Your patio doors are a fantastic asset, right? For one, they make rooms feel much larger. The main benefit of having patio doors is that they allow you to easily get outside whilst allowing in plenty of natural light. 

Yet, patio doors are seen by some locksmiths as a potential security risk. Many patio doors have outdated lock mechanisms, meaning they are more likely to run into issues. Your locks might, for example, stop responding to your keys: what do you do then?

Of course, you could call a local locksmith, like the experts you find at local companies like Lock & Key. However, if you prefer to get your sleeves rolled up and fix the issues on your own, you can. You can try to get the problem under control simply by following this guide and seeing what you can fix on your own. 

If you still find that you are unable to fix the issue yourself, call a locksmith. For the most part, though, these locksmith-approved solutions should help you get the problem under control!

Diagnosing The Issue: Why Will Your Patio Doors Not Lock?

There can be many reasons why your patio door locks have given out on you. The reasons can be tough to diagnose, though, as many of the problems have similar causation factors. We recommend checking for issues such as:

Temperature Changes

Locksmiths find that most patio door problems stem from a long period of non-use. Think, for example, in winter; we rarely use our patio doors in winter. As such, parts of your patio doors (and locks) could seize up.

Especially if your patio doors are made from UPVC, temperature changes can cause chaos. UPVC has a habit of expanding and contracting in the winter more than other materials. If that happens, you might wish to consider cooling your doors down in the summer. Put some cold water onto the door; that can often be enough to help cool down the temperature changes and stop the door from swelling.

Lock Blockages

There could also be an issue where something has become lodged in your lock mechanisms. Open up your doors (if you can) and look inside the locks. Is anything blocked inside the lock or where the lock latches onto your door frame?

Dirt and debris can become a common problem for patio doors. Think about the fact that they open up to the outdoors. If your patio doors are left open for several hours during the day while you go from indoors to outdoors, that is plenty of time for dirt to build up. Even then, dirt can build up in the doors simply from the passing of time. Be sure to look for physical blockages, too, like stones. 

Track Alignment

Most patio doors are dual-door designs, with many of them also being designed to slide to the left or right. This means that your patio doors run on a track. Well, the door could have come off the place on the track where it should hold. If that happens, it might mean the door is unable to open/close and/or lock correctly. Unfortunately, self-repairing a damaged door track is not easy; it is best to call the pros.

Alignment issues are a typical fault with patio doors. They could also become misaligned if you handle the doors with too much physicality. Or even if the hinges begin to wear out, causing the doors to dip. Other parts of the door could become misaligned, too, such as the strike plate. 

Handle Headaches

Another common problem reported to locksmiths is that handles operate inconsistently. Do you ever find that your patio door handles lift and manoeuvre just fine when the door is open, but will not lock properly when closed? That could mean that the door has become out of line. Or, it could mean there is a mechanical fault with your handles. Either way, it might be better to get a professional involved! 

Key Breakage

You might think that the idea of a key breaking is impossible, but it happens far more than we assume. If you ever find that your key breaks in the keyhole, then you should call a locksmith ASAP. You often need a range of tools to try and get these out on your own, and it takes an incredible level of attention to detail, precision and patience. It is easier to cause more damage than to extract the key, really safely. If your keys break, anyway, you will need a replacement key cut, so call a locksmith. 

Wear & Tear

Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a part wearing out in your door. While you could replace these parts on your own, it is often not so simple to do. There is also the fact that you might know which part has worn out. If you think the issue is down to wear and tear, contact a locksmith. They can determine what part(s) need to be replaced; you can then tackle the issue with their assistance.

There are so many parts to your patio doors that diagnosing what has worn out is much tougher than you might first assume. If your locks have worn out, you might need to replace a part or the whole lock. Most of the time, this is best left to a locksmith. Gearbox failures are the most common part of your lock to wear out, we find. If the gearbox wears out, your locks might not snap into place properly.

