Watch Out: How Upvc Door Handle Replacement Is Taking Over And How To Stop It
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing the handles on your doors made of upvc is a relatively simple job however choosing the right handle can be difficult. Most modern double glazed handles include spring cassettes within the handles, but older ones don't.
If your upvc handle is loose and floppy, it could be an issue with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will discuss a number of potential problems & their causes.
Sagging or drooping handles
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear. This is particularly true in older properties. A broken spring cassette inside the door lever is the most typical cause of a floppy handle. This is typically caused by excessive force and the square spindle that holds the cassette may be displaced or the cassette can be rounded off.
The good news is that replacing the door handle with uPVC is a fairly simple task and can be completed in a matter of minutes. The first step is removing the old handle unit. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws that are visible on the back of the handle lever. Once the handles are removed you can remove the cassette from the square spindle, and replace it with an entirely new one.
On the internet, you can select from a range of uPVC handles, many of which come in different finishes. window handles choose will determine the longevity of your handle as well as how it is easy to clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are made to withstand corrosion and last up to 25 years.
Once you have selected the colour or style you can then choose the type of handle you require. The most popular types are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads have an inside lever and a paddle on the outside, this is often used as a security feature to block access by unauthorised persons.
Next, measure and record the dimensions of the handle you have. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the center of the lever) as well as the length of the handle and the dimension of the keyhole. You can compare the measurements to the handle size matrix to find the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, handles made of uPVC can become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette may also break. These springs are used to align the handle lever in a horizontal direction. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles come with these cassettes built directly into the back plate. However, older uPVC doors usually have these springs built into the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something you can repair yourself, but it's worthwhile to have your locksmith examine the issue as it could be the reason for the sagging uPVC handles.
The most common issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they loosen over time. This is usually due to worn-out springs, which are easy to fix. Most often it is due to excessive use of the handle and as a result of that, the square spindle within the handle will wear away and cause the springs to move out of place.
In order to rectify this you will need to open the door and unscrew the fixing screws at the back of the handle plate. This can be done using the Philips screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart with care. The old springs can be removed and replaced with new ones.
Depending on the kind of handle you have the distance between the two screws can differ, and this is important to know when purchasing a replacement. This measurement is referred to as the PZ and it is crucial to make use of a calibrated measuring tape to ensure an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs, you should be able operate the handle without any problems. It's worth lubricating your internal mechanism to make sure that everything is functioning as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as secure as it can be, and also make them more comfortable over time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around can be caused by a variety different reasons. One of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned properly with the lock. This can happen with uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it is more noticeable on older doors because they are made of cheaper materials that do not hold up to the elements.
A professional can solve this problem by realigning the handles to ensure that they are aligned with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock itself to see if there is anything that needs fixing. In most cases, a simple adjustment to the handle springs is enough to fix this issue.
It's simple to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to measure the existing handle to ensure that the replacement is the correct size. You'll need to take measurements of the distance between the two screws, the dimensions of the keyhole as well as the lever, and the distance between them. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handle size guide to determine the right replacement for your home.
After you have made the measurements, take off the old uPVC handle. This is typically quite simple and requires a screwdriver to reach the screws that are on the inside of the door. Once the screws have been removed, you'll have to take off the handle, and then install the new handle.
Before you begin, it's worth ensuring that the door is held open with a door wedge to prevent it from closing in the middle of your work. Once the handle is removed you'll be able to access the underlying parts of the door to address the issues that cause it to slide.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able assist if you don't want to do the job yourself or lack the nerves. They will employ specialist locksmith opening techniques to open the door without causing any damage and will then replace the faulty handle, ensuring that everything is in place and functioning exactly as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox can cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose functionality. The lock may also not be able to opened with a key. This can be dangerous and should be addressed as soon as is possible. If you are unable solve the issue on your own, it is important to get in touch with a locksmith because they have the expertise and tools necessary to do the job right.
The first step is to take the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver that has flat-headed tips. After you have removed your handle, you can then take out the middle screw that holds the barrel in position. After you have removed the middle screw you will be able to loosen the two screws which are holding the barrel. Then you can pull the barrel out of the door. To do this, you will require someone to prop the door wide.
After removing the cylinder you can replace it with a brand new cylinder. It is essential to make sure that the new cylinder is of the same size as the previous one. You might end up with an improperly aligned handle. This could cause various issues such as leaks and drips.
A lot of door handles made of upvc have slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. They are typically located on the inside of the door close to where the handle joins the cylinder. The adjustment slots can be tightened by using an allen wrench. After you have made your adjustments you can place the handle back in place and screw it into. Then, you can 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 a sign that the upvc gearbox has broken down or internal spring components are breaking down. This could cause the upvc multipoint lock to fail, leaving your door open to burglars. If this occurs, it is necessary to replace the upvc gearbox. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280 with the labor included.