How to Fix a Composite Door Replacement Lock
Many homes are fitted with composite doors for their attractive good looks with improved security and insulation properties. The majority of problems with these doors are caused by a malfunctioning mechanism, and can usually be corrected without having to replace your composite door.
A common problem is a lock that is sticky that develops when it becomes difficult to insert or turn the key. This issue can be solved by lubricating the internal mechanisms of your door lock.
Warped Doors
Composite doors are strong and durable. They are also long-lasting. However they aren't resistant to damage or issues. Warping and inability to open your doors correctly are two of the most frequently encountered composite door problems. composite door hinge replacement of these issues are fixable and others require more maintenance and work.
The doors made of wood and composite are prone to warping, which happens when the material is bent and change shape due to exposure to fluctuating temperatures and moisture. This can cause the door to be stiff and difficult to open or close, and can also affect how well it functions as an lock. One way to avoid warping is selecting a high-quality composite door with an exterior or coating that shields it from UV rays.
Another common issue with composite doors is sticking locks. This happens when the lock mechanism and handles are coated in dust, dirt or other debris that makes it difficult to open and close the door. In the worst case, it can lead to home security issues because it's easy for anyone who is not authorized to gain access to your home. This can be prevented by cleaning your composite doors with the help of a damp rag, and then applying graphite lubricant every six months.
The water can get into your home when the drainage system inside your composite door becomes blocked. This usually happens because the weather seals have become dislodged and not pushing as hard against their track. Making sure they are properly in position and pushing them back into their place will help to prevent this issue.
In addition, the hinges on your composite doors could drop over time, causing them to get caught. This could be due many factors, such as moisture changes, over heating and not closing the doors correctly. To fix this issue, simply adjust the hinges with the hex key, Phillips-head screwdriver and flathead screwdriver. Applying a lithium-based grease the hinges can also help prevent this.
The locks are not working properly
Composite doors are strong and durable. However, this doesn't mean that they will never be damaged or have problems. If it's swelling, warping or a key that won't turn, these issues can impact the security of your door as well as its performance. Many of these problems can be fixed by using the proper tools.
A problem with locks that are not working is a problem for both uPVC doors as well as composite doors. Composite doors, however, tend to have fewer problems than uPVC doors because of their construction. It may be necessary to replace the lock, or simply adjust the locking mechanism and lubricate the keyhole. It's important to use lubricants based on graphite on the lock and key cylinder, not oil-based ones, such as WD-40, to prevent damage to these components.
If you are having difficulty to open or close your composite door the locking points could have become out of alignment. Or the lock mechanism could be faulty. In this case it is crucial to speak with a locksmith in order to ensure that the door and lock are in the correct position.
The most common cause of a faulty lock in a composite door is the expansion of the material used to make the doors. This is usually caused by an increase in humidity or damp conditions. This can result in the locking mechanisms not being able to engage correctly.
This can then lead to the doors becoming difficult to open and close, as well as the security of your home at risk.
It's important to develop the habit of throwing the handle when locking and closing your composite doors. This will activate the various locking points on the door, not just the latch at the middle, which could make your composite doors susceptible to swelling and warping. In addition to ensuring that the lock is engaged, this will also keep the door secure and improve its energy efficiency.
Sticky Locks
Locks that stick are a common issue that can affect any kind of door. The good news is that this frequent issue can be fixed quickly and easily with some simple steps. These suggestions will help you keep your door lock replacement made of composite in good working condition.
One of the primary reasons that a lock will become sticky is because the internal components are worn out. As time passes, the metal surfaces of the springs, pins and tumblers start to deteriorate, causing friction and the accumulation of dirt and grime. This gunk can make the key hard to turn, and may cause damage to the lock.
Utilizing a powdered graphite solution or a Teflonbased lubricant, or PTFE, can help prevent these problems. Dry Lube from WD-40 is a well-known choice and can be found in many DIY stores. Use the straw of the can to apply some lubricant into the lock mechanism. Then, slide your key into and out of the lock repeatedly to spread the lubricant over the entire lock. Be sure to wipe off any excess grease afterward, so that it doesn't attract dirt and debris.
Closing your composite door is a second important aspect. The door being slammed or placing too excessive pressure on the handle could damage the lock mechanism more quickly, causing it to stick. Keep the door open for prolonged periods of time to increase humidity inside the house and lead to warping and mould.
It's easy to forget about the locks on your doors made of composite, as long as they work correctly. However, it's crucial to maintain them regularly to ensure they function properly. These suggestions will help you keep your new door lock replacement made of composite in good condition and ensure that your home stays secure. It is best to contact a professional locksmith if you find that your locks aren't functioning as they ought to. They can examine the lock to determine the most effective solution to fix or replacement.
Key Won't Turn
Composite doors provide a chic and contemporary look, with improved security and insulation properties. They are available in a variety of colours and finishes to match your home's personality and decor. Although composite doors are strong, they require regular maintenance to stay in good shape. Most minor composite door issues are easily fixed such as sticky doors or misaligned ones.
Often, composite doors become difficult to open or lock due to an ill-fitting frame, expansion due to weather changes, or due to the aging of the mechanism inside. In these cases, the most common fixes involve altering the strike plate and hinges to ensure that they fit perfectly within the frame and can be locked and opened easily. You may also need to clean the locking mechanism to remove any obstructions.
If the key won't turn inside the lock, the locking mechanism inside may be faulty. It must be replaced. This is a situation that requires professional Locksmith help. Christopher the Locksmith offers a quick, convenient service that includes replacement locks of like-for-like quality at competitive costs.
The best way to prevent these issues is to keep the door frame and hardware in good shape. It is important to clean them frequently to remove dirt and grime and apply the lubricant. When using a lubricant, make sure it's one that is specifically made for locks and doors to avoid further damage.
Another preventive measure to make is to always put the handle in the middle when closing a composite (also called throwing the doors). This will ensure that the locking points of the door are correctly engaged and reduce the risk of warping or causing damage.
It's also recommended that you replace your old composite doors with a highly-secure Kite Marked cylinder. This will lower the risk of your door being broken into, because it is anti-drilling, security against bumps and snaps. Many insurance companies now require this as a part of your home insurance policy. If your doors made of composite are damaged in an attempted break-in, it is highly recommended that you contact an Locksmith immediately to repair or replace it to prevent further damage.