uPVC Lock Replacement
There are many reasons why households invest in uPVC doors. They are durable, energy efficient, relatively low maintenance and offer enhanced security compared to traditional wooden or metal doors. That said, it’s important to keep your uPVC door in good working condition to avoid expensive repairs and to ensure the safety of your property isn’t compromised.
Knowing how to spot a faulty uPVC door lock and whether a UPVC lock replacement is necessary is a great starting point. Locks are one of the door parts that can and do deteriorate over time, with early detection being necessary for peace of mind. So, here’s a rundown of how uPVC door locks wear, the signs you might notice and how a professional locksmith can help.
The Wear and Tear of uPVC Door Locks
Like anything, uPVC door locks can experience wear and tear from daily use. This is particularly true in parts of the house that have high traffic like the front door, which is typically used multiple times a day by multiple people. Unlike traditional locks that secure the door at a single point, uPVC doors have multipoint mechanisms that contain several moving parts such as hooks, bolts and rollers. While the benefit is increased security, these parts can degrade over time.
An experienced and highly-trained locksmith can carry out a uPVC lock replacement easily, preventing any mistakes that might be caused by DIY errors. If the lock on your door isn’t working due to wear and tear, be sure to call in the professionals to avoid making the problem worse yourself.
Key Signs your uPVC Door Lock Needs Replacing
There are typically signs that your uPVC lock is failing. Here are some of the most common issues to look out for:
- Difficulty Lifting the Handle
If you experience stiffness in the handle or grinding, this can indicate an internal component failure. The handle should lift smoothly and quietly, so if you spot anything abnormal, do contact a professional locksmith for an expert opinion.
- The Key Feels Tight, Loose or Won’t Turn Smoothly
Once a uPVC door is professionally installed, you might not think twice about the inner mechanisms. But if the key feels tight, loose or won’t turn smoothly, this could be a sign of cylinder wear that needs to be dealt with promptly by an expert. Alignment problems can also cause difficulties turning the key, which would require a full door assessment.
- Lock Mechanism is Crunchy, Grinding or Clicking
A uPVC door lock gearbox is the central mechanism inside a multipoint lock that operates the hooks, bolts, and rollers when you turn the key or lift the handle. It’s the “engine” of the lock system, and if it fails, the whole door lock stops working. This could be what’s happening if the lock mechanism is crunchy, grinding or clicking. A faulty uPVC door lock can continue to get worse with time, so make sure you address the problem quickly.
- The Door Won’t Lock Unless Forced
If you really need to force the door to lock, this could be a sign of a deeper mechanical failure. While not being able to lock your door isn’t ideal, try not to force the lock or carry out any kind of DIY maintenance. Instead, contact an expert locksmith who will assess and resolve the problem with a uPVC lock replacement if necessary.
- The Lock Only Works Intermittently
If the lock works one moment but doesn’t work the next, the mechanism could be close to complete failure. As soon as you notice the lock isn’t working, it’s a good idea to seek professional help.
- Visible Signs of Damage or Loose Components
Replacing a uPVC door lock might be necessary if there are visible signs of damage or loose components such as broken handles, cracked casing or movement in the lock area.
- Lock Has Been Forced or Tampered With
If the lock has been forced or tampered with during an attempted break-in, then replacement is essential. Elements of the door lock mechanism could have been damaged and broken, compromising the security of your property.
Why you Should Avoid DIY Lock Replacement
DIY uPVC repairs can be tempting but they can cause more problems in the long-run. Here are several reasons why leaving it to the professionals is the best idea.
- Multipoint locking systems are complex and easy to damage.
- Locks must be correctly aligned to keep the door weatherproof and secure.
- Incorrect replacement can invalidate insurance.
- Locksmiths carry specialist tools and exact-match replacements.
The Benefits of Calling a Locksmith for uPVC Lock Replacement
When replacing a uPVC door lock there are many benefits to calling in a locksmith. Firstly, locksmiths are uPVC door experts and have seen many different types of lock failures. They’ll know exactly what the problem is and how to fix it. A precise diagnosis is needed in order to use the correct replacement parts and that’s where professional help comes into play.
Locksmiths have the ability to fix related issues such as door misalignment, hinge drop and damaged gearboxes. During a lock repair, they might also warn you about other damaged parts that could cause security or other issues if not replaced. Repairing mechanisms quickly will give you peace of mind and keep your door strong and reliable for longer.
Locksmiths help to enhance home security and also ensure you’re compliant with insurance standards. They provide a safe, quick and reliable service too, so even if your lock breaks unexpectedly you can get the help you need.
uPVC door repairs and lock replacement
uPVC doors can be highly secure if maintained properly. However, if you do notice any issues arising, such as difficulty lifting the handle or noisy key turns, speak to a professional locksmith as soon as possible. At Absolute Security Locksmiths we carry out a range of uPVC door and window repairs, ensuring your property remains safe and secure. Get in touch today for services in Folkestone, Deal, Dover, Ashford, Hawkinge, Hythe and Dymchurch.