UPVC Or Composite Door Dropped And Catching

What's happening?

Everest says it is normal for a uPVC door to drop or loosen on its hinges over time, from constant use. The door then catches on the floor, rattles in its frame or lets in draughts. A door that has dropped meets the frame at the top but leaves a gap at the bottom. A door that is warped touches at the top and bottom of the frame but not in the middle, and no hinge adjustment will cure that. There are three hinge types: flag hinges, which can be adjusted sideways, up and down and in towards the frame, butt hinges, which may adjust sideways only, up and down as well, or not at all, and T-hinges.

What usually causes it?

• Hinges that have loosened or worn through daily use
• Hinge screws that have backed out of the frame or door
• A door that is heavy for its hinges
• A frame that has moved, so the door no longer sits square in it
• A door that has warped, so it touches at the top and bottom but not in the middle
• An old butt hinge with little or no adjustment left

Is it dangerous?

Not in itself. A door that will not close and lock properly is a security weakness, so do not leave it unlocked or forced shut, and get it fixed promptly.

Can I fix it myself?

Check whether the door still has a manufacturer's or installer's guarantee first: adjusting it yourself can affect that. Then look at where it is out: are the corners of the door lined up with the corners of the frame, does a spirit level on the top of the door show it sloping, and is the gap between door and frame even at the lock side all the way up. Identify the hinge type from the manufacturer's guidance. Hinge adjustment is small turns and a test after each, and a composite door may use a different hinge, so use its maker's instructions.

When should you call a window fitter?

Call a window and door fitter if the door is warped, if the hinges have no adjustment left, if the door still catches after adjustment, or if the lock will not engage. Say whether it is uPVC or composite and give the make if you know it. A fitter will say whether the door needs adjusting, new hinges or replacing.

What will the window fitter actually do?

• Check the door's alignment against the frame and whether the frame itself has moved
• Identify the hinge type and adjust it sideways, up and down and for compression
• Replace worn hinges or loose fixings
• Realign the lock keeps so the bolts engage fully
• Say if the door is warped and needs replacing

Who fixes this

• Window repair and adjustment
• Replacement doors
• Composite front door fitting

Questions people ask

Sources & References

1. Everest: how to adjust a uPVC door
2. Wickes: how to fix door problems