upvc front door lock types

Mar 23, 2011 4 Replies

(Sorry if this is slightly OT as it's not exactly diy, but I need some advice fairly speedily)



I've got a quote for a replacement front door and frame, but I'm concerned about what type of lock I should expect on a new upvc front door.



The present (wooden) door has a standard deadlocking nightlatch type lock - on entering, you pull the door closed, and it's automatically secured from outside opening. On exit, likewise, but turning the key deadlocks the latch, so e.g. an arm through the letterbox can't open it.



AIUI the replacement door would have the same sort of scheme as our conservatory - the handle is lifted to secure the multipoint latches, and then a turn of a key locks the handle mechanism. That seems pretty useless for a front door - if it's not manually locked behind one on entry it's insecure; and if it is locked, it's a safety hazard in the event of a fire. And having a thumbturn rather than a key on the internal side would leave the door vulnerable to that arm through the letterbox.



So what sort of lock should be fitted to a plastic front door? I've grubbed around the web, but can't find much I'm afraid.



Thanks for any advice.


I have the 'Lift and lock' type on my wooden front door and have never thought of it as a problem. We removed the key and hang it within reach, on a hook in an adjacent cupboard, so I don't think emergency exit is an issue, nor then is letterbox access. I guess if you have children in the house which we don't, ensuring they always remember to lock it on exit could be an issue but I can't believe we're the only ones !

Andy C

Ask your supplier. I had the same concern ... the lock we had supplied could have been set up either way. Ours is setup the way you want and can only be opened from the outside with the key (as before you still need to lift and turn the key to deadlock it). From the inside you just use the handle to open it (unless of course you've locked it with the key).

Hope that helps.

We obtained a similar arrangement for my wife's mother when she had her wooden front door replaced with a uPVC door. In effect, the outside door handle is deactivated - and the door can only be opened from the outside using the key.

Fit a smaller letterbox, or a cage.

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