UPVC doors can start playing up for a number of reasons. They are commonly found in residential buildings so over time the constant use eventually takes its toll. Most problems that may arise do tend to need the assistance of a locksmith to resolve however, you as the homeowner can diagnose the issue. Below you will find a few of the most common problems you may come across with your uPVC doors.
UPVC Door Problems
Door not locking properly/Stiff handle – There are many reasons why your uPVC door is not locking correctly, if the handle is a bit stiff and the key wont turn fully then it is quite likely that your door has become misaligned, this means that the bolts can’t fully get into the locking position. Misalignment can be caused by a variety of things such as, swelling and contracting due to hot and cold weather, repeated slamming, hanging on the door and general wear and tear. To fix this issue the hinges need to be adjusted so that the door or window re-aligns with the frame. Once this has been done you should have no problems locking the door or window.
UPVC door only locking from one side – if you can only lock your uPVC door from one side and the key will not turn in the other then chances are you need a new lock barrel. If you can’t remove the key after you have locked the door then it is likely that the central cam of the lock cylinder is slipping out of alignment. This is commonly the case when keys and lock components are worn due to frequent use. To resolve this issue, you will need to call out your local locksmith to replace the cylinder and ensure the correct size is used and it is fitted correctly.
Handel spins without opening the door – This is usually the result of ignoring an initial problem when the handle gets stiff and your door get the door realigned. The constant forcing of the handle eventually takes its toll and the pressure put on the internal parts eventually cause them to break. The likely source of this issue is a broken spindle in the lock box and the fix involves replacing the back box or the entire locking unit depending on the type of lock you have fitted. You will need the help of your local locksmith to gain entry and change the locks.
Lock Cylinders – The locks fitted to uPVC doors at the point of manufacturing may not always be the most secure locks that your property needs, they often don’t meet the British Standard TS007. Methods used by burglars such as lock snapping and lock bumping mean it is vital you ensure you have secure locks on your external door to better protect your home against a break in. Unfortunately, more often than not the locks that come fitted with uPVC doors are prone to these methods, so it is always work calling out a locksmith to come and upgrade the locks when you have a new uPVC door installed. This will give you piece of mind that it won’t be easy for an intruder to break into your home and may also save you some money on your insurance premiums.
Broken key in lock– Any key entry lock is susceptible to this problem. It is caused by general wear and tear on frequently used and old keys. This problem can be avoided by calling out a locksmith as soon as the lock begins to jam so you are not repeatedly forcing the key. If it is too late for prevention methods, then contact City Locksmiths Bristol to come and extract the key and take any necessary step to prevent it from happening again in the future.
For uPVC window problems please visit our blog: Problems with uPVC Windows. or visit Our uPVC Locks Page
If you require the services of a locksmith for any of the issues mentioned above then contact City Locksmiths Bristol today – 0117 287 2012
