Many UK homes use uPVC doors. This is largely due to the fact that they’re durable, affordable and offer great insulation.
But without the right maintenance, weather can take its toll on your door, causing the lock to corrode and the frame to warp. The key to long-lasting uPVC fixtures is consistent year-round care.
How does weather affect your uPVC doors?
Thermal shifts can put extra stress on the internal mechanisms of the lock. And while uPVC is a tough material it’s also plastic based, which makes it flexible and susceptible to warping.
Structural damage to your door makes it difficult to open, shut and lock, leaving your home’s security compromised.
Contraction in the cold
When the temperature drops, uPVC shrinks. This means the door might sit lower in the frame than it’s designed to. If this happens the latch and hook mechanisms won’t line up with the keeps.
One way of telling if this has happened is if you find yourself having to tug the door upward to get it to lock.
Heat expansion
Direct sunlight on your door can cause the material to expand, bow or curve. The change in shape means the door doesn’t align with the original frame, making the door stiff or difficult to shut.
Continuing to try and shut the door after it’s expanded can damage the internal components so it’s best to call a repair service right away.
Moisture
During colder months, rain and condensation mean risking moisture damage for your home’s door and window lock fixtures. Moisture can get trapped inside the lock cylinder, and if the temperature drops below freezing this can turn to ice.
Lubrication issues
Locks need to be properly lubricated to work smoothly. In cold weather old grease can congeal and become thick, making the handle feel heavy.
Equally, heat can dry out the lubricant, making the metal inners of a lock grind against each other.
Seasonal maintenance check list:
With consistent maintenance, you can prevent most weather-related lock failures in uPVC door and window fixtures.
Spring
Use spring time to have a thorough clean of all your locks, door and window fixtures. With a damp cloth, wipe away any moisture, excess grease and debris that can get caught in the locks.
Take this time to inspect the seals around the door. The harsh winter weather may have damaged the sealing around the locks and handle.
Summer
If the door is dragging on the floor or catching the frame, re-adjust the hinges so it’s re-aligned allowing for smooth opening and shutting motion.
Installing a small porch or awning over any uPVC doors and windows can help to keep direct sunlight off. Preventing fading and expansion due to the heat.
Autumn
Preparing for the winter means tightening any screws and hinges which can be loosened by strong winds and stormy weather.
Most uPVC doors will have ‘weep holes’ to make sure the rain drains away instead of sitting inside the frame, preventing moisture build up. During autumn give these a good clean so they stay clear of any dirt and debris when the winter rain comes.
Winter
Be sure to keep your locks lubricated. It’s best to use a silicone-based spray or graphite powder on the moving parts. Avoid thick oils that are likely to freeze.
If you think you have a frozen lock, contact a locksmith for a door lock repair instead of trying to force the key, as this could snap the key and damage the lock further.
When should you call a locksmith?
Though it can be tempting to make-do with a dodgy door, trying to force your door to open, shut and lock can cause further damage that’s harder to fix. So it’s best to call a locksmith when:
- The handle feels loose
- You can see visible gaps between the door and its frame
- The door only locks when you slam or lift it
- You hear a grinding noise when you move the handle
- The key doesn’t click into place when locking
Final thoughts
UPVC doors are great for durability if properly maintained. You can keep your uPVC doors and their locks working smoothly for longer by regular checks on their components throughout the year.