Are You Getting The Most Value Of Your Patio Door Locks Repair?
Patio Door Locks Repair
The locks on your patio doors are an essential to your home's security. If they're not functioning properly, you can put your family and belongings at risk.
Fortunately, a few easy steps will usually solve issues with your patio door lock and help keep your home safe. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature and must function effectively to keep burglars and elements at away. Regular wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and dust can cause door frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is essential to be on the lookout and regularly check your sliding doors for damage, and make any repairs that are required.
Among the most common problems that may affect your patio door locks is the difficulty in locking or unlocking, a sticky latch, and keys that don't move smoothly. Based on the specific issue, you may need to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism in order to get it working properly again.
If your patio door lock is stuck in the open position and you are unable to open it try using a flat-head or credit card. If none of these options work, contact a professional locksmith who can help you open the door lock without damaging the frame.
The mortise lock on sliding uPVC patio doors is typically an cylinder and handle that secures the lock. These locks are secure, but can be damaged or bent when a closed patio door. It is important to check the mortise locks and handles for indications of wear like scratches or bends before they break and you need to replace them.
It's an excellent idea to know the dimensions and position of the current lock by taking a photo using your digital camera. This will allow you to convey these details to the supplier when you're seeking a replacement lock. This will ensure that you get a lock that fits the door and is compatible to the mounting configuration that's currently in place. You'll have trouble installing locks that aren't compatible with the hardware you have already. This could cause further issues later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are an incredibly common entrance point into homes, making them a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it's essential that the locks on your patio doors are fully functional and up to Police & Insurance standards.
There are a few simple ways to solve a lock that doesn't cooperate. It doesn't matter if you want to adjust the patio door and clean the lock or even replace it, these four simple steps will ensure that your doors function correctly and provide the level of security you expect.
The first thing that you should do is give the lock a thorough clean using hot soapy water and a damp towel. You'll need to get rid of any dirt or stains which have accumulated on the lock. After you've done this, you can use a dry, clean cloth to wipe away any excess water and allow the lock to dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.
Then, you must make sure that your lock is lubricated. This is especially important for doors made of uPVC, which are prone to becoming extremely noisy over time. Repair My Windows And Doors can apply a spray lubricant like WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate the keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant make sure you wipe your keys afterward to avoid redistributing any grime that may have accumulated on it.
After your uPVC patio doors have been cleaned and lubricated, you should then test them. Check if the door slides effortlessly into and out of its frame. Make sure the hinges and locking point are aligned properly with the frame. You can see alignment marks along the edge of the door frame. It is easy to fix the problem by re-aligning the doors to the frame.
It's also important to note that different types of uPVC door locks are available. You may need to replace your lock if it's damaged or broken. For instance, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure that they are safe. The assemblies consist of three components, including an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon, and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors the lock mechanism is within the door, away from the view. If your key cylinder is wearing out or you want to upgrade the lock for greater security, you can purchase an upgrade kit from many locksmiths or home improvement stores. The kits cost between $10 and $20 and include a tool for opening the lock and a spare cylinder. Follow the directions in your kit for disassembling and cleaning your old lock, then install the new one. Depending on how tightly the key cylinder fits into the lock hole it is possible to adjust it a bit to ensure proper operation.
If you're looking to lubricate your lock, dry graphite powder is an easy and affordable alternative to liquid lubricants which can cause dust to build up and damage the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores or model train shops, as well as some office supply stores. If you choose to use it, make sure the chunk of dry graphite is free from tiny bits of wood sticking to it. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray evaporates once it is applied, leaving behind an uninspiring layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also lubricate your lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. Push your key in-and-out repeatedly to spread the fluid. After a couple of minutes then turn the key to see if it moves smoothly. If your key is still stuck, try it again few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Changing your patio door locks is a simple task for most homeowners, but the process may be more complicated if you have a sliding door that has an invisible latch and a deadbolt lock that is built-in. If your patio door comes with an invisible latch, it will be necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by taking off the screws that secure it. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt, you'll need to remove the bolt from the door's edge. Install the new lock after you have removed the deadbolt and knob.
Replace the Lock
It's not common for patio doors to malfunction. They are an essential security element for your home. The debris can get stuck inside the lock mechanism, or it can simply wear out due to age and use. A damaged or broken patio door latch could pose a major security risk to your home. Conducting regular inspections of your patio door locks will keep them in good working order and let you easily correct any issues that arise.

If the lubrication of your lock doesn't solve the problem, it's time to replace it. This is an easy task that most homeowners can do themselves, however, it is important to follow the directions to ensure that the new lock will work with your existing lock. You can also bring your old lock to the store to assist you find a replacement.
To replace a patio door handle remove the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing the screws which keep the handle's interior in place. Once the handle is removed, you will be able to access the screws that hold the lock body to the jamb of the door.
Once the screws are removed after which you can slide the latch body out of the door frame. Make sure you secure the lever using a graphite pencil as it could be thrown into the frame and become lost if not secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook goes into when the patio door is closed. After you have removed the old door strike, you are able to put the new one in.
When re-screwing a door strike, it is important to use screws that are longer as they will be used to attach the frame to the strike. Check that the new strike is in alignment with the opening of the door frame and tighten both together.
There are various types of patio door locks The most popular is a central rail key-operated lock. They bolt the doors to the frame at several points, and when the key is inserted, all of the points should lock at once. These locks provide a higher level of security than basic locking systems and can often result in discounts on homeowner's insurance.