Your front door holds the key to your family’s happiness and wellbeing – just imagine not having a front door in place! If you’re lucky enough to have a uPVC entrance door, you’ll understand how reliable they really are. That is of course if it’s been installed and looked after properly. But don’t panic! Before rushing out to purchase a new uPVC door, we may be able to help determine the cause of your uPVC door dilemma below.
PLEASE NOTE: Check with your uPVC installer that your uPVC door guarantee or warranty allows self-adjustments. Or if you rent privately, check your landlord is happy for you to do this. Don’t risk voiding your guarantee/warranty or breaching your tenancy agreement!
UPVC DOOR LOCKS
The most common uPVC door lock problem Win-Dor installers encounter is misalignment of the door and its frame.
HOW DO I CHECK IF MY UPVC DOOR IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT?
WINDOR UPVC DOOR LOCK TIP: Check if your uPVC door or door frame is out of alignment by asking yourself:
1. Do the mitres in the corners of the doorframe line up accurately with the mitres in the corners of the door?
2. Is the door level? Quickly check by placing a spirit level on top.
3. Open the door slightly; is the gap between the lock side of the door and the frame the same width all the way down?
If you’ve answered no to any of the questions above, it’s more than likely that your uPVC door is out of alignment.
HOW DO I ADJUST A MISALIGNED UPVC DOOR?
WINDOR UPVC DOOR LOCK TRICK: Follow each step carefully to realign your uPVC door successfully:
YOU’LL NEED:
• A flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• 5mm Allen key
1. Begin by removing the plastic covering on the main part of the hinge; this should run parallel to the bottom of your door. This may be done by hand or with the screwdrivers.
2. Insert the Allen key into the hole on the main part of the hinge. Making sure to count how many turns you make, turn the key until the door begins to pull back towards the hinge side.
3. Repeat Step 2 with the middle hinge. Be sure to check that your uPVC door is closing and locking correctly after every adjustment, turning the Allen key the same amount of times until the door is completely level with the doorframe.
WINDOR UPVC DOOR LOCK TIP: Reduce wear and tear and prolong your uPVC door lock simply by greasing it at least one a year.
UPVC DOOR HINGES
Are you still finding it difficult to lock the door after completing the steps above? It sounds like your uPVC door may have dropped and needs to be raised.
HOW DO I RAISE A UPVC DOOR?
WINDOR UPVC DOOR HINGES TRICK:
Most contemporary uPVC door hinges are “Flag Hinges” with “up or down” and “in or out” adjustment options. If you have an older uPVC door you may its equipped with “Butt Hinges”, which unfortunately offer very limited adjustment options.
Follow each step carefully to raise your uPVC door successfully:
1. Find the bottom of the smaller part of the hinge, which runs vertically to the side of the doorframe.
2. The hole at the bottom of the hinge is generally for height and the top is generally for compression. Double check this by closing the door, insert the Allen key into this hinge hole and turn slightly. If the door moves towards you this means that the hinge hole is for compression purposes. But if the door moves up or down then it’s for height.
3. Follow the same steps for lateral hinge adjustments; altering each hinge the same amount until your uPVC door closes and locks correctly.
Is the door still hard to close? Rather than a whole new door, you may just need some new hinges.
WINDOR UPVC DOOR HINGES TIP: If you want to change the hinges, make life easier for yourself by leaving the door sash on the frame and replace one hinge at a time – this way your hinges will all line up. Furthermore, be sure that the diameter of the screw is the same size as the hole it goes through in the hinge. This method should prevent your door from sagging in the future if the screw diameter is too small.
New uPVC hinges won’t cost the earth. Get in touch with the Win-Dor team and we’ll advise on correct uPVC hinge replacements or arrange for an installer to fix your hinges, if you’re not confident at adjusting or replacing these yourself.
UPVC DOOR FRAMES
WINDOR UPVC DOOR FRAMES TIP: If your uPVC door is leaking, before contacting your uPVC installer for advice, first check the bottom edge of the frame. Here you will find two drainage areas; are they blocked? If so, clean them out thoroughly. Doing this regularly will avoid future leaks. If the drainage areas are clear, the rubber seals around the edge of your uPVC door may not be sealing properly and could need replacing. Although, if your uPVC door is newly fitted the seals may have simply come out of alignment and just need a gentle push back into place.
UPVC DOOR PANELS / DOOR GLASS
uPVC doors can also become misaligned due to incorrectly packed door panels or glass. This can also lead to draughts or leaks, so immediate action is required if this is the case. However, we do not advise trying to replace this yourself as the panels or glass are held in place with beading that can be tricky to remove. Amateur DIY’ers should avoid this as it could damage the door further and possibly lead to a complete replacement.
Still can’t source your uPVC door issue? Get in touch with the Win-Dor team today! We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction towards a fully functioning uPVC door.
