What Goes Wrong With UPVC and Composite Door Locks
When dealing with UPVC and composite door locks, several common issues can arise, especially in areas like Crouch End N8 and North London. Over time, wear and tear affect these locks, leading to various problems.
- Multipoint Gearbox Seizure: The central mechanism often seizes up after 8-12 years due to daily use. Springs lose tension and hooks fail to engage, leaving doors unable to lock from the outside. This is frequent in Crouch End flats and 1930s semis.
- Handle Alignment Slipped: Sometimes, doors drop on their hinges, misaligning the handle and gearbox cam. This misalignment forces us to apply more pressure when lifting the handle, eventually causing the gearbox to crack.
- Cylinder Snapped or Compromised: Non-3-Star euro cylinders can snap during a forced-entry attempt, compromising security despite functional multipoint hooks.
Addressing these issues helps guarantee our doors remain secure and functional.



