One of the most common encounters of any homeowner in the UK is a broken uPVC Door. This usually happens when the door drops or the lock mechanism stops working. There are also a number of reasons why this could happen, such as:
- a dropped door, which could cause problems with the door’s locking points
- a broken gearbox mechanism
- hooks or deadbolts failing to retract properly
- seized up uPVC lock mechanisms
What to avoid when dealing with uPVC doors that won’t open
Luckily, any uPVC door specialist can get your door fixed in no time. However, it may take a few minutes for them to arrive at your doorstep. While waiting, make sure to avoid doing anything that may damage the door even further. This may happen when you attempt to fix the door yourself, through drilling or through other means. Remember that they won’t immediately be replaced, so they still need to be cared for.
When to ask a locksmith for help
The first thing you should do when your uPVC doors won’t open is call your local locksmith. Usually, they are able to help during the following situations concerning uPVC doors:
- not opening when unlocked
- not opening from both the inside and outside
- not opening in the hot weather
- not opening at both the top and bottom
However, before calling out a locksmith, it is important to know how much it may cost you. For uPVC doors that won’t open, it is safe to prepare at least £85 to cover the costs of the job, including the locksmith’s labour costs. This is usually the case for uPVC doors with simple complications such as misaligned hinges and unlubricated doors. In the case that the uPVC lock mechanism is broken, it would be wise to have a little more cash on you. This is because your door may have to be replaced in order to get it fixed.
How long does it take to get a uPVC door fixed?
For uPVC doors that don’t need much repairing, it will only take 30 minutes at most. It may take a bit longer for other cases, as the locksmith would require a little bit more time to replace some of its parts.
How to prevent uPVC doors from malfunctioning again
Once the locksmith comes around, your door will be fixed in no time. Make sure to take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening again. You can do this by cleaning your doors and keeping the sills clean, lubricating your uPVC door with a good silicone lubricant every 6 months, and calling a locksmith in the event that the door becomes difficult to operate to prevent lock mechanisms from failing.
Need a locksmith to help with your uPVC doors? Check out Locksmith NI’s directory today to find only the most qualified experts in your area.