Problem | Likely Cause | Fix / Solution |
The door is catching at the bottom | The door has “dropped” due to its own weight over time. This is a common issue that can cause the door to become damaged over time. | Adjust the Flag Hinges to lift the door leaf slightly. You can adjust this by using the vertical adjustment screws or arrange for a professional repair. This can also be used to fix dropping in the door to re-align the door. |
Difficult to turn the key | Misaligned locking points or a debris-filled strike plate. The lock will get dirty over time and will require maintenance to ensure that the key mechanism works correctly. | Clean the frame; check if the door closes more easily when open (if so, it’s an alignment issue). You should make sure that you are regularly maintaining the locking mechanism. Clean out the lock with cold water and spray with compressed air. Then use WD-40 and silicon lubricant to keep the mechanism operating smoothly. |
Gap at the top/bottom | The door has bowed, or the compression is uneven. The door could have also warped over time, which can cause damage and may also cause bowing. | Adjust the compression cams (rollers) using an Allen key. The door may need to be repaired if significantly damaged. Gaps can also be adjusted with the adjustment screws to re-fit the door on its frame when there are gaps. |
The handle won’t lift up | The multi-point locking mechanism is catching on. The handle could also be damaged over time and need replacement. | Realign the gears on the frame or check for a failing gearbox. You can also carry out the checks of cleaning the lock. Clean out the lock with cold water and spray with compressed air. Then use WD-40 and silicon lubricant to keep the mechanism operating smoothly. |
Stiff in Summer / Easy in Winter | UPVC expands in the heat, causing it to rub against the frame. This can cause damage to the handles if you force the door open without preparing the handle in the summer. | Temporary fix: Wipe with cold water. Permanent: Adjust hinges for “summer” clearance. This gives you extra space in the summer for this swell due to heat and humidity from the sun and the outdoors. |
If you are looking for UPVC door repairs, then we have you covered. Our team of experts will always try to rectify any issues before they require a complete replacement. If you do need a replacement, our team is one of the leading manufacturers and installers of UPVC doors in Bristol. Get in touch for guidance or advice, or to arrange a repair, replacement, or appointment.
Checking and Maintaining The Handles of Your Doors
One of the main reasons your UPVC won’t close properly is the handles on your doors. Handles do require maintenance over time, which is what commonly causes the sticking of the locking mechanisms. As handles become more and more damaged, they pose a security risk if they do not lock properly, and this can be rectified with maintenance before needing a replacement.
To check your handles, ensure that they are operating and locking correctly. If the locking mechanism is sticking, then there may be debris in the mechanism, so you should wipe this with water and a towel, and then clear it with compressed air and spray with WD-40 and silicon lubricant. Check the latch bolt and strike plate if you have cleaned the locking mechanism, and there is still sticking. Check this for misalignment or obstructions. Finally, inspect for broken springs and worn components. This may need a replacement, so speak to our expert repair team if you are unsure.
Misalignment and Temperature Issues
Misalignment happens for a range of different reasons, with temperature fluctuations causing misalignment as well as doors warping and not closing properly. For misalignment, your house can settle over time, humidity causes expansion and retraction/warping, and heavy use or improper installation. These are all common issues that will cause misalignment. To realign your door, you can adjust the rollers, or you can adjust the adjustment screws, which will then realign the door. With incorrect installation, we may need to repair the door or arrange for a replacement in extreme cases.
Temperature will cause warping, which can cause gaps in the door and overall damage. This causes misalignment, but also causes doors to stick and become difficult to operate. This can cause problems with the door and further damage, as the doors are harder to open, so you are going to be forcing and putting other parts of the door into unnecessary strain and wear and tear. If you have any concerns or aren’t confident in repairing your door, we offer a professional repair service to all of our clients in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Get in touch to arrange for your free quote and appointment.