Conservatory Door Lock Repairs
Conservatory door locks are a critical part of your home's security. When they begin to fail, it's vital that you call a locksmith immediately.
Luckily, most conservatory door lock repairs are fairly simple and easy to do. The most common issues are: sagging hinges, floppy door handle mechanism, and locking issues.
Locks damaged or defective
The security of your conservatory doors should be the top priority. If you discover that your lock is damaged or defective it is important to call an expert locksmith to ensure that it is repaired as soon as you can to avoid potential break ins or property damage.
Examine the hinges first to determine If your lock isn't functioning as it should. You may have to tighten them to stop the door from sliding. If this doesn't resolve the issue, it could be that the latch or bolt is defective and must be replaced.
Another issue that can be found is that the key won't turn in the cylinder. This can be due to a variety of causes like dust or dirt that has accumulated inside the lock. If this is the case, you can try cleaning out any debris and applying a lubricant to help the mechanism move again.
You might also find that your key isn't turning on the cylinder because it has been misaligned. This is more common for older locks, which have been through lots of wear. In this situation it's best to delegate the repair to a professional who can carry out a more in-depth evaluation of the issue and then fix it.
If your uPVC locks are broken, you may have to replace the entire mechanism. This can be a daunting task and should only be handled by a professional. To accomplish this, you will need to remove the handle, detach the spindles and handles and then wiggle the mechanism. You will need to measure the main dimensions to be able to buy a new mechanism that fits.
The lock may not be able to open or close due a multipoint locking system that is not working properly or an anchor or security bolt that has become stuck. This will require the assistance of a professional and may require disassembling the entire lock.
Sagging Hinges
Many door sag issues result from loose hinge screws or the frame itself. If tightening the screws does not resolve the issue then you can consider adding reinforcements that will aid in keeping the hinges in position. Fill the gap between the frame and hinge using pennies, wood veneer or popsicle stick. If you are unable to find a suitable material to fill in the gap, you can opt for longer screws. They'll be able to grab deeper into studs, and offer more support.
Once you've inserted your shims then screw the hinge back into its place. The screws should be tightened several times at one time. Be careful not to tighten them too much and damage the hinges or frames. Then, test the door to determine if it is closing correctly and latching correctly. You can also add another hinge after you've fixed the sagging issue. This will distribute the weight more evenly and avoid future issues.
If the sagging occurs because the jamb is misaligned, you can use longer screw to tighten the jamb. To do this, take one of the existing screws from the side that is locked and replace it with a longer screw that extends into the framing. Repeat the process for the remaining screws on the hinge.
The strike plate may also be in an incorrect position. This can cause the frame to rub against the door, creating scratches and making it difficult for latches. You can try sanding down the edge of the strike plate with your hand or using an orbital sander, to smooth out the rough area.
Floppy Door Handle Mechanism
Over time the screws that secure the door handle mechanism could loosen. This can cause the door handle to feel loose. This isn't only annoying but also an security risk since it could mean that the internal mechanisms aren't working properly to stop your home from being accessed. A loose door handle could be a challenge to operate since you might require more pressure to lock it.
This is usually a simple fix. Find the screw that holds the barrel portion of the handle and tighten it. Alternately, you can try loosening the screws and test if the handle reorients itself to a horizontal orientation.
It is also possible that the spring in your uPVC handle needs to be lubricated. You can do this easily with WD40 or regular grease.
After you have removed the handle from the door and taken it apart you can check if any screws are loose or missing. You can tighten loose screws with a screwdriver or replace them if they are damaged or broken. Afterwards, you can clean the screw heads, and use an alcohol-based cloth to wipe away any residues from oil. Then, you can apply a small amount of threadlocker to the screws to ensure that they are secure in their place.
In some instances, it may be necessary to replace the entire uPVC door lock mechanism. In this case, you must choose a handle set that is approved by the manufacturer. For instance a Sold Safe SS301 or a 2* Kitemark. This will ensure that your conservatory is as secure as it can be and can prevent break-ins.
A qualified locksmith can service your locks on a regular basis. This will ensure they are in good shape and decrease the possibility of developing defective components. It is also recommended to upgrade your locks and handles to a higher security level while you are at it. This will help to further secure your property from unauthorized entry and increase the security of your home and family.
Locked out
If your key spins and turns inside the lock, but the door isn't opening, you are likely to be locked out. Call a professional before you attempt to open the lock. Repair My Windows And Doors will be able to gain access to your door without causing damage to it or the lock, and will have replacements locks available in stock. Sometimes, this issue is caused by an issue with the alignment of the door and can be corrected easily by making a few adjustments via hinges. Sometimes, this problem is caused by a damaged lock that has to be replaced.
Do not attempt to open your conservatory door with force, as this could cause damage to the lock mechanism and cause you to be locked out!