the end of the cylinder.
Verify the lock's width
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 tight. In most cases, however, simply moving the strike plate downwards or upwards could solve the issue.
Oftentimes, the problem occurs when the lock's strike is too small for the latch to properly engage. In this situation you'll need to expand the hole using either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it is able to engage the strike plate in a smooth manner without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.
Before buying a replacement lock, you should first identify the type of mortise lock you have. This can be done by looking at the faceplate on the lock and determining if it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes in the existing lock and note the size of each. This will enable you to find the replacement lock that has exactly the same size and fits into the hole you have already.
In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you should also examine it for any scratches or bends that may require repairing. A bent or damaged latch is more prone to break than one that hasn't been frequently used, so be sure to replace the lock with a brand new secure and safe version in the event you notice any signs of wear or damage.
Once you've inspected the lock and decided on the kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. Remove the handle and spindle out of 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 by using the two screws or bolts that secure it. Install repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk following the interior handle. Once you've completed these 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 the door latch are two components which work together to lock the door. A misaligned strike plate or door latches can cause the latch to not latch the door in a proper manner. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to correct.
First, check the holes in the strike plate's receiving to ensure they are clear of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place, allowing it to move vertically, but not removing it from the door frame. Adjust the strike plate so that it aligns its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. After the strike plate is adjusted tighten all screws and test whether the door shuts smoothly.
Door strike plates can be difficult to access for homeowners who have sliding patio doors, but they're essential for locking and unlocking your door. These plates are usually located at the top and bottom of the door jamb which is where they are used to support the door's latch. Then, the door latch is placed on the strike plate, creating an airtight seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it can prevent the latch from locking the door securely.
The most common reason for the patio door lock to stick or not close is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate. This can be checked with the "lipstick" test. Apply some lipstick across the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you close the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, showing you exactly where the latch connects to the strike plate. If the mark is too high or low, you can adjust the strike plate.
If your sliding patio door locks are not working properly they could be a problem in keeping your home safe from burglars. It is imperative to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Follow these easy steps to repair your patio door lock and restore its function.