If you are having difficulty with your UPVC or composite door locks, it’s easy to assume that the fault lies with the lock itself, however, this may not be the case. UPVC and composite doors are generally fitted with Multi-point locking systems which are fitted within the door surround. The locking system comprises a mechanism, cylinder lock (usually a euro cylinder) and handles.
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing issues with your UPVC or Composite door, for example, the door may be out of alignment, the mechanism may need lubrication, or perhaps the lock or handles have failed. Whatever the reason, it is always best to seek the advice of a locksmith as soon as the issue arises. It might seem overkill, but simple problems like these can result in much bigger (and more expensive) issues if left unresolved. We are often called to jobs that require full mechanism replacements, which could have been avoided, had we been called earlier. As the saying goes – prevention is better than cure!
If you are unsure what type of locking mechanism you have, head to our blog where you will find advice on how to identify the locks and some examples of our previous work, including mechanism changes.
Top Tips
- It is good practice to service your door’s locking mechanism, including lubrication regularly.
- Do not use WD40 as a lubricant. This can cause a build-up of dirt and clog the mechanism, we recommend silicon-based products.
- While it may be tempting to try and realign your door yourself, we recommend contacting a professional locksmith. If a door is not correctly aligned, it may strain the mechanism and cause it to fail.
- Check for draughts around door perimeter, this is an obvious sign that a door is misaligned.
- Do not force handle up to lock, this can cause unnecessary strain on the locking mechanism, causing failure.
- If the key is spinning round continuously or you’re having to wiggle the key to get it to turn, then it’s time to replace your cylinder.
- Call us for free advice, we only charge if we do any work, sometimes things can be resolved over the phone.
Please call us on 0800 052 0775 or email [email protected]. Further information is available on our website
