20 Myths About Upvc Door Handle Replacement: Busted
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is a relatively simple job but picking the right handle can be a challenge. Most modern double glazed handles include spring cassettes within the handles, but older ones don't.
If the handle of your upvc is loose and floppy there may be a problem with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will cover a number of potential problems & their causes.
door handles repairmywindowsanddoors that sag or drop
UPVC handles can withstand wear and tear, particularly in older properties. The most common reason a handle becomes floppy is due to a broken spring cassette inside the door lever. This is typically caused by excessive force, and the square spindle which holds the cassette can become displaced or rounded off.
It is good to know that a uPVC handrail replacement can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The first step is to take off the old handle unit. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws visible on the backside of the lever. Once the handles are removed, you can take them off and replace the cassette.
On the internet, you can pick from a wide selection of uPVC handles, many of which come in different finishes. The finish you select will determine the durability of your handle as well as how it will be easy to clean. Finishes like Resista, Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last for up to 25 years.
After selecting a colour or design, you can choose the type of handle that you need. The most popular are pad and lever arrangements. Lever pads are commonly used to prevent unauthorised access. They have a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your current handle and write them down. You'll need to measure the PZ dimension, which is the distance between the screw hole and the centre of the lever. You'll also need to determine how long the handle is as well as the dimensions of its keyhole. Once you know the measurements, you can compare them with the handle sizes matrix to determine the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, the handles of uPVC doors are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and sometimes the spring cassette inside might break. These little springs help to move the lever into a horizontal position and without them your doors won't lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are designed with these cassettes directly built into the backplate. However, older uPVC doors typically have these springs built into the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something you can repair by yourself, but it's definitely worth having your locksmith take a look as this could be the cause of the loosening of uPVC handles.
One of the most frequent problems that is commonly encountered with uPVC door handles is that they become loose or wobbly over time. This is typically due to worn-out springs, which is an easy fix. Generally the reason for this is excessive use of the handle and as a result of that the square spindle inside the handle will wear out and cause the springs to shift out of position.
To fix this issue, you'll have to open the door to the handle plate and unscrew all the screws. This can be accomplished using a Philips screwdriver. After the screws have been removed, the handle can then be removed. The plates for the handle can then be taken apart. Then you can take off the old springs 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 buying a replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ measure and it is recommended that this is done using a calibrated tape measure for accuracy.
After replacing the springs, you should be able to use the handle without any problems. However, it's always worth lubricating the internal mechanism to make sure that everything is working exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as they can be but will also make them more comfortable to operate for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that move around can be caused by a number of reasons, but one of the most common is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned correctly with the lock. This can happen with uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it is more noticeable on older doors because they are constructed of lower quality materials that don't stand up to the elements.
A professional can address this problem by realigning the handles to ensure that they are aligned with the lock. They'll also examine the lock to determine if anything is required to be fixed. In many cases, a small adjustment to the handle springs can solve the issue.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle however, you must measure the handle that you are replacing to ensure that the new one is of the right size. You will need to measure the distance of the two screws, the dimensions of the keyhole as well as the lever, as well as the distance between them. You can then use this uPVC handle size guide to locate the appropriate replacement for your home.
After you have made the measurements, remove the existing uPVC handle. It is usually quite easy and requires a screwdriver to reach the screws on the inside of the door. Once the screws are removed, you are able to take off the handle itself and then install the new one.
Before starting the work, you should ensure that the door is securely open using a wedge to prevent it from closing in the middle of your work. Once the handle is removed, you can now get to the inside of the door to correct the problems that are causing it to slip.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to help if you don't want to do the job yourself or don't have the skills. They will employ sophisticated locks to unlock the doors without damaging the door. Then, they'll replace the broken handle and ensure that everything is working exactly as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox could cause the handle made of upvc to become stiff and lose its function. The lock may also not be able to opened by keys. This could be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as possible. If you're unable to solve the issue on your own it is essential to contact a locksmith as they have the expertise and tools needed to complete the task correctly.
The first step is removing the handle from the cover plate. This can be done by using a screwdriver equipped with flat heads. After you have removed the handle, take out the middle screw that is holding the cylinder. After removing the middle screw, you'll be able to loosen the two screws which hold the barrel. Then you can take the barrel from the door. To accomplish this, you'll need someone to prop the door wide open.
After you have removed the cylinder from the handle, you can replace it with a brand new one. It is crucial to make sure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the previous one. In the event that it isn't, you could end having a handle that isn't aligned properly. This can lead to a myriad of issues, including leaks and draughts.
Many upvc doors have adjustable slots that can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. These are usually located on the inside of the door near where the handle meets the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the slots of adjustment. After you have made the adjustments, you can put the handle back into place & screw it in. You can then test the handle and make sure it is working as expected.
If the upvc door handle becomes loose or floppy when closed, it is typically an indication that the gearbox in the upvc has failed or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause your multipoint locks made of upvc to fail and leave your door open to burglars. If this occurs, it will be required to replace the upvc gearbox. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280, including labour.
