Is your UPVC door dropped, catching on the frame or suddenly hard to lock? A dropped door is one of the most common problems with UPVC front and back doors, and it rarely means you need a new door. In most homes across Berkshire and Surrey the cause is worn or loose hinges, and the door can be adjusted or repaired in a single visit.
This guide explains how to spot a dropped door, why it happens, what you can safely check, and when to call a professional before a small fault turns into a broken lock.
Signs Your UPVC Door Has Dropped
- The door scrapes or catches on the threshold or frame when it closes
- You have to lift the handle or push the door hard before it will lock
- The key is stiff to turn, or the handle will not go up fully
- There is a bigger gap at the top of the door on the lock side
- Daylight or a draught shows around the edges of the closed door
- The door swings open or closed on its own
Why UPVC Doors Drop
1. Worn or loose hinges
UPVC doors are heavy, especially with double glazed panels. Every time the door opens and closes, the hinges take that weight. Over time the screws loosen and the hinges wear, so the door sags on the lock side. Our door hinge repair service fixes or replaces worn hinges so the door hangs straight again.
2. Hinges that are out of adjustment
Most modern UPVC doors use adjustable flag hinges, which can be set for height, lateral position and compression. If they were never set correctly, or have moved, the door will sit too low or too far from the frame.
3. Glass packers that have moved
The sealed glass panel in a door sits on small plastic packers that help keep the door square. If they slip, the door can twist and drop. This needs the glazing bead removing and the panel re-packed by someone who knows what they are doing.
4. Seasonal expansion
UPVC expands in hot weather and contracts in the cold. A door that is only just in alignment may lock fine in winter and be hard to lock in summer.
Why You Should Not Force a Dropped Door to Lock
When a door has dropped, the hooks and rollers of the multipoint lock no longer line up with the keeps in the frame. Lifting the handle hard to force the door shut puts