Conservatory Door Lock Repairs
Conservatory door locks are a critical part of your home's security. If they start to fail, it's crucial that you call an emergency locksmith.
The majority of conservatory door locks can be repaired easily and quickly. The most common problems include:. sagging hinges, floppy door handle mechanism and locking issues.
Damaged or Faulty locks
When it comes to your conservatory doors, securing them properly should always be a priority. If you discover that your lock is damaged or defective, contact an expert to have it fixed as soon as you can. This will help prevent any potential break-ins or damage to your property.
Make sure the hinges are checked first to determine if the lock isn't functioning as it should. They might need to be tightened to stop the door from sliding. If this doesn't resolve the issue, then there may be a problem with the bolt or latch, which needs to be replaced.
Another issue that is common is that the key won't rotate in the cylinder. This can be caused by many problems, such as dust and dirt that build up in the lock. If this is the cause then you should clear any debris or apply lubricant to let the mechanism move without restriction.
It's possible that your key is misaligned and isn't turning inside the cylinder. This is more common for older locks, which have suffered a lot of wear. In this case it is best to leave the repairs to a professional. They can perform an in-depth examination of the problem and make the necessary repairs.
It's important to note that in the event that your uPVC lock is damaged it may be necessary to replace the entire mechanism. This can be a daunting task and should only be undertaken by a trained professional. To do so you'll need to remove the handle, take apart the spindles and handles and then loosen the mechanism. You'll need to take measurements of the principal dimensions so that you can buy a new mechanism that is compatible with.
In addition, your lock could not open or close because of a faulty multipoint locking system, or a security hook or bolt that is become stuck. This is more likely to require the skills of a professional locksmith and usually involves taking apart the entire lock.
Sagging Hinges
A lot of door sag issues are caused by loose hinge screws or the frame itself. The tightening of these screws will likely resolve the problem however, if it doesn't the next step is to install reinforcements to ensure that the hinges stay in their place. You could use wood veneers, pennies, popsicle sticks or even a thin strip of cardboard to fill the gap between the hinge and frame. If you can't find a suitable material, you can try longer screws as they'll be able to grasp deeper into the studs and offer stronger support.
The hinge should be screwed in place after you've put in the shims. Make replacement conservatory door handles repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to tighten the screws a few turns at a time, being careful not to over tighten and cause damage to the frame or hinge. Then, check the door to see if it's closing properly and latching properly. If you've gotten rid of the sagging issue it's also worth adding a third hinge in order to distribute the door's weight more evenly and prevent future issues.
If the sagging is caused by an unaligned jamb You can use longer screws to draw the jamb in a more secure way. To do this, remove the screw that is on the hinge's lock side. Replace it with a larger one that extends to framing. Repeat the process with any screws remaining on the hinge.
The strike plate may also be in the incorrect position. This could cause the door to be pushed against the frame, causing scuff marks which make it difficult for the latch to grab. You can try sanding down the edge of the strike plate by 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 it to feel loose. This isn't just annoying but it could also pose a security risk as it could indicate that the internal mechanisms aren't engaging correctly to prevent your home from being accessed. A door handle that is loose can also be difficult to operate, as you may need to apply more pressure when trying to lock it.
Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Find the screw that holds the barrel of the handle in place and tighten it. Try loosening the screws and see if it realigns the handle to a horizontal position.
It is also possible to lubricate the springs in your uPVC handle. You can do this easily with WD40 or regular grease.
After you have removed the handle from the door and removed it from the door, you can determine if any screws are loose or missing. You can tighten loose screws with a screwdriver or replace them if damaged or broken. After cleaning the screw heads, apply an alcohol-soaked cloth to get rid of any oil stains. Then, you can apply a tiny amount of threadlocker on the screws to hold them in the correct position.
In certain situations, it could be necessary for the entire uPVC lock mechanism to be replaced. In this instance you will need to choose a handle set that are approved by the manufacturer. For instance the Sold Safe SS301 or a 2* Kitemark. This will help to ensure that your conservatory stays as secure as is possible and can prevent break-ins.
It is recommended to have your locks regularly serviced by a locksmith who is certified. This will help to keep them in top condition and will reduce the risk of components that are defective developing. While you're at it, you should upgrade your locks and handles to a higher level of security. This will prevent unauthorised entry and increase the safety of your family and yourself.
Locked out
If your key turns and spins in the lock but the door doesn't open, you are likely to be locked out. Contact a professional before you try to tamper the lock. They will be able gain access to your door without damaging it or the lock and will have replacement locks in stock. Sometimes this problem is caused by a lack of alignment in the door and can be corrected easily by making a few adjustments through hinges. Sometimes, this problem can be caused by a broken lock that needs to be replaced.
Don't attempt to open the door of your conservatory with force, as this could damage the lock and lock mechanism and cause you to be locked out!