Conservatory Door Lock Repairs
Conservatory door locks play an important role in the security of your home. If they start to fail, it's important to call an emergency locksmith.
Luckily, most conservatory door lock repairs are relatively simple and easy to carry out. The most common issues are: sagging hinges, floppy door handle mechanism, and locking issues.
Damaged or Faulty Locks
When it comes to your conservatory doors, making sure they are secured properly should be the top priority. If you find that your lock has become damaged or isn't working properly it's crucial to contact a professional locksmith to ensure that the lock is repaired as soon as you can to avoid potential break ins or property damage.
If your lock isn't opening and closing as it should, the first thing to check is if there's a problem with the hinges. It is possible that you need to tighten them in order to prevent the door from sagging. If this doesn't resolve the problem it could be because the bolt or latch is defective and must be replaced.
The most frequent issue is when your key won't turn in the cylinder. This could be due to various problems, such as dirt and dust that builds up in the lock. If this is the cause, you can clear away any debris and apply a lubricant to let the mechanism move freely.
It could also be that your key isn't turning inside the cylinder because it has become misaligned. This is more prevalent for older locks, which have suffered lots of wear. In this case it is recommended to leave the repairs to professionals. They can perform a more thorough examination of the problem and fix it accordingly.
If your uPVC locks are damaged and you need to replace the entire mechanism. This is a challenging task that should only be handled by a professional. To accomplish this, you'll need remove the handle, take off the spindles, handles, and wiggle the mechanism. Then, you need to take measurements of the main dimensions of the mechanism to ensure you purchase an appropriate replacement that will fit.
Lastly, your lock might not be able to open or close due to a defective multipoint locking system or a security hook or bolt that is become stuck. This requires the assistance of a professional and may require disassembling the entire lock.
Sagging Hinges
Many door sag issues are caused by loose hinge screws or the frame itself. If tightening the screws does not solve the problem it is possible to add reinforcements that will help the hinges stay in their place. Fill the gap between the frame and hinge using wood veneer, pennies or popsicle stick. If you are unable to find a suitable material you could try using longer screws, since they'll penetrate deeper into the studs, and provide stronger support.
Screw the hinge into place once you've inserted the shims. Tighten the screws a few times at one time. Be cautious not to tighten them too much and cause damage to the frames or hinges. Then, check the door to see if it's closing properly and latching properly. You can also add a third hinge if you've solved the sagging issue. This will help distribute the weight more evenly and prevent any further issues.
If the sagging happens because the jamb is not aligned properly, you can use longer screw to tighten the jamb. To do this, remove an existing screw from the hinge's lock side. Replace it with a new one that extends into framing. Repeat the process for any screws that remain on the hinge.
Another issue that could arise is that the strike plate might be in the wrong position. This could cause the frame to be pushed against the door, leaving scuff marks and making it difficult for latches to catch. Conservatory Roof Repairs can sand down the edge of the strike plate using an orbital or hand sander.
Floppy Door Handle Mechanism
Over time, the screws that secure your door handle mechanism could become loose and cause it to feel floppy. This isn't just annoying but also an issue for security as it could indicate that the internal mechanisms inside your door handle aren't functioning correctly to block access to your home. A floppy door handle can also be difficult to operate as you may have to exert more pressure when trying to secure it.
It is usually a simple fix. Find the screw that holds the barrel portion of the handle in place and tighten it. You can also try loosening the screws slightly and test if the handle reorients itself to a horizontal orientation.
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 see whether any screws are missing or loose. You can tighten loose screws using a screwdriver, or replace them if damaged or broken. After cleaning the screw heads, apply an alcohol-soaked towel to wash away any oil stains. You can then apply a small amount of threadlocker to the screws to ensure that they remain securely in the correct position.
In some cases it might be necessary to replace the entire uPVC door lock mechanism. In this scenario, you must select a set of handles that are approved by the manufacturer. For instance a Sold Safe SS301 or a 2* Kitemark. This will help to ensure that your conservatory remains as secure as it can be, and could 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 that you upgrade your locks and handles to a more secure level while you're in the process. This will stop unauthorized entry, and increase the security of your family and yourself.
Locked out
If your key turns and spins inside the lock, but the door isn't unlocking you are likely to be locked out. Contact a professional before you attempt to alter the lock. They will be able to gain access to your door without damaging it or the lock and will have replacement locks on hand. This issue can be caused by a door that's not aligned properly. The hinges can be adjusted to correct this. Sometimes, the issue is caused by a broken lock that needs to be replaced.
Do not force your conservatory's door open as this could damage the lock lock mechanism and you could get locked out.