UPVC doors are extremely common in parts of the uk due to their relatively high levels of security along with superb draft proofing and low maintenance properties.There are quite a few problems that can occur over time and most can be prevented or sorted fairly easily.If problems aren't sorted and left to get worse you may end up having to change the whole locking mechanism which can easily cost over £100.

A lot of the problems we are going to discuss are caused by various things like lots of dry or wet weather making the property move slightly.Weight of the door causing it to drop, especially when large glass panels are fitted.Loose frame fixings or just poor adjustments from new are other causes of problems.

Most upvc door locks operate by lifting the handle to throw the multiple bolts etc then you turn the key.Some locks operate by turning the key only and others by just lifting up, which automatically locks everything.We will assume you have the standard lift up type for these problems but most of it applies to the other types too.

The most likely problem you will encounter is when you go to lift the handle up and it seems "stiff". If this is happening please try to fix the problem or call in an expert.If you continue to carry on using the lock there is a very good chance the lock will fail and the worse case scenario is it fails in the locked position when your outside.This will mean getting a locksmith to not only get you in but also most likely change the whole locking mechanism, not a cheap scenario.

What could be the cause of this is a few things. First up open the door and try to lock the door in the open position, if it works fine then the problem is with the keeps or door adjustment, the lock is fine. If you find the handle doesn't move take a look at the face of the lock near to the latch and see if there is a small plunger sticking out.This would normally be depressed when the door is closed so to check the lock push this in with your finger and then try lifting the handle, if its easy to use then your locks fine. If your lock is stiff in the open position the lock has the fault, it may only need lubricating so a few drops of 3in 1 oil along the strip may help, PLEASE DON'T USE WD40. This is for cleaning away oil etc and although in the short term may work it wont help long term. If the oil hasn't worked it may be several other things but there too many to list in this article, please ring a locksmith for help

If the problem is with the keeps on the frame take a good look at them, look for shiney spots which indicate wear.Some keeps have adjustment built in to them , others require the keep is moved.At this point don't adjust anything. If it appears you have more than 2 keeps "rubbing" it may be easier to adjust the door.Some doors have adjustable hinges,adjusted with an allen.Others dont but in both cases doors can be adjusted by a technique called "toe and heeling". This another subject and quick google will bring up lots of sites discussing this in depth.

If you wish to adjust the keep first use any adjustment screws.If you cant adjust the keep undo the screws and remove it, now try to lock the door.If the door locks fine you know only that keep is a problem.If its still stiff remove other suspect keeps until you eliminate the bad ones. Refit the removed keeps one by one and test the door each time you fit one. It may take some time to do this and its where experience can make the job a lot quicker. If your getting stuck call a locksmith

If these tips don't solve the problems it could mean the frame is loose or some other problem and we advise you call a professional

Hopefully you should now have a fully adjusted door fit for a few more years of easy use.

We hope this article was of use to you

Regards