Ten Repair Patio Doors That Really Make Your Life Better

How to Troubleshoot and repair Patio Doors Patio Door Locks

Maintaining your patio doors in good working in good condition will keep your home safe from intruders who aren't yours. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors and 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 frequently targeted by burglars due to their large amounts of glass and their convenient position within a home. It is essential that your locks are working properly to keep your home secure. There are simple methods to repair patio door locks that have stopped working.

First, inspect the lock to ensure there is nothing that is hindering it from locking or latching. You should address any issues you find, such as loose screws or rust. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the patio door's position may be sufficient to fix the problem.

Another common issue is debris or dust that could cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door on a regular basis and wipe down the lock hardware. If you need to, use mild soap. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.

In addition, it's recommended to oil the lock regularly. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, so they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or even a small amount of lubricant could be used to get rid of any debris or dirt from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.

It is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you choose an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you aren't sure how to go about this, it's advisable to contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for assistance.

Clean the Lock

The intricate parts of the door lock can jam up over time due to dust, dirt, and hot and cold weather. These issues could compromise your home's security. These problems are easy to solve if you know how to do.

Before attempting any repairs, first clean your lock. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grit or grime that has accumulated over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before re-using them.

Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it is susceptible to problems over time. If your uPVC lock is stuck, the first step is to clean and lubricate it. For a uPVC lock it is best to begin by cleaning the latch plate with a bit of soapy water. The next step is to remove the screws that hold the latch body in the position. After you have removed the latch plate and handle then you can take it from its slot on the door frame.

Once the latch has been removed, you can lubricate it using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't have a WD40 alternative, you could use graphite pencils to help get rid of any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work it is possible to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and is best done 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, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that hold the cylinder in place.

Lubricate the Lock

After your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to grease the lock and the keyhole themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its life.

Dry graphite is an excellent method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to use and is suitable for use on sliding patio door repairs doors, garage door tracks, and hinges for doors. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil-like graphite lubricant that is designed specifically for lock-cylinders.

Liquid lubricants can be more effective than graphite particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and won't attract as much dust or dirt as other liquid fluids. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants may build up over time and eventually replace other lubricants you've used.

Teflon-based lubricants can be a great alternative to silicone-based lubricants as they last for a long time and don't attract dust and dirt. They're also great for colder environments since they'll prevent ice from building up inside the lock.

If your lock's cylinder feels stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith can disassemble the lock mechanism and replace it with a new cylinder matched to your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can replace the lock cylinder if your door does not have one. This will increase safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that match the rest.

Reposition the Lock Cylinder

If cleaning the lock and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or door frame. Open the sliding patio door repair service near me patio door and examine the top and bottom of the latch opening. If the door is in line with the jamb or the frame then you can test. If not, loosen the screws holding the latch body and adjust it downwards or upwards until the latch is firmly grasping the latch hasp when the door is closed.

Sometimes the latch is difficult to close due to a worn-out cylinder. You'll require a new cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This allows you to replace it with ease by removing the two halves before inserting the replacement cylinder.

Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your existing cylinder in order to buy one that is compatible with it. If you don't have the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for assistance.

When you have a new cylinder, remove the flat screw that holds it in place, and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon, and door frame using a screwdriver. Set the screw somewhere secure so that you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole in the door).

Replace the Lock

A patio door lock that's not functioning properly could cause serious danger to your security. Dirt and debris can become stuck within the lock mechanism. If this issue isn't treated promptly, the lock may eventually stop working and no will be able to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a relatively easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and bit of time.

Begin by examining the lock to see what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the lock latch fails, it may be bent too far to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking to ensure that it's as solid and secure as possible.

Consult a door hardware or locksmith if you're not sure in tackling this DIY task. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to properly install the lock.

Keeping your patio door lock in good condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it sticking or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks that are subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated more often. It is crucial to select a lubricant which has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). For best results apply the lubricant direct to the key hole of the lock mechanism.