10 Things Competitors Teach You About Upvc Door Handle Replacement
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's easy to replace your handles made of upvc however, choosing the correct handle can be a challenge. Modern double-glazed handles are fitted with spring cassettes, but older handles aren't.
If the handle of your upvc is loose and floppy, there could be a problem with the internal components of the multipoint lock. This article will cover the various possible issues and their causes.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, especially in older properties. The most common reason handles become floppy is due to a damaged spring cassette within the door lever. This is usually caused by excessive force, and the square spindle which holds the cassette may be displaced or the cassette can be rounded off.
It is good to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be completed in just a few minutes. The first step is to remove the old handle unit by unscrewing the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the lever plate. Once the handles have been removed, you can take them off and replace the cassette.
You can find a vast range of uPVC door handles to select from online, and many of them are available in various finishes. The finish you choose will determine the durability of your handle and how it is easy to clean. Finishes like Resista Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
After choosing a color or style, you can choose the type of handle you want. The most well-known types are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are often used to stop access from unauthorised people. They have a lever inside and a paddle outside.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your current handle and note them down. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever) and the length of the handle and the size of the keyhole. Once you know the measurements, you can then compare them to the handle sizes matrix to find the correct replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors may become wobbly or loose and at times the spring cassette inside may break. The tiny springs move the lever to a horizontal position, and without them, your doors won't lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes incorporated directly into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors typically include these springs in the lock mechanism. It is not something you can fix by yourself, but it's definitely worth having your locksmith examine the issue as it could be the reason for the sagging uPVC handles.
The most common issue with uPVC handles is that they loosen as time passes. This is usually due to worn out springs, which are simple to fix. The majority of the time, this is caused by excessive use of the handle, and because of that, the square spindle within the handle will wear out, causing the springs to shift out of position.
To fix this issue, you'll need to open the door towards the handle plate and then remove all the screws. This can be accomplished using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed the handle can be taken off. The handle plates can then be pulled apart. Then you can take off the springs that were in use and replace them with fresh ones.
Depending on the type of handle you are using the distance between the two fixing screws can vary and this is important to know when purchasing a replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ and it is crucial to use a measuring tape that is calibrated to ensure an accurate reading.
After reinstalling the springs, you should be able to use the handle without any issues. It is recommended to lubricate the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is working exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as possible but also make them more comfortable to use for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a variety of things, one of the most common causes is when the levers on the handle aren't aligned properly with the lock. This can happen with both uPVC and composite doors, but is usually more noticeable on older doors because they are usually made of cheap materials that aren't able to stand up well to the elements.
A professional can fix this issue by rearranging the handles so that they are aligned with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to determine whether anything is required to be fixed. In most cases, a small tweak to the handle springs is enough to solve this problem.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle however, you must take measurements of the handle you have to ensure that the new one is the correct size. You'll need to determine the distance between the two fixing screws, and the size of the lever and key-hole position. You can then utilize this uPVC handles size guide to find a replacement for your home.
After you have taken the measurements, you can remove the current uPVC handle. It's usually a straightforward procedure that requires only the use of a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you are able to remove the handle and then move onto installing the new handle.
Before you start, it's worth ensuring that the door is securely open with a door wedge to prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you'll be able to access the parts beneath the door that cause the door to slide.
If you don't have the time or the energy to complete this task on your own, a handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use specialist locks to unlock the doors without creating damage. Then, they'll replace the damaged handle and make sure that everything works exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox can cause the door handle made of upvc to become stiff or lose function. This could also stop the lock from being able be opened with a key. This could be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as possible. If you're unable to resolve the issue yourself, it is important to call a locksmith since they have the experience and tools to get the job done correctly.
The first step is removing the handle from the cover plate. This can be done using the help of a screwdriver with flat-headed tips. After you remove the handle, remove the middle screw that is holding the cylinder. Once you have removed this middle screw, you can then loosen the two screws that hold the barrel. Then you can pull the barrel from the door. You will need to open the door to do this, so make sure that you have someone to assist you.
After you have removed the cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a fresh one. Make sure that the new cylinder is the exact dimensions as the old one. Otherwise, you may end up with a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This could cause a range of problems, such as leaks and drips.
Many doors made of upvc feature adjustment slots which can be used to adjust the handle's tension or release. These are usually located on the inside of the door, near where the handle joins the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots of adjustment. After you have made your adjustments, you can put the handle back into place and screw it in. After that, you can test the handle to make sure it's working correctly.
The upvc door handle becoming loose when closed is typically an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have failed. This could cause your multipoint locks made of upvc to fail, leaving your door wide open to intruders. In this situation the gearbox made of upvc will need to be replaced. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280, including labour.