How to Repair a Faulty Lock on a UPVC Door
If you're experiencing problems locking your uPVC door, it might not necessarily be the lock itself that needs replacing. It could be just as easy as a slightly out of alignment frame or door.
Try applying lubrication to the lock mechanism using a dry lubricant based on graphite. This should allow the key to be put in and removed with ease.
Check the Lock
Certain door locks could be difficult or impossible to operate due to dust, dirt or other debris that have been accumulating over time. Use compressed air or a soft toothbrush to get rid of any obstructions. Lubricate the lever or handle to ensure it is moving smoothly.
If the issue continues If the issue persists, you should contact an expert locksmith. They will assess the situation and suggest a solution to ensure that your home is secured.
Typically the door lock made of upvc will have a multi-point locking mechanism. This means that when the handle is turned up and down to secure the door it locks at different points, which prevents intrusions from getting easy access to your home. It is however not uncommon for this type of mechanism to suffer from faults which could stop it from locking properly.
One of the main reasons why a upvc door lock becomes difficult to operate is due to changes in the weather. This can cause the door to expand and contract, which could put a stress on the lock. This is usually corrected by a professional locksmith by realigning the door. This procedure is complex and requires disassembling the complete mechanism and moving parts in order to attain the proper tolerances.
It is also important to make sure that the handle or lever is not worn out or damaged. If this is the case you'll require high-quality replacements that are compatible with your upvc doors and seek the assistance of a locksmith for the proper installation.
Another reason for a stuck upvc door is that the euro lock or cylinder has become damaged. If this is the situation you'll need to replace it with an Edinburgh locksmith. They will replace the damaged cylinder and upgrade it to a 3 Star TS007 cylinder, which helps to stop the 'lock snapping' that is a technique that is increasingly utilized by criminals to gain entry into properties in Edinburgh. Locksmiths can tell you if that is the issue and will be able to fix it swiftly.
Check the Bolts
uPVC door locks are known for their security, strength and longevity. However, even these robust mechanisms can develop issues in time. Fortunately, the vast majority of problems that arise with uPVC door locks are minor and can be fixed easily. The decision to repair a damaged lock or replace it entirely will often depend on the severity of the damage and the cost of repair, as well as the condition of the lock.
The first step in fixing a uPVC door lock is to inspect the bolts that connect it to the frame of your house. The bolts must be secure and not showing any signs of wear or corrosion. If the bolts appear to be loose, you may be able to hire locksmith professionals to replace them. upvc windows and door repairs RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is to check the cylinder that is the component of the lock that sits inside the door handle. The cylinder is usually constructed of brass and has pins on its exterior that engage with the bolts that lock to unlock the handle and unlock the door. If the cylinder is damaged or lost these pins, you may need to replace it with a TS007 high-security cylinder. This will stop the cylinder from snapping and will stop intruders from entering your home.
Another common problem that can occur with uPVC door locks is when the mechanism becomes stuck. This is usually caused by the weather changing as uPVC expands or contracts with hot and cold. A simple solution is to grease the mechanism with silicone spray. This should ease the movement of the bolts.
Also, you should look at the central case that houses the locking mechanism. If this is broken it could indicate something much more serious, like the key breaking off inside the lock or a failure in the gearbox that would require expert tools that only a professional locksmith would have access to. If you suspect there is a problem with the centre case of your uPVC door, it is recommended to contact a professional right away.
Strike Plate Inspection
The strike plate is the portion of your door that the latch catches on when it's closed. Incorrectly aligned strike plates can cause doors to not close properly and even pose a security risk. If this is the case it's generally easy to fix. Simply tighten the screws on the strikeplate.
Before you start playing with any device it is essential to ensure that the latch catches on the strike plate. If it's not the case, it could be an indication of a larger problem with the lock and it might need to be replaced.
Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate within the locking mechanism, and cause it to feel stiff. Weather changes, particularly temperature variations can also cause uPVC doors to expand or contract and this can cause the lock to be misaligned. If you are experiencing this problem regularly you should contact an experienced locksmith in Chislehurst and West Wickham.
If you're lucky enough to have a uPVC door with flag hinges, you'll be able to loosen the screw that is located at the bottom of the hinge and adjust its compression by adding or removing the shims. This will help align the hinge with the strike plate of your home's frame. Check the strike plate for wear and tear, because this could alter the way your door latches to it.
If your uPVC door is unable to latch to the strike plate, the latch could be damaged and must be replaced. This will cost you more than just repairing the hinges or locks that are in place and it's recommended to fix the issue as soon as possible before it becomes more serious. Regular maintenance, like regular cleaning and lubrication, can help prevent these issues from happening in the first place. Ideally, you should perform these maintenance tasks every few weeks to keep your uPVC door in pristine good condition. If you are not confident in doing this, a professional will assist you.
Check the Handle
It can be a challenge to use a uPVC handle that is loose. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed with a simple maintenance. If the handle is loose, you must first make sure that the screws that hold it in place are tightened. This task is best performed with a Phillips head screwdriver. The loose screws can cause the handle to shake which could be a inconvenience and could also make the door vulnerable to security threats. It is also a good idea to examine the handle on a regular basis for indications of loosing.
If the handle is not firmly fixed try lubricating. A high-quality 3 in 1 door handle lubricant will aid the mechanism in moving more freely and ease the problem. If the lubrication doesn't work it might be time to replace the handle itself. Make sure you choose high-quality replacements that are compatible with your uPVC door. You should also seek expert advice for the correct installation.
Another issue that is common is physical damage to the uPVC handle. This could cause it to be difficult to open. Rust and corrosion are common causes of damage. They could result in the need for replacement parts or even replacing the entire mechanism. Check for visible cracks and splits in the handle, and think about replacing it to protect your home from intruders.
Internal door misalignment could also contribute to a door handle that is loose. Over time the handle may lose its initial alignment with the cam or locking gearbox. This can make it difficult to lock the door, or even impossible. Fortunately, this is a simple fix by re-aligning the handle with the locking mechanism.
A licensed locksmith can offer a variety of solutions if the problem is more serious. They can assist you in choosing durable and high-quality uPVC levers and handles that meet your requirements and then install them correctly and restore functionality. In addition, they offer a variety of repair services including lubrication and complete mechanism replacement. In the majority of instances, the warranty of the manufacturer covers these repairs. In the majority of instances the warranties cover material and labour costs. However, you must check the warranty for specific information.