How to Fix a Composite Door Replacement Lock
Many homes have a composite door installed due to their attractive appearance, security and insulation properties. Most problems with composite doors result from a malfunctioning mechanism, which can be corrected without having to replace the door.
A sticky lock is a common problem that is caused by difficult to insert or turn the key. You can easily solve this issue by lubricating the door lock's internal mechanisms.
Warped Doors
Composite doors are incredibly robust, reliable and durable but it doesn't mean they're immune to damage or issues. There are a variety of common issues with composite doors that can occur, including warping and inability to shut or open your doors in a proper manner. Certain of these issues are fixed, while others require more work and maintenance.
Warping is a major issue for doors made of timber and composite. It occurs when materials change shape and bend over time as a result of exposure to temperature and moisture. This can make the door stiff and difficult to open or close and also impact its ability to serve as a lock. The best method to avoid the warping of a composite door is to choose a high-quality composite door that has a finish or coating that protects the door from UV and moisture radiation.
Another common issue with composite doors is stuck locks. The lock mechanism and handles are susceptible to being coated with dirt, dust or other debris, making it difficult to lock or unlock the door. In the worst case it can cause security issues for your home as it is easy for intruders to gain access to your home. Cleaning your composite doors on a regular basis with a damp cloth, and applying a graphite-based or silicone-based lubricant every 6 months will stop this from happening.
The drainage systems within your composite doors can also get blocked, which causes water to leak into your home. This is usually because the weather seals have become dislodged and not pushing as hard against their tracks. Checking that they are correctly placed and then pushing them back into their place will help to prevent this issue.
The hinges on your composite doors may be weakened over time, leading them to snag. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as moisture changes, excessive heat and not closing the door correctly. Re-adjusting the hinges with a hex-key, flathead screwdriver, and Phillips-head screws will fix this problem. Additionally applying a lithium-based lubricant on the hinges every 6 months will prevent this from occurring.
repair scratch on composite door are extremely strong and incredibly durable. However, this doesn't mean that they are immune to damage and problems. If it's swelling, warping or a key that cannot turn the way it should, these issues could affect the security of your door and its performance. Many of these problems can be fixed with the right tools.
A damaged lock can affect uPVC and composite doors, though composite doors are more likely to suffer less of this problem than the case with a uPVC door because of the nature of their construction. The lock itself could require replacement, or it could simply be a matter of adjusting the locking mechanism and lubricating the keyhole. To avoid damage, you should apply graphite-based lubricants, such as WD-40 on the cylinder of the lock and key.
If your new composite door isn't easy to open and close, it's likely that the locking points have moved out of alignment or the mechanism has gone out of date. In this case it is essential to contact a locksmith to ensure that the door and lock are in the correct position.
The most common cause of the problem with a lock that is defective on a door made of composite comes from the swelling of the material used to manufacture the doors. This is due to increased humidity or damp conditions. The locking mechanisms might not engage correctly.
This can lead to doors that are difficult to open or close, and also put your home's security in danger.
It is essential to develop the habit of throwing the handle to lock and close your doors made of composite. This will trigger the various locking points on the door, not only the latch at the middle, which could make your doors that are made of composite susceptible to warping and swelling. As well as ensuring that the lock is activated it will also keep the door secure and increase the efficiency of its energy use.
Sticky Locks
Locks that stick are a common issue that can be found in any type of door. This problem is quickly and easily fixed by following a few simple steps. These tips will help keep your composite door replacement lock in good working order.
One of the most common reasons that a lock will get sticky is because the internal components are wearing out. As time passes, the metal surfaces of the pins, springs and tumblers begin to wear down, causing friction and a build-up of dirt and grime. This gunk can make it difficult to turn the key and can also cause damage to the lock.
Using a powdered graphite or a Teflonor PTFE-based lubricant can help avoid these issues. Dry Lube WD-40 is a favorite and can be found in many DIY stores. Utilize the straw of the bottle to apply a small quantity of lubricant into the lock mechanism. Slide your key into and out of the lock several times to spread lubricant throughout the lock. Make sure to clean off any excess lubricant afterwards to ensure that it doesn't attract dirt and debris.
Closing your composite door is a second crucial aspect. By pounding the door or applying too much pressure on the handle could wear out the lock mechanism faster, causing it to stick. Keep the door open for prolonged periods of time to increase humidity in the home and cause mould and warping.
While it is easy to take the locks on your composite door for granted as long as they function properly it is vital to regularly maintain them in order to ensure they continue work correctly. These guidelines will help keep your new composite door replacement lock in good condition and ensure that your home remains safe. If you notice that your locks aren't operating as they should, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith for advice and assistance. They'll be able examine the lock and suggest the best course of action to correct the issue such as repair or replacement.
Key Doesn't Turn
Composite doors have a chic, modern look and offer an increased level of security and insulation. They are available in a variety of colours and finishes to complement your home's personality and decor. Although composite doors are durable, they require regular maintenance to keep in good condition. Fortunately most minor composite door problems can be fixed with relative ease like stuck locks or doors that are not aligned.
Many composite doors are difficult to lock or open due to a poorly fitting frame, weather fluctuations or the aging of the mechanism inside. In these situations, the most common fix is to adjust the hinges and strike plate so that they fit perfectly into the frame and are easily opened and closed. It could also be necessary to clean the lock's inner the cylinder to eliminate any obstructions.
If the key doesn't turn inside the lock, the locking mechanism is likely be faulty and will require replacement. This requires professional Locksmith assistance. Christopher the Locksmith provides fast and convenient service that includes replacement locks of the same quality at reasonable prices.
The best way to avoid problems like this is to keep the hardware and door frame in good condition. It is essential to clean them regularly to remove dirt and grime and apply an oil-based lubricant. If you are using a lubricant make sure it's one that is specifically designed for locks and doors to avoid further damage.
Another important preventive measure is to always hold the handle on when closing the door with a composite (sometimes referred to throwing the door) This helps ensure that the locking points are properly engaged, reducing the risk of damage and warping.
In the end, it is recommended to replace any composite doors with an older locking mechanism by installing the latest Kite Marked high-security cylinder. This will significantly decrease the risk of your doors being broken into as they feature anti-drill, anti-bump and anti-snap protection. A lot of insurance companies require this as a requirement of your home policy. If your composite doors are damaged during an attempted break-in it is strongly recommended that you get in touch with a Locksmith as soon as you can for repair or replacement to prevent further damage.