PVC is more and more present in our constructions. It is thus frequently used to make entrance doors. But what happens when the lock on a PVC door needs to be changed? Although it is a solid material, it remains delicate to handle, especially when touching its metal parts. All in One Locksmith reveals the actions to adopt for a successful lock change.
The advantages and disadvantages of the PVC door
Used for windows, PVC is also one of the key materials in the manufacture of entrance doors. There are five main reasons for the popularity of PVC:
- PVC doors are the cheapest on the market;
- The maintenance of PVC is minimal: cleaning with soapy water is sufficient;
- PVC doors are strong and exhibit good impact resistance.
- Their lifespan is optimal.
- Compared to its price, the PVC door offers good sound and thermal insulation.
- PVC doors can be fitted with different types of locks:
The single-point locks
This classic model only locks one point when activated. It is built into the door.
The multipoint lock
This PVC door lock engages 3, 5, and even 8 points with one turn of the key. These anchors can be distributed in different ways on the surface of your door. These locks can be recessed or surface mounted with an exposed rod or enclosed in a cover (this is called a fair lock).
In addition, the lock of a PVC door can be more or less secure thanks to the number of pins in the cylinder. The standard models thus have five pins. The most advanced incorporate a minimum of 6 pins and can even accommodate a system of pumps to prevent any picking. You can therefore really find a custom-made PVC entrance door.
Note, however, that PVC has some drawbacks. The main thing is that this material becomes very toxic in the event of a fire. In addition, if the PVC doors offer a good lifespan in terms of resistance, their aesthetic aspect will also undergo the onslaught of time. Thus, over time, PVC tends to tarnish. It is also very difficult, if not impossible, to remove a stain from a PVC door.
Good to know: the PVC front door, the master key
PVC entrance doors can be adapted to all situations. To maximize its resistance, you can opt for a model with a reinforced metal structure. In the mountains or in a cold region, prefer a PVC entrance door with reinforced insulation. The corrosion resistance of PVC makes these doors the best for equipping accommodation near the sea.
The different steps to changing the front door
If your lock is broken or you have lost your keys and you have a PVC door, it is best to seek professional help. On the one hand, the front door is the main guarantor of the security of your home. It is therefore essential that each installation be carried out according to the rules of art. On the other hand, despite its robustness, PVC is a delicate material when it comes to integrating metal parts. The All-in-One Locksmith account managers can direct you to a locksmith perfectly equipped to repair your front door lock while respecting its integrity.
Choosing the right lock
There are many types of locks. It is therefore important to know which model is fitted to your installation before changing the lock. It can be a classic lock or a 3-point front door lock. In the case of a 3-point wall-mounted lock, the rod is visible. If the system is integrated, bolts must come off on the top and bottom of the door.
Be careful, however; there are locks with 3 vertical points; the bolts are then distributed over the height of the door.
If you do not have the reference for the lock on your front door, ask a specialist for advice to ensure that the new model can be integrated into your door. The locksmith will be able to take the dimensions of the faceplate, measure the depth of the box and the square connecting the handles, and observe the operation of the lock (system and locking points) to find the lock that suits your front door.
Disassemble the old lock.
Once your locksmith Odessa fl knows which model to install, they can change your PVC door lock. Depending on the nature of your lock, the operation will take more or less time. If you have him, give him the key to your door. Overall, your lock professional will take the following steps:
- Remove the handles and their axis.
- Remove the screw and the elements preventing access to the barrel.
- Insert the key into the cylinder, activate it, and remove the cylinder.
- Unscrew and remove the faceplate.
In the case of a PVC door with a 3-point lock, your professional will also have to dislodge the built-in or surface-mounted mechanism.
Fit the lock to a PVC door.
If you have opted for a single-point lock, you must first place the new faceplate. A locksmith can ensure that it is installed in the correct direction for the activation of the bolts. Once the faceplate is fixed, the cylinder returns to its place and is locked before the side screw is repositioned and secured. Then all you have to do is put on the handles.
To change the multipoint lock on a PVC door, your locksmith will have to integrate all the built-in elements and ensure their alignment. For a 3-point overlay lock, the rod branches will be installed before the spacers and rod cover complete the installation. Checking the alignment will be a key step. In all cases, your professional locksmith will ensure that your lock works perfectly before your departure.
It’s good to know that changing the lock and keeping your keys is possible.
If you have to change the lock on a PVC door because the mechanism is damaged but the cylinder is intact, then you can keep your keys. A professional from the All in One Locksmith network will be able to choose a compatible lock. Be careful, however. If you have lost one of your keys, or have broken one in the cylinder, you may forget this option.
Changing the lock on a PVC door requires the right equipment and a certain amount of know-how. To respect the integrity of your door and also to ensure an irreproachable replacement of your installation, it is better to call a professional locksmith Odessa. He will be able to choose the right lock to replace your broken equipment and avoid damaging your door, whether it is a built-in model or a 3-point surface-mounted lock.
