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How to Fix a Composite Door Replacement Lock Many homes have composite doors installed due to their attractive appearance, security and insulation properties. Most problems with these doors are caused by a malfunctioning mechanism, and can usually be fixed without the need to replace your composite door. The most frequent issue is a sticky lock, which occurs when it becomes difficult to put it in or turn the key. This can be resolved by oiling the internal mechanisms in your door lock. Warped Doors Composite doors are strong, reliable, and long-lasting. However they aren't invincible to damage or issues. There are many problems with composite doors that can arise, including warping and inability to close or open your doors in a proper manner. Certain of these issues are easily fixed however others require more maintenance and work. Warping is a major issue for timber and composite doors. It occurs when materials change shape and bend in the course of time because of being exposed to moisture and varying temperatures. This can make the door stiff and difficult to open or close, and can also affect its capability to serve as locks. One way to stop warping is choosing a good composite door that features an exterior or coating that protects it from moisture and UV rays. Another common composite door problem is stuck locks. This happens when the locks' mechanisms and handles get covered in dirt, dust or other debris that makes it difficult to open or close the door. In the worst of cases, this can lead to security issues for your home as it's easy for unauthorised people to access your property. Cleaning your composite doors on a regular basis using a damp, clean cloth and applying a graphite or silicone-based lubricant every 6 months can help to stop this from happening. The water can get into your home when the drainage system inside your composite door becomes blocked. This is usually the result of the weather seals being removed over time, which means they are not pushing hard against the track. This problem can be fixed by ensuring that they are positioned correctly and pushing them back in their proper position. The hinges on your composite doors could slide down over time and cause them to become snag. This can be due to many factors, like moisture changes, excessive heating, and not closing the doors properly. To remedy this, you can re-adjust the hinges using a hex key, Phillips-head screwdriver or flathead screwdriver. In addition, applying a lithium-based lubricant on the hinges every 6 months can help to prevent this from occurring. Faulty Locks Composite doors are extremely strong and extremely durable. However, this doesn't mean that they are invulnerable to damage and problems. If it's swelling, warping or a key that cannot turn the way it should, these issues could affect the security of your door and its performance. Many of these problems can be fixed by using the proper tools. Faulty locks can affect both uPVC and composite doors, though composite doors are more likely to suffer less of this problem than a uPVC door due to the nature of their construction. It may be necessary to replace the lock, or simply alter the locking mechanism and lubricate the keyhole. It is essential to use graphite-based lubricants on the lock and key cylinder, as opposed to oils-based ones such as WD-40, to prevent damage to these components. If you are having difficulty to open or close your composite door the locking points could have become out of alignment. Or the lock mechanism may be defective. In this situation it is crucial to call a locksmith to make sure that the lock and door are in the correct place. composite door hinge replacements wickford of an ineffective lock on a composite door is the swelling of the material used to make the doors. This is due to increased humidity or damp conditions. The locking mechanisms may not work properly. This can result in doors becoming difficult to open and close, as well as putting your home security at risk. It is essential to develop the habit of 'throwing the handle' when closing and locking your doors made of composite. This will engage all the different locking points down the door and not just rely on the latch in the centre which can cause the top and bottom of your composite doors prone to warping and swelling. This will not only guarantee that the lock is engaged but also increase the energy efficiency of the door. Sticky Locks Locks that are stuck are a frequent issue that can affect any door. This problem is easily and quickly fixed by following a few simple steps. These tips will help keep your door lock made of composite in good working condition. The internal parts of a lock could wear out and this is among the most common causes for the lock to become sticky. Over time, the metal surfaces of the pins and springs of the tumblers, springs and pins begin to wear down, causing friction and dirt to build up. This gunk can make the key difficult to turn and could cause damage to the lock. Utilizing a Teflon or PTFE based lubricant or powdered graphite can aid in preventing these issues. Dry Lube from WD-40 is a popular choice and is available in most DIY stores. Simply use the straw in the can to apply a small amount of grease directly to the lock mechanism. Slide your key in and out of the lock several times to spread lubricant throughout the lock. After applying the lubricant remove any excess so it does not attract dirt and other debris. Another important factor to consider is how you close your composite door. The lock mechanism could be damaged more quickly if you slam the door or apply too much pressure on the handle. Keep the door open for long periods of time to increase moisture in the house and cause mould and warping. While it's easy to take your composite door's locks for granted as long as they work properly it is vital to regularly maintain them to ensure they continue to function properly. These guidelines will help keep your new door lock made of composite in good working order and ensure that your home stays safe. If you find that your locks aren't operating as they should, it's best to call in an expert locksmith to seek assistance and advice. They will be able to inspect the lock and recommend the best way to fix the problem such as repair or replacement. Key Won't Turn Composite doors are stylish modern appearance and offer increased security and insulation. They are available in a variety of colors and finishes to complement your home's personality and decor. Although composite doors are durable, they require regular maintenance to keep in good shape. Fortunately, the majority of minor problems with composite doors can be repaired with relative ease like sticky locks or misaligned doors. In many cases, composite doors become difficult to open or lock due to an ill-fitting frame, expansion caused by weather fluctuations, or simply due to the aging of the internal mechanism. In these cases the most common solution is to adjust the hinges and strike plate so that they fit perfectly into the frame and can be easily closed and opened. You may also need to clean the inner locking mechanism to clear any obstructions. If the key will not rotate in the lock, then the internal locking mechanism could be faulty. It must be replaced. This requires professional Locksmith assistance. Christopher the Locksmith provides a fast, convenient service that includes replacement locks of the same quality at reasonable prices. Keep the door's frame and hardware in good condition to avoid problems. This means cleaning them regularly to remove dirt and grime, and applying lubricant to the hinges and lock mechanism. If you are using a lubricant make sure that it is specifically designed for doors and locks to prevent further damage. Another important preventive measure is to always put the handle up when closing the door with a composite (sometimes called throwing the door) This will help ensure that the locking points are correctly engaged, reducing the risk of warping and damage. Lastly, it's recommended to upgrade any existing composite doors fitted with an older locking mechanism to an updated Kite Marked high-security cylinder. This will significantly reduce the chance of your doors being broken into as they come with anti-drill, anti bump and anti-snap security. A lot of insurers require this as a part of your home insurance policy. If your composite doors have been damaged during an attempted break-in it is recommended to get in touch with an Locksmith as soon as you can to repair or replace it to avoid further damage.