If you’re struggling with a door that isn’t properly aligned or is catching on another edge, understanding how to adjust uPVC door hinges can make this an easy, straightforward job that will award you brownie points at home.
As the seasons roll by, the different temperature conditions can affect your outside doors, causing them to drop and shift and cause their alignment to fall out of place.
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I will walk you through how to adjust the hinges on an uPVC door, whatever the problem, to ensure it no longer catches, rubs, or drops during the warmer and colder months of the year.
What Hinge Does Your UPVC Door Have?
Before diving into the adjustments, you must check the type of hinges attached to your UPVC door. These are typically one of three types: Butt, Flag, or Rebate hinges.
Below is a quick overview of them to determine which one you have.
Butt Hinges
(also known as pencil or cylinder hinges)
Butt hinges are standard on your older uPVC doors. They, unfortunately, provide little or no adjustability because they comprise two leavers, one attached to the door and the other to the door frame.
A pin is typically inserted through the top of the one attached to the door frame and into the one attached to the door.
Flag Hinges
Flag hinges are usually found on more modern uPVC doors. They are named because the rectangular shape of the part attached to the door resembles a flag.
A flag hinge offers the most controlled adjustments, allowing changes laterally and vertically and more control when moving the door closer and further from the door jamb.
Rebate Hinges
Rebate hinges work similarly to butt hinges, but the hinge leaf (the component that attaches to the door) fits firmly against the door sash. So, when you close the door, the hinge is covered. Typically, you may adjust them horizontally and vertically.
What Tools Do You Need for uPVC Door Adjustment?
There is no need to raid your tool shed. To learn how to adjust Upvc door hinges, you need three simple tools.
- A flat-head screwdriver
- A Philips head screwdriver
- Allen keys (a hex key) are usually a 5mm one.
How To Adjust Butt Hinges on a UPVC Door
Butt hinges can usually be moved vertically by up to 2mm. If your hinge has two Phillips screws on each side, you can turn it sideways by rotating either the top or bottom screw.
An Allen key can be used to make vertical adjustments to the top of the hinge.
If the hinge has a grub screw in the centre, loosen it before adjusting the pin since it holds it in place.
Adjusting Flag Hinges on a UPVC Door
When making alterations, flag hinges offer the most control. To access the adjustment screws, you may need to remove the plastic cap that covers the hinge.
Once you have access, use an Allen key to adjust the screws that control the height, lateral movement, and compression.
Begin by turning 1-2 complete revolutions, then evaluate the difference in the adjustment and continue turning in increments until the correct position is achieved.
Adjusting Rebate Hinges
Rebate hinges act in the same way as butt hinges. The top and bottom pins are typically covered by a cap, which must be removed to get access.
Once you have access, loosen the grub screw that’s holding them in place and adjust with an Allen key. Adjust the screws on the hinge’s side to allow lateral side-to-side movement.
How to Stop Draughts by Adjusting uPVC Doors
Regular or heavy use can cause UPVC doors to become misaligned, resulting in draughts. To draught-proof a UPVC door, adjust the latch or hinges to ensure it fits appropriately in the frame.
If your UPVC door handle is loose in the frame, pulling it will cause it to rattle.
You may also adjust the strike plate by unscrewing the screws in the plate and door frame and sliding it towards the door’s entrance to tighten the fit or towards the inside of the house to loosen the fit so the latch can catch in the strike plate.
If you’re still getting draughts, even after adjusting you can check out the best DIY Secondary Glazing Kits to improve your door insulation further.
Adjusting a Dropped UPVC Door
If the height of your UPVC door has dropped towards the handle side, use an Allen key to lift it by turning the screw on the door side of the hinge.
Begin by turning 1-2 rotations clockwise with the door closed, then test to see whether it still drags. Adjust the hinges so that the door can open and close smoothly.
Adjusting uPVC Door Height and Compression
If the door has dropped or has to be raised in the frame, use an Allen key to adjust the screw that controls the vertical movement of the hinge.
If the door is set back from the frame in the top or bottom corner, tighten the fit by spinning the compression adjustment screw, which is usually located at the bottom.
How To Adjust UPVC Door Hinges from Side to Side
If your door has to be adjusted from side to side, you can do it by turning the lateral adjustment screw. This will bring the door closer or farther away from the side jamb.
When Adjusting the Hinges Doesn’t Work
If you’ve adjusted the hinges and still can’t get the door to fit correctly, there may be a hinge issue.
In this case, you may need to replace the hinges or contact the manufacturer to check whether the door is still under warranty.
It’s important to realise that a misaligned door will wear out faster, and more gaps may appear, allowing draughts into your home.
Considering a New uPVC Door
If you’ve made all these changes and the door still won’t fit, consider purchasing a new UPVC door.
Modern uPVC doors are long-lasting, strong, and secure, with a 10-year installation warranty and a lifetime guarantee against profile discolouration.
FAQ's
Misaligned hinges are a common cause of an uPVC door not closing properly. Over time, the door may settle or shift, causing it to move out of position.
To resolve this issue, you may need to adjust the door hinges. Begin by confirming that the door is level, then adjust the hinges accordingly. If you need clarification about how to adjust uPVC door hinges, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional assistance.
A stiff uPVC door lock mechanism can be caused by several issues, including filth, debris, or a lack of lubrication.
Clean the lock and apply an appropriate lubricant to its working parts to remedy this. If the problem persists, the door hinges may need to be adjusted. Ensuring the door is oriented correctly helps the lock mechanism in running smoothly.
You usually have to work with the hinges to alter the tightness of an uPVC door. With an Allen key, crank the screws on the hinges to tighten or loosen the door.
Consult your door’s manual or use online tutorials like this post to learn how to adjust uPVC door hinges. Proper adjustment can improve the door’s fit, increasing security and efficiency.
A lowered uPVC door usually shows the hinges are loose or worn out. This can cause the door to sag and close improperly. To repair this, adjust or tighten the door hinges. Sometimes, replacing worn hinges is essential to keep the door correctly aligned and functional.
A draughty uPVC door typically indicates a gap between the door and the frame, which can be caused by misaligned hinges or worn-out seals.
You may need to adjust the door hinges for a tight fit to solve this. In addition, check the door seals and replace any damaged or worn ones. Properly adjusted hinges and replacement seals can drastically minimise drafts while increasing energy efficiency.
How To Adjust UPVC Door Hinges To Stop Your Door From Dropping
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