Replace uPVC Door Lock Mechanism
There are many types of lock for various door types and purposes. Some locking mechanisms are usually appropriate only for certain doors only due to the way their mechanism is designed. One of these is the Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, more commonly known as UPVC. This material is a durable, low-maintenance material often used for doors and window frames. You can commonly see it as the all-white frame lining glazed doors and windows.
In such doors and windows, special locking mechanisms are used to attach locks into it. The most commonly used locking mechanisms for these types of doors are called multipoint locks. Although they come in various shapes and sizes, the function of multipoint door locks is to give extra security to doors by bolting it to the frame at multiple points rather than just one. This helps compensate for the relatively weaker durability and strength of uPVC and similar materials such as composite and aluminium by giving it more integrity with the frame.
Being very different from other types of locks, maintenance and repairs for these kinds of locks are often a specialized area for locksmiths. Some locksmiths try to amass experience working with these kinds of locks to be more reliable locksmiths as doors with uPVC door multipoint mechanisms are becoming more mainstream.
Along with these, many locksmiths also offer other uPVC door services such as realignment, euro lock cylinder replacement, and glazing, which are all specialized services only the most experienced locksmiths can offer.
Multipoint Mechanisms: The uPVC Door Mechanism
Most uPVC doors use a locking mechanism known as the multipoint locking mechanism. The size, components, or design may be different across various manufacturers but they all essentially use the same principle.
In a multipoint mechanism, there are three bolts or hooks that lock the door in place with the frame. Once the door handle is released, the three bolts will move into place to secure the door firmly in place. From there, turning the key in the cylinder lock in the mechanism will lock the bolts in place.
These mechanisms are most common among uPVC doors, but they can also be found in other door types such as wooden doors, composite doors, and aluminium doors. Using multipoint mechanisms generally help make the door more sturdy and secure, especially if the door material is particularly light or bendable.
It’s good to be aware that these types of locking mechanisms are more difficult to repair. This is due to the fact that there are so many types, designs, and parts in multipoint mechanisms, which can pose a challenge to locksmiths if they have not encountered it before.
Before the mechanism breaks down completely, you should know how to tell when your door’s mechanism is already failing or might soon need repairs. The following parts will tell you common telltale signs it’s time to replace your uPVC door mechanism or have it checked by a professional locksmith in your area.
Is my uPVC door mechanism failing?
If you think your uPVC door already feels off or is malfunctioning, it’s much better to get them checked before they fully become faulty at an untimely situation. When a multipoint mechanism fails, your door might be jammed shut which will cause repairs to be more costly and damaging for your door and door frame.
You can often sense that something is wrong with the mechanism through its different parts: the handle, the lock, and the door. Prime Alert, a 24-hour locksmith service in London, lists several signs for each part that indicate the uPVC door mechanisms need to be inspected soon.
Handle movement is a great indicator of whether or not you should get your uPVC door mechanism checked. If the handle is stiff or requires additional effort, it usually means something may have been dislodged or broken inside the mechanism. The opposite—being too loose—can also mean the same thing.
For locks, usually it is based on the sound when turning. If your lock makes sudden clicks and other unusual sounds, it may mean that something inside is broken. The same thing applies when lock movement is loose or goes around more than it should.
Finally, the door can also exhibit symptoms of a malfunctioning multipoint mechanism. If the door becomes jammed, it is difficult to open and shut the door, or the door is shaky and a bit loose all mean an issue with your door. These symptoms can all mean different things and they are generally varied; some may be easy fixes such as tightening hinges or realigning doors, while some may require complicated repairs.
If any of these appear with your door and it increasingly becomes a bother to the function of the door, make sure to get it checked before it fully malfunctions and leads to lockout situations.
CALL A UPVC LOCKSMITH NOW IN BELFAST AND NORTHERN IRELAND
If you’re looking for fully experienced emergency locksmiths that offer high-quality services for affordable prices, call D&M locksmith any time of the day and we will respond to your location as quickly as possible.
We cover a wide range of areas in Belfast and surrounding areas, including Newtownabbey, Ballymena, Bangor, Carrickfergus, Larne, and Newtownards.
Our lock change and repair services start at only £75 and we strictly follow a fixed price quote that includes everything from call-out to labour. For euro-cylinder lock changes on uPVC doors, our services start at as low as £75.
Our team of locksmith specialists is available 24/7 to respond to any emergency call-outs and answer inquiries about our services. If you are unsure whether we offer the service you need, give us a call and we’ll gladly do our best to attend to your situation.