Patio Door Lock Repairs Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several simple and efficient methods that can restore your uPVC patio door's security. These simple fixes will ensure your home is secure regardless of whether you re-align the lock or clean the locking mechanism. Clean the Lock Patio doors are fantastic to let the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However, they can be an issue for security if the lock doesn't work properly. As time passes, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, dirt and debris can take their toll on the lock of your patio door and cause it to become difficult to open. With a little attention you can ensure that the lock on your patio door is always working correctly. To begin with, https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ to clean the lock on your patio door and all the moving parts. This helps to flush out any accumulated grime and coatings that could be preventing the lock from working in the way it should. Start by wiping the moving parts of the lock for your patio door with a damp cloth. Then, use a scouring cloth or a damp, rough cloth to scrub the areas that are soiled of the frame and door. Then, wipe the entire lock using dry cloth to get rid of any remaining dampness, and allow it to dry completely before applying it to the next time. If you have an outdoor door that has a pin tumbler latch mechanism it is possible to lubricate the lock by applying graphite powdered to the key or by using a Teflon-based lubricant like WD-40 Multi-Use. This type of lubricant is easy to apply and it won't disintegrate over time. If you are unable to locate an appropriate lubricant You can try using a pencil that has an extremely thick tip. Place the pencil into the lock, and shake it around to distribute the graphite. Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding patio doors free of dust, dirt and other debris. They are particularly susceptible to snow and ice, which can cause them 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 damaged or dirty weather stripping. Clean it, then replace it. The same is true for patio door rollers, which can be wiped down and then sprayed with a non-stick lubricant to help them move freely. Lubricate the moving parts uPVC French Doors, similar to sliding patios, are operated by using 3 to 4 or sometimes 5 points locking mechanisms. These include the handle and lock cylinder which is operated by the key. They also require maintenance, and specifically lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil but not WD40. It is recommended to do it every year, at a minimum. If hinges that are sagging aren't the reason, the door could be skewed and catch or rubbing against the strike plate hole in the frame. Take off the strike plate and employ a sharp tool expand its mortise. This will allow the latch to fit into the hole and stop it from hitting the frame. Once the cylinder is cleared of the way, measure its width with an object or a piece of wood that will fit in the gap of adjustment screw above the lock. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of door to the center of cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end of the of the cylinder. Check the lock's length If your patio 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. Verify that the door is balanced and whether the hinge screws are secure However, in many cases, moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can fix the issue. The latch may not be able to engage properly when the strike of the lock is too small. 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 smoothly without rubbing against or getting caught on the door's frame jamb. You should identify the type mortise lock you currently have before buying a replacement. This can be done by looking at the end faceplate and noting whether it is square or round. Then, look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each one. This information will aid you in finding a replacement that is of the same size and will fit perfectly into the hole that you already have. In addition to identifying the mortise lock that is currently in use, you'll also need to check it for any bends or scratches that may need 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 signs of damage. After you've examined the lock and determined which kind of replacement you require now is the time to start working on the actual repair. The old handle and spindle must be removed from the doorway to the patio. Insert the new handle. Begin by installing the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle, and then securing it in place with the two screws or bolts which hold it. Once the handle in the interior is in, install the exterior handle and screw it into place as well. After you've completed these steps, test the handles to make sure they are able to open and close easily and that the latch engages properly with the strikeplate. Check the Strike on the door. The door latch and strike plate are two parts of the lock that work to ensure that the latch is secure the door. An incorrectly aligned strike plate and door latches will cause the latch to not latch the door correctly. This problem is usually very easy to solve. Check the holes for receiving of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions like dirt or plastic plugs. Then loosen the screws that secure the strike plate in place and allow 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. Once the strike plate has been adjusted tighten all screws and test if the door closes smoothly. These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners who have sliding patio doors. However, they are essential for locking and unlocking your door. The metal plates are typically located on the top and bottom of the door jamb, where they serve as the door's latch. The door latch slides onto this strike plate and creates a seal. If the strike plate has been damaged, rusted, or is not properly installed the latch might not properly lock the door. A misalignment between the latch and strike plate is one common cause for the patio lock to not close or remain in place. This can be verified using the "lipstick" test. Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt. Then cover it with masking tape. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating you exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high you can easily alter the strike plate. The sliding patio door locks keep your home safe from burglars, and if they're not functioning correctly, you should fix the problem quickly. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to fix your patio door's lock and restore its functionality in a matter of minutes.