As it gets colder over the next few months we always see an increase in multipoint lock failures.

UPVC and composite doors are known for contracting in the cold and expanding in the heat which will often cause stiffening up during the winter.

If you need to start forcing your door handle upwards you should call a locksmith as soon as you can. If you call a locksmith straight away normally a slight adjustment to the hinges will sort the problem.

Should you continue to force the handles you will put strain on the mechanism which will lead to failure. Leaving you either locked out (or in) Yes it does happen! Once failure of the gearbox has occurred you will then need it replaced. (Not possible on all multipoint locks)

So before it gets costly, remember if you need to force the handles, feels like there is grinding or crunching then call a locksmith.