Doncaster uPVC door repairs

SF locksmiths specialise in uPVC door repairs

It is what I treat as one of my favourite aspects of the job. Why? Repairing a uPVC door against the purchase of a whole new door saves you lots of money. There is every chance the repair will at least double the door’s lifespan. Often, we come across customers who have been told that parts won’t be available because the door is over ten years old. What absolute rubbish! SF Locksmiths specialises in Doncaster uPVC door repairs.

History of uPVC doors

For generations, timber doors were the norm in residential buildings. Then, the transition to uPVC doors occurred in the 1970s, and uPVC became the behemoth. They were monopolising the industry when it came to new builds and replacements. There were a few reasons for this change: uPVC doors were available at a lower cost, there was convenience in their ubiquity, they were hard-wearing, easy to maintain and clean, and crucially, they came with their internal locking mechanism. This mechanism was multi-point, meaning the doors would be secured by numerous different points on the door, which gave the system the edge over the single point of locking that had previously been found on timber doors of the past.

Pros & cons of uPVC doors

The complexity of the locks in uPVC doors is positive in that they provide security at different points between the door and the frame, but they can also be harmful in that the more complex something is. Due to more moving parts in the lock, there is the added risk with UPVC doors that parts will malfunction or break off, jamming the mechanism. When this happens, I’d recommend calling SF Locksmith Doncaster, a specialist in Doncaster uPVC door repairs.

uPVC doors are sensitive to temperature changes

Differences in temperatures can affect the performance of your uPVC door. Primary high school science has taught us what temperature variations do to materials – expansion and contraction – and this is the case with the combination of UPVC doors and metal locking mechanisms. When the door has multiple locking points, they must match the door to the frame to move in and out. When there are significant temperature changes, misalignment can occur. Door manufacturers should account for these variations, but if you find this happening after hot or cold weather, something may have expanded or contracted just a touch too much. This will need the attention of your local Doncaster locksmith.

uPVC door locks break under pressure

Pressure can also take its toll on the locks of uPVC doors, especially on those doors that get a lot of use. Pushing the handles up on a UPVC door means all the bolts work in unison to slot into place. If the door handle requires force to lock or unlock, repeated use results in friction, leading to the mechanism breaking down over time. It’s thought that uPVC doors have an average lifespan of around 10 to 15 years – sadly, nothing lasts forever.

Can you repair my uPVC door?

Regardless of age or manufacturer, we can repair 99% of uPVC doors in the Doncaster area. Access to the country’s largest suppliers helps, and for the niche stuff, a brilliant supplier in Wales. If  Kings don’t stock it, no one does.  There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different multipoint locks. Trying to source through Google will put you into a deep hole. If the door has failed in a closed position, it will not be a problem for us. It will not mean removing the hinges or the middle panel. We work daily if the door doesn’t open and you need help quickly. Locksmiths do not have a three-month waiting list. We often aim to attend the same day you call.  All work is guaranteed for two years; a written invoice is given upon completion.

How to preserve uPVC doors

Finally,  always gently lift the handle to activate the lock mechanism. Using too much force or wrenching it out of place will cause excess grinding on the bolts, increasing the pressure on the centre case. Should the mechanism feel stiff, it is time for an uPVC door service. Spraying some WD40 on the bolts within the door will help in the short term, but the main issue will remain.