Your home's security depends on the locks on your patio door. If they don't work properly, you put your family and possessions at risk.
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Replacement-Doors-300x200.jpg)A few simple steps can fix patio door lock problems and keep your home secure. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the lock
patio doors repairs doors are a vital security element and require a lot of effort to keep burglars and elements at bay. Wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and dust can cause frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is best to be proactive in fixing these issues and to regularly inspect your sliding door locks for indications of damage and make the necessary repairs.
Some of the most frequent problems with patio door repair door locks are difficulties locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that don't turn smoothly. You may have to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws based on the problem you are experiencing.
If the issue with your patio door lock is that it's stuck in an open position Try using the credit card or screwdriver with a flat head to break it open. If none of these options work, call a professional locksmith who will assist you in opening the patio door lock without damaging the frame.
The mortise lock that is used on sliding patio door repairs near me uPVC patio doors usually has a handle and a cylinder which secures the lock. These locks are secure but they may break or bend under the weight of an open patio door that is slammed. It is recommended to inspect the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, such as scratches or bends before it is broken and you need to replace it.
You can also snap a picture of the lock to determine its dimensions and location. This will enable you to provide these details to a supplier when you're looking for a replacement lock. This will ensure you're getting the right lock for your door and is compatible with the current mounting setup. It's difficult to install locks that aren't compatible with the hardware you have already. This could result in further problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
patio door glass repair doors are a common entry point into your home which makes them a prime target for burglars. It is therefore vital that the lock on your patio door is fully functional and meets Police & Insurance Standards.
Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to handle a lock that is refusing to cooperate. If you have to re-align the patio door or clean the lock, or even replace the lock, these four steps will ensure that your doors are functioning properly and providing the level of security you expect.
The first thing that you should do is give the lock a good clean using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll want to clean away any dirt or stains that might have built up on the lock. After you've done this, you can use a dry cloth to wipe away any excess water and let the lock dry completely before trying to re-insert it.
The next step is to lubricate the lock. This is especially important for doors made of uPVC, which are prone to becoming extremely noisy in time. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways as well as internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant, make sure you wipe your key afterwards to avoid spreading any dirt that may have gathered on it.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, make sure you test it. Observe if the door slides smoothly inside and out of its frame. Make sure that the hinges and the locking point are aligned properly with the frame. You should be able to see the alignment marks on the edges of your door frame, and you can fix them by aligning the doors to the frame.
It's also important to note that there are different kinds of uPVC door locks are available. You might need to replace your lock if it is damaged or broken. For instance, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll need to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure secure. These assemblies consist of three components comprising an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plates and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The mechanism that locks most patio doors is hidden within the door. You can purchase replacement kits at many home improvement stores and locksmiths when your key cylinder is been damaged or you want to upgrade your lock for greater security. These kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock as well as an extra cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will show you how to disassemble and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how securely the key cylinder fits in the hole in the lock it may be necessary to adjust it a bit to ensure proper operation.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is a low-cost and widely used alternative to liquid lubricants, which can attract dust and clog the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model trains shops, and even some offices supply stores. If you decide to use it, make sure that the graphite chunk is devoid of wood particles. You can also purchase an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. When the spray is applied, the solvent in the spray evaporates, leaving a layer of dry graphite which locks without attracting dust or accumulating moisture.
You can also lubricate your lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. Then, push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant across the lock. After some time, try the key again and check whether it turns effortlessly. If the key does not turn you can try it again within a few days after the WD-40 has been allowed to dry.
Change the locks on your patio door is a simple project for most homeowners, however the process can be more complicated if have a sliding patio door repair door that has an invisible latch as well as a deadbolt lock built-in. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll have to take off the interior decorative cover by removing the screws holding it in place using a screwdriver. If your patio door comes with deadbolts it is necessary to take off the bolt. Install the new lock after removing the deadbolt assembly and the knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial element of your home's security and it's normal that they malfunction at times. Debris can get lodged inside the lock mechanism or it may just get worn out by the use and age. In either scenario, a damaged patio door latch poses an immediate security risk to your home. A regular inspection of the patio door locks will help ensure they are in good shape and let you swiftly fix any issues.
If you can't solve the issue then you'll have to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task by themselves. However, it's essential to read the instructions in order to ensure that your new lock is compatible with your existing lock. You can also bring your old lock to the store to help you to find an alternative.
The first step to replace the patio door lock is to remove the handle. It is done by unscrewing the screws that hold the interior handle in place. After the handle has been removed, you will be able to remove the screws that secure the lock body to the jamb of the door.
Once the screws are removed and the screws are removed, you can slide the latch body out of the door frame. Be sure to secure the lever using a graphite pencil since it could fall into the frame and become lost if it's not secured. Then, take off the door strike. The hole where the lock hook is located when the patio door closes will be revealed. After you have removed the old door strike, you can put the new one in.
When re-screwing the door strike, it's important to use larger screws since they'll be used to secure the frame to the strike. Check that the new strike is aligned with opening of the door frame and tighten both together.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors however the most commonly used is the central rail key-operated lock. They bolt the doors to the frame at multiple points, and when a key is inserted all points should lock simultaneously. These locks provide a higher level of security than the standard locking mechanisms and can often result in a reduction on homeowner's insurance.