At A Glance
- A UPVC door lock mechanism can last for many years with the right maintenance schedule
- Failure to maintain your UPVC door locks will result in the need for earlier replacements
- Common signs of a damaged UPVC door lock include stiffness and alignment issues
- If your keys are jamming or sticking when closing, that is also a sign of an issue
- Common maintenance includes lubricating the locks and tightening each screw
- Cleaning the UPVC door lock mechanism can also help to keep it working well
- Arrange a regular cleaning schedule to save money and avoid replacements
In the UK, UPVC doors are easily among the most popular door types today. They fit modern property styles, remain relatively low-maintenance, and can be upgraded with a multi-point locking system. That said, while UPVC doors are a great investment, their lock mechanisms are not immune to damage. To ensure your UPVC door lock lasts longer, maintain it regularly.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of maintaining a UPVC door lock. We will help you identify when your lock is in trouble, and the steps you need to take to keep your UPVC door locks working properly. For insight into UPVC door lock maintenance, we contacted Locks & Handles – UK experts in all things related to door security and door furniture – for some advice.
Use this guide to extend the lifespan of your locks and avoid the cost of a full replacement.
What Are Common Wear & Tear Problems With UPVC Door Locks?
Working out what is wrong with your UPVC door locks can be quite challenging. Most of the time, the issues can feel rather innocuous; you might not even be aware of an issue at first. Common issues you might run into that you should pay close attention to include:
- Door locks that start to feel stiff. When you turn the keys to lock or unlock the door, do you feel as if the lock mechanism is stiff or overly tight? Does it fight against you?
- The same goes for the door handles. Do your door handles feel like they are sticking or jamming?
- You might even find that your keys jam. Key jamming is a clear sign of a lock issue that is related either to the lock’s alignment or the condition of the lock. Could there be debris stuck?
- Alignment issues are a common cause for concern, too. A door lock that is not aligned will not lock properly. Try to lock your door: does the lock mechanism and latch connect properly?
- Alignment problems can also relate to the door being out of line as opposed to the locks. If your door has become misaligned, the door is likely to feel like it drags when opened
Spotting any of these issues should be a cause for concern. The good news is that addressing each of these issues is within your capability, provided you have a few tools, such as a screwdriver, a cleaning agent and a lubricant compatible with your door type.
Routine Maintenance Tips For Your UPVC Door Lock
Most of the time, the above issues can be repaired or avoided entirely by following a regular maintenance schedule. We recommend that you go through the following steps to keep your door working correctly:
Cleaning The Locking Strip
Sometimes, the only issue is that your locking strip has become slightly dirty. This is easily fixed: you just need to give the locking strip a clean. The locking strip is common on most UPVC door locks and is part of a multipoint locking system. Cleaning the strip will remove any rust or dirt buildup, hopefully restoring the door to normal operation.
You should also clean out the handles, keyholes and other parts of the lock mechanism. Use an air compressor or a can of compressed air to blow out any debris, give the inside a thorough cleaning, and remove anything that could have been blocking operations.
Lubricating The Locks & Handles
Another issue is that your door handles and lock mechanisms may be lacking lubrication. By using a simple silicone-based lubricant, you can add a bit of extra movement to the lock mechanism.
If handles or locks are catching or feel overly stiff, lubricating the internal handle mechanism or the lock mechanism – including the keyhole – can help to alleviate the issues. Lubrication helps ensure that internal parts operate without unnecessary friction.
Tightening UPVC Door Lock Screws
Another step is to give your lock mechanism and door handle screws a quick tighten. Get a screwdriver, find a screwdriver head that is compatible with your screws, and turn them clockwise. This should help tighten the screws and restore normal functionality.
If your handles already feel overly tight, or the lock feels tight or misaligned, you may also need to turn the screws counter-clockwise. This will loosen the mechanisms, giving them a little extra freedom when turned. Try turning the screws clockwise slightly, then repeat in the opposite direction if the problem hasn’t improved.
Preventative Care Always Beats A UPVC Door Lock Replacement
By following the guidelines above, you should find it much easier to keep your UPVC door lock operating at full capacity. Sometimes it’s easy to miss signs, so set a regular schedule to review your door’s condition. The sooner you spot an issue, the easier it is to fix on your own!
Preventative care is, without a doubt, the best way to make sure you avoid an expensive UPVC door lock replacement. Replacing a full multi-point locking system can be very expensive. However, if you take the time to properly maintain your door locks, you should be far less likely to run into this kind of issue in the future.
Set a routine schedule – perhaps once every two to three months – to review your UPVC door lock. Most of the time, problems can present themselves as minor inconveniences at first. Eventually, the issue will worsen, and you’ll be left in a situation where the lock needs to be replaced completely.
Take the time to perform these maintenance steps, and you can hopefully extend that situation by a few years!
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