Conservatory Door Lock Repairs
Conservatory door locks are an essential component of the security of your home. When they begin to fail, it's important that you call a locksmith right away.
Fortunately, the majority of repair work for door locks on conservatories are relatively simple and easy to carry out. The most common problems are: Floppy hinges, sagging hinges handle mechanism, and locking issues.
Broken or damaged locks
The security of your conservatory doors should be the top priority. If you notice that your lock has become damaged or faulty it is important to call a professional locksmith to ensure that the lock is repaired as soon as you can to prevent potential break-ins or property damage.
If your lock isn't opening and closing as it should the first thing you should check is if there's something wrong with the hinges. They may need tightening to stop the door from sagging. If this doesn't solve the issue, it could be that the latch or bolt is faulty and needs to be replaced.
A common issue is that your key will not turn inside the cylinder. This can be due to a variety of causes such as dust or dirt that has accumulated in the lock. If this is the case, try clearing away any debris and applying a lubricant to help the mechanism move again.
It's possible that the key is misaligned and is not turning inside the cylinder. This is more prevalent with older locks, which have suffered lots of wear. In this instance, it's best to leave the repair to a professional who can carry out a more in-depth analysis of the issue and then fix it.
If your uPVC locks are damaged, you may have to replace the entire mechanism. This is a challenging task and should only be attempted by an expert. To do so, you will need to remove the handle, disassemble the handles and spindles, and wiggle out the mechanism. Then, conservatory door repairs near me need to determine the dimensions of the mechanism to ensure you purchase an appropriate replacement that will fit.
Finally, your lock may not be able to close or open due to a malfunctioning multipoint locking system, or a security hook or bolt that is been blocked. This may require the help of a specialist and could involve disassembling the entire lock.
Sagging Hinges
Many door sag problems result from loose frame screws or hinge screws. If tightening screws does not resolve the issue, you can add reinforcements that ensure that the hinges remain in their place. You could use wood veneers, pennies, popsicle sticks or even a thin strip of cardboard to fill in the gap between the frame and hinge. If you can't find an appropriate material to fill the gap, you can use longer screws. They can grasp studs deeper and provide stronger support.
The hinge should be screwed in place after you've put in the shims. Make sure to tighten the screws by turning them a few times at a time, being cautious not to over-tighten and damage the hinge or frame. Then, check the door to determine if it's closing properly and latching properly. You can add another hinge after you've resolved the sagging problem. This will distribute the weight more evenly and avoid further problems.
If the sagging is due a misaligned jamb it is possible to use longer screws to draw the jamb in a more secure way. To do this, you need to remove one of the screws from the lock side of the hinge and replace it with a larger screw that extends into the framing. Repeat the process for any screws remaining on the hinge.
Another possibility is that the strike plate may be in the wrong place. This can cause the frame to hit the door, creating scuff marks and making it difficult for latches to grab. You can sand the edges of the strike plate with an orbital or hand sander.
Floppy Door Handle Mechanism
Over time, the screws that secure your door handle mechanism can be loose, causing it to feel loose. This isn't only annoying but also a security risk as it could indicate that the internal mechanisms aren't functioning properly to keep your home from being accessed. A floppy door handle can also be difficult to operate as you may need to apply more pressure when trying to lock it.
This is usually a straightforward fix. Find the screw that holds the barrel part of the handle and tighten it. You could also try loosening up the screws and see if it realigns the handle back into the horizontal position.
It is also possible to lubricate the spring in your uPVC handle. This can be done easily with WD40 or household grease.
Once you have removed the door handle and taken it apart you will be able to determine if there are any loose or missing screws. You can tighten loose screws using a screwdriver, or replace them if damaged or broken. Afterwards, you can clean the screw heads and apply 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 stay in the correct position.
In some instances, it may be necessary to replace the entire uPVC door lock mechanism. If this is the case, you should always use a certified handle set like a Sold Secure SS301 or 2* Kitemark. This will help to ensure that your conservatory remains as secure as it can be, and can prevent break-ins.
A qualified locksmith can service your locks on a regular basis. This will help keep them in good condition and decrease the risk of components that are defective developing. It is also recommended that you upgrade your handles and locks to a more secure level while you're in the process. This will help prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized, and will increase the security of your family and you.
Locked out
If your key turns and spins inside the lock, but the door isn't unlocking you could be locked out. Call a professional before you try to tamper the lock. They will be able to gain access to your door without damaging it or the lock and will have replacement locks in stock. Sometimes this problem can be caused by an issue with the alignment of the door, which can be fixed quickly by adjusting a few screws by using hinges. Sometimes, the issue is caused by a damaged lock that has to be replaced.
Don't attempt to open your conservatory door with force as it could cause damage to the lock and mechanism, causing you to be locked out!