How to adjust a UPVC front door

If you’re struggling to close or lock your UPVC front door, it may be that your door and doorframe are misaligned. Whilst this could be caused by a number of factors, two of the most common causes are problems with the hinges, plus incorrectly placed door panels or door glass.

How to check if your UPVC door is misaligned

1. Check that the mitres in the corners of the doorframe line up with the mitres in the corners of the door
2. Place a spirit level on the top of the door to check if it’s level
3. Open your door slightly and check the gap between the door on the lock side and the frame. Is the gap the same width all the way down?

If you notice any of the above, it is likely that your door is misaligned.

How to fix a misaligned UPVC door

If your door is misaligned, the first place to start is with the hinges. Most hinges on UPVC doors are flag hinges with ‘up or down’ and ‘in or out’ adjustment options.

You will need:

• A flat-headed screwdriver
• A Philips head screwdriver
• A 5mm Allen key

Adjusting UPVC door hinges instructions

1. 1. 1. To adjust the hinges you must first remove the plastic covering on the main part of the hinge, which should run parallel to the bottom of your door. This is for lateral adjustment. You may be able to remove this with your hand, or you may need to use screwdrivers
      2. There will be a hole on the nose of this part. Insert the Allen key into the hole and turn until the door begins to pull back towards the hinge side of the doorframe, counting how many turns you make
      3. Repeat step 2 with the middle hinge, turning the Allen key the same number of times until the door is completely level with the doorframe. Check that the door is closing and locking properly after every adjustment
      4. If you’re still finding it difficult to lock the door, or if the door is catching on the bottom of the frame, you may need to raise your door by adjusting the bottom of the smaller part of the hinge, which runs vertically to the sides of the doorframe
      5. The hole at the bottom of the hinge is generally for height and the top is generally for compression, but double check this before you begin. Close the door and turn the Allen key. If the door moves towards you the hole is for compression, but if the door moves up or down it is for height
      6. Follow the same steps for the lateral hinge adjustment, altering each hinge the same amount until your door closes and locks in the right way

How to adjust a front door

If your front door is catching, sagging or it no longer seems to fit as well as it used to, it may need adjusting. This is a straightforward process which you should be able to manage yourself:

1. 1. 1. Open your front door to a 90-degree angle. Install a doorstop under the outer edge. Wedge the stop under the door to keep it steady
      2. Using a power drill with a screw-tip attachment, tighten the screws where each hinge attaches to the door jamb and the edge of the door. Remove any screws that won’t tighten
      3. Cut ¼ inch wooden wedges with a utility knife. Using a hammer, drive the wedges into the holes where the stripped screws were removed. Break off the excess of a wedge with a hammer
      4. Using a self-centering hinge drill bit, drill pilot holes for screws where the wedges were installed in the jamb and edge of the door
      5. Using a screw-tip drill attachment, screw a 3-inch wood screw into each location where the wedges were installed
      6. Remove the doorstop. Open and close the door to see if it is working as it should. If it is not, continue to adjust it
      7. Open the door to a 90-degree angle, then wedge with the doorstop at the outer edge. Test the inner edge of the door to see if any hinges rattle. If so, remove the rattling hinge’s pin by driving the cap of the pin upward with a screwdriver and hammer. Pull out the pin by hand.
      8. Place the hinge pin flat on concrete. Slightly bend the pin by hitting the middle with a hammer. Install the pin into the barrel of the hinge and tap the cap with the hammer so the pin fully fits into place. Repeat with any other loose hinge pins.

Are you unhappy with your front door installation? Think your UPVC door is misaligned? If you’re not confident adjusting your UPVC front door yourself or you’d like some expert advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help you.