Composite doors are very popular because of their elegant appearance as well as their improved insulation and security. However, these doors aren't immune to problems such as warping and dropped hinges.
A common issue is a sticky lock that is difficult to operate. This can increase the risk of breaking a key, or making it difficult to close it.
Key Won't turn
Composite doors are a great alternative to traditional replacing upvc door locks doors, offering increased security and energy efficiency along with attractive appealing designs. They are popular with commercial and residential homes because of their low maintenance requirements and their durability. As with any door, they will require some attention and maintenance over time to maintain their appearance and function. One of the most frequent problems encountered with composite doors is that they may become sticky, making it difficult to open or close them. This is a common issue which can be solved by lubricating the locking mechanism and the cylinder. While it's tempting to reach for the WD-40, we recommend using a graphite or silicon-based oil lubricant as oil-based greases can have negative impact on the door locks.
Mechanisms and lock cylinders are exposed to the elements on a regular basis so they'll wear out over time. This could cause the components to become loose or corrode, which can make it difficult to open your composite door.
Another possibility is that the cylinder in your lock has fallen, which could lead to the door becoming misaligned and therefore, more difficult to close or lock. A local Locksmith can replace the cylinder and ensure that the whole locking mechanism is in working properly.
It is important to remember that composite doors are subject to warping, swelling and bow over time which can impact the performance of your door. We strongly recommend lifting the handle (or throwing it) each time you close the door to ensure the locks are fully engaged and help avoid damage in the future.
A high-quality multipoint locking system is the best way to secure a composite door and Window Ware offer a range of products that will satisfy your specific needs. These systems can be easily installed by an expert and are specifically designed specifically for these types of doors. To find out more about the various options for your composite door and how they could benefit you, call our team of experts on 0161 879 9343.
Sticky Locks
The locking mechanisms of composite doors can become sticky and make it difficult to put in the key, turn it or take it out. This is often caused by dust and debris getting lodged in the internal mechanism. This can be eliminated by applying lubricant to the door latch and cylinder. You can apply lubricant either in the form of an aerosol spray or as a powder that you can apply using a brush. Avoid lubricants containing petroleum, such as WD-40 or sewing machine oil because they could cause further damage to your lock.
Another issue that is common to composite doors is hinges dropping. The hinges could fall if they are not regularly oiled. This is particularly the case when the door is used or is frequently used. A simple adjustment of the hinge can resolve this issue and eliminate the need for an entire replacement.
Lastly, the weather seals on composite doors can be worn out or dislodged over time. This can lead to rainwater entering the home. A new weather seal can be bought at any hardware store or online retailer and is to be fitted in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
If your composite door shows signs of wear, it may be time to change the lock. The type of lock you require will depend on the level of security you want your home to feel and the design of your door. Window Ware offers high-security multipoint lock for composite doors that will ensure your home's security.
If your composite door has locks that aren't working properly, you can always contact a professional to fix it for you. However, if the lock is beyond repair, you could need to replace your composite door completely. To avoid this, make sure to select a high-security lock that's specifically designed for your composite patio door lock replacement. This will ensure that your composite door is properly secured and fitted while preserving the look of your home. Additionally, you should be sure that the lock is installed correctly and ensure that all components are in good condition before installing it. A professional will install your new lock quickly and efficiently. They will ensure that it is fitted correctly and functions as intended.
Cylinder Issues
If your keys won't turn in your lock, it could be a problem with the cylinder itself, or more specifically the locking mechanism within. These can be changed quickly and easily by a locksmith in your area who can replace the cylinder with one that functions and also service the entire mechanism of your door lock to ensure it's working properly. Visit our Locksmith Prices page to find out the price.
Another frequent issue is the problem of sticky locks. This can be caused by a variety of things. It can be caused by an unbalanced frame, a distorted frame, pivots, or dirt on the internal mechanisms of the lock. They could make it difficult or impossible to open or close the lock or latch it correctly. In the majority of cases, this can be corrected by adjusting the hinges or locking mechanism.
You can stop this from occurring by spraying the hinges as well as the locking mechanism with a lubricant that is light every six months. This will ensure that they move effortlessly and without resistance.
To ensure that your composite doors are in good condition, it is important to conduct regular maintenance. A door maintenance kit can keep your composite doors looking great and prevent stains. It can be purchased at your local hardware store or on the internet and can be purchased at a reasonable cost.
If you are forced to push your handles to fit or they are difficult to lift, this could be an indication of a gearbox problem or a realignment. It can be easy to fix the issue yourself by loosening the screws at the centre of each hinge and lifting them to the desired level, then tightening them.
If you've tried adjusting the hinges as well as the handle position and still can't get it to work, it could be an issue with your cylinder, or the multipoint locking system. The cylinders can be replaced by a locksmith who will be able to install the cylinder from scratch or a replacement multipoint lock. They will be capable of matching the new lock to the one that is already in place to ensure that the door will function in the way it should and not void the insurance coverage for your home.
Multipoint Locking System Issues
Multipoint locking systems are an excellent option to improve the security of your home. They are found on many uPVC or composite doors. But, like any piece of machinery it can experience problems in time.
If you're having issues with the cylinder, locking points or the door handle itself there are a few things that can be done to solve the problem. Lubricating the mechanism can help when, for instance the handle is stuck. In more severe cases, you may have to remove or re-screw the handle in order to fix the issue. It's always worth seeking expert advice before attempting to solve these kinds of issues.
Another common issue is when the door begins expanding due to the warm temperatures. This is usually because the handle must be lifted up (or 'thrown') when closing the door to activate all of the locking points down the door. The replacing door locks will rest on the middle latch and it is more likely the door will expand or warp over time if you don't do this. To prevent this from happening you must get into the habit to throw the door handle each time you close it. This will ensure that all locking points are in place.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, it's best to contact a uPVC or composite specialist Locksmith who can determine and fix the issue with the door lock replacement locks for patio doors made of composite. They can also give you professional advice about how to keep your door in good condition to prevent future problems.
If your uPVC door or composite door does not close properly it could be because the frame is too small or the door itself is misaligned. If the frame is too tight, you'll have to get it resized and if the door is misaligned with the lock, then it'll need to be replaced. In the majority of cases, a Locksmith will be able to sort these issues out within 30 minutes or less. A screwdriver, along with other tools is enough to make the necessary adjustments.