Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Help You Live Better
How to Troubleshoot and repair Patio doors Patio Door Locks
Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good condition will safeguard your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors repairs near me doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't perform as it should You can make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix issues with the latch, keyway and handle.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to the large amount of glass and their convenient place within a house. It is important that your locks are working properly to keep your home secure. Luckily, there are some easy ways to troubleshoot and repair patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to check the lock to make sure nothing is preventing it from locking or latching. If you spot any issues, such as loose screws or rust, or misalignment, these should be addressed promptly. In some cases an adjustment of just a few inches to the location of the patio door might suffice to resolve the problem.
Dust or debris could cause the lock mechanism to fail to work properly. Clean your patio door repair near me door and clean the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If you need to, apply mild soap. But, be sure to dry the lock completely afterward.
Additionally, it's a good idea to lubricate the lock on a regular basis. The moving parts in your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a finely tuned machine. They can jam or get stuck just like any mechanical device. Using graphite pencils or light lubricant will help dislodge any dirt or debris that has accumulated within the lock cylinder and help keep it running smoothly.
It is essential to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio repair near me door lock. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with the existing mechanism. If you're not sure how to proceed, contact a professional tradesperson or locksmith to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust, dirt, and even dust can cause the delicate parts of your door lock to become jammed. These issues can compromise your home security. These problems are easy to solve if you know what to do.
Before attempting any repairs, clean your lock. Utilizing a damp, clean cloth, clean any dirt or stains that could be preventing your lock from working correctly. Then, use a little hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has built up over time. Allow your locks to dry completely after cleaning them.
Most patio doors are fitted with mortise locks that is safe but is susceptible to issues over time. If you find that your uPVC locks are stuck, you must first clean and lubricate them. For an uPVC lock you can begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. Next, you'll want to loosen the screws that hold the latch body in place. With the latch plate and handle removed, you'll be able to remove the latch from its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40 alternative, you could try using a graphite pencil to help dislodge any grit or dirt within the mechanism. If your uPVC locks still don't work you may need to reposition your lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be performed by an expert. You can try shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door while keeping the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are located that keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of debris and dirt it's a good idea to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant can keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite powder is ideal for lubricating small metal components like locks because it's not sticky or oily, and it lasts longer than liquid fluid lubricants. It is easy to use and can be used on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other liquid fluids. They are efficient at high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create buildup over time and can be displaced by other lubricants that you've used.
Teflon-based lubricants are an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants because they're long-lasting and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also suitable for cold environments because they can help prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, it is probably worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. If your door doesn't have a lock cylinder, a professional can replace it to increase security and safety. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of the hardware.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the door latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or the door frame. Open the sliding patio doors and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening of the latch. If the door is in line with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it either upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch's hasp when the door closes.
The latch can also be difficult to close due to the cylinder is worn out. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. You should select one with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to replace it easily by unbolting the two halves before inserting the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need to know the brand and model of your current cylinder so you can buy one that matches it. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then, visit your local hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the plate that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and door frame. Set the screw somewhere secure to ensure you don't lose it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout inside the door) and loosen it enough to allow the cylinder to rotate.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock not functioning properly could pose a serious risk to your security. Dirt and debris could get stuck in the lock mechanism. If this is not treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and will no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just a few tools and a small amount of time.
Begin by inspecting the lock and determining the cause of the issue. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch does not work it could be bent to far to work properly. If this is the case, replace the lock latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as strong and secure as it can be.
If you're not confident in tackling this DIY project on your own seek out a locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to do it correctly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are subjected to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). Apply the lubricant directly to the keyhole of the lock mechanism to get best results.
