Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your door handles made of upvc is a relatively simple job but picking the right handle can be a challenge. The majority of modern double-glazed handles include spring cassettes within them but older ones don't.
If your upvc handle seems loose and floppy, it could be a problem with the internal parts of the multipoint lock. This article will address a variety of potential problems and their causes.
Handles that sag or loosen
UPVC handles are prone to wear and tear, particularly in older properties. The most common reason the handle becomes floppy due to a broken spring cassette inside the door lever. their explanation is caused by excessive force and the spindle that holds the cassette may be displaced or round.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is a fairly simple task and can be done in a matter of minutes. The first step is removing the old handle unit. To remove it, you must unscrew the fixing screws visible on the back of the lever. Once the handles are removed, you can remove the screws and replace the cassette.
Online you can choose from a wide selection of uPVC handles that come with different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the length of time the handle will last and how easy it is to keep clean. Finishes such as PVD, Stainless Steel or Resista are designed to withstand corrosion and will last up to 25 years.
After selecting a colour or style, you are able to select the kind of handle you require. The most popular are lever and pad arrangements. Lever pads are often used to prevent unauthorised access. They feature both a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
The next step is to determine the dimensions of your current handle and record them. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the centre of the lever), the length of the handle and the size of the keyhole. Once you know the measurements, you can then compare these to the handle sizes matrix to determine the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC door handles are prone to becoming wobbly or loose and sometimes the spring cassette inside may break. These tiny springs help bring the lever of the handle into a horizontal position and without them your doors won't be able to lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are designed with these cassettes built directly into the backplate. However older uPVC doors often contain these springs within the lock mechanism. This can't be fixed on your own, but it's worth asking your locksmith to look at as this could be the reason for the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
The most frequent issue that is encountered with uPVC handles is that they loosen as time passes. This is usually due to worn-out springs that are easy to repair. This is usually caused by excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle in the handle will wear out and causes the springs to move.
To fix this you will need to open the door and remove the fixing screws located at the back of the handle plate. This can be done with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, the handle can then be removed. The handle plates are then able to be gently pulled apart. The springs are able to be removed and replaced with new ones.
This is important to note when purchasing a replacement handle. This measurement is known as the PZ and it is important to use a calibrated measuring tape to ensure an exact reading.
After replacing the springs, you should be able operate the handle with no issues. It is important to oil the internal mechanism to ensure that everything is operating as it should. This will not only ensure that your uPVC doors are as safe as they can be but also makes them more comfortable to use for a long time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around could be caused by a variety of reasons, but one of the most common causes is when the levers on the handle aren't aligned properly with lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors and composite doors. However, it's more noticeable on older doors because they are made of cheaper materials that do not hold up to the elements.
This problem can be solved by a professional, who will re-align the handles and ensure that they are in line with the door lock. They'll also examine the lock to determine what is required to be fixed. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the handle springs can fix the issue.
It's easy to replace your uPVC handle, but you need to measure the existing handle to ensure that the replacement is of the right size. You'll need to take measurements of the distance between the two fixing screws and the dimensions of the lever as well as the key-hole position. Then, you can use this uPVC handle size guide to find the right replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements The next step is to eliminate the old uPVC handles. It's usually a simple process and only requires an screwdriver. After the screws are removed, you can remove the handle and then move onto installing the new handle.
Before you start the work, you should ensure that the door is secured open by a wedge to stop it from closing during the course of your work. After you remove the handle, you'll be able to inspect the components underneath the door that cause the door to move.
A handyman from Fantastic Services will be able to assist you if want to do the work yourself or aren't confident enough. They'll employ locksmith opening techniques to unlock the door without causing any damage and then replace the faulty handle, ensuring that everything is working exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox could cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose function. The lock could also not be able to opened with the use of a key. This could be dangerous and must be addressed as quickly as possible. If you're unable to solve the issue on your own, it is important to call a locksmith since they are experts and have the tools necessary to get the job done properly.
The first step is removing the handle from the cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver equipped with flat heads. After removing the handle, take out the middle screw that holds the barrel. After taking out the middle screw, you'll be able loosen the two screws which secure the barrel. Then, you can remove the barrel from the door. To accomplish this, you'll require someone to hold the door open.
After you have removed the cylinder you can replace it with a brand new cylinder. Make sure that the new cylinder is the same size as the previous one. Otherwise, you could end having an unaligned handle properly. This can cause a variety of issues, including leaks and draughts.
Many doors made of upvc feature adjustment slots that allow you to tighten or loosen the handle. They are usually 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. Once you have made the adjustments then you can put the handle back in place & screw it in. You can then test the handle and make sure it functions as intended.
The door handle of upvc becoming floppy when closed is usually an indication that the gearbox or internal spring components have broken down. This could cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail and leave your door open to intrusion. If this occurs, it will be necessary to replace the gearbox. The cost will range from PS145 to PS280, including labour.