Simple Solutions To Common Patio Door Problems

So, we have mentioned some of the most likely errors you could run into with your patio doors. Now that you know which problems to expect and who to call in the case of an emergency, let’s also look at some potential solutions. While some solutions are still best delivered by a professional, you might wish to try some of the following tips and tricks:

Lock Cleaning

The best place to start is to give your locks a thorough clean. Removing debris and obstructions should be easy enough, but you should also be sure to dust, clean, vacuum and then wipe down your doors. Use a combination of a dry, soft brush and then a clean, damp cloth. For dirt that you cannot reach with a brush, use an air compressor can to try to blow the debris out of the way.

At the same time, you should lubricate your door's mechanical functions and hinges. Most of the time, we recommend you avoid using an oil-based lubricant as this can result in dirt collecting again. If you are unsure what to use, contact a locksmith; they can recommend maintenance for your lock types. 

Replacing Components

Over time, your patio doors can begin to show their age. As such, parts might wear out, including your locks, handles, hinges, etc. 

When that happens, it would be better to get a professional appraisal about what parts need to be replaced first. It could be something like the handles or the locks, or even the lock cylinder. In other cases, it could be the hinges or the tracks that your doors use to open and close. Most of the time, it would be better to get a locksmith to review the situation so you can determine what part(s) need to be replaced. 

Door Realignment

Look, we will say from the outset that we do not recommend DIY door realignment. Unless you are very handy and experienced in such matters, you can make the matter worse. Patio door alignment, though, is easily one of the most common faults locksmiths face. Again, it could be down to wear and tear, physical damage, or even just expansion/contraction in the inconsistent, often humid weather. 

Alignment issues mean that your doors probably do not lock as they should, as the locks no longer line up with the correct placements. To realign your doors, you would need to try to take the doors and hinges off the door, place them back correctly in line, and test out your work. This is often a job for two people, and the margin for error is small. Our recommendation? Leave this to a locksmith or the company that fitted your patio doors. 

Lock Repair 

If you decide to go ahead and try to fix a lock in your patio doors, we commend you for your desire to fix things alone. Now, this is not a rookie job; unless you are a skilled DIY handler, we recommend you call a locksmith to do this for you. If you wish to get the job done yourself, though, you will need a few tools. First, grab a screwdriver as well as some lubricant recommended for your door lock type.

Now, you will need to take apart the lock by unscrewing each component. Be sure to take pictures of the current setup and find a guideline for the lock manufacturer online. Follow this to the letter. 

Once you have removed each part of your lock system, you should give each part a deep and thorough clean. Lubricate it as well. Look for any chips, marks, bends, snaps or similar. If anything looks overly worn out, it might be better to replace the lock entirely than try to repair your current lock. Now, reassemble the lock as the manufacturer instructs and give your lock a test to see if it worked.

Lock Installation

In the event that your old lock is not in good enough condition to re-fit, buy a replacement lock. You should review what lock types are compatible with your door online. Or, if you prefer, call a locksmith. They can give you a rundown on what lock types you could install. Some lock types are suitable for some doors, while others will not be compatible. Be sure to carefully read the manufacturer's instructions.

You will then need to mark out the position on the door so you know exactly where the lock will be fitted. Follow the instructions provided to the letter, drilling holes was required, and then fitting the new locks into place. Again, be very thorough about following the instructions. If possible, have someone else with you while you do so. They can help to keep you right during this part of the process.

Once fitted and in place, test out the locks. If anything feels too tight, loose, or snags, contact a locksmith. You might be 99% of the way there, or you could have missed a crucial step. Do not ignore any signs that your newly fitted locks are not working right, though; you could be putting yourself at risk. 

When In Doubt, Call The Professionals

Some of these DIY solutions we have suggested above are easily put into place. Others? Well, they are not quite so simple. Cleaning and maintaining your locks is one thing; re-aligning your doors and/or fitting new locks is a different beast entirely. Know your limits. Appreciate where your skills lie. Do not take on too much, as you could cause more damage than you had to contend with previously.

When in doubt, call a locksmith. It might cost you a little more money, but you at least know the job is done right and your patio doors are working properly again. No price can be placed on having confidence that your home is safe and your patio doors are not vulnerable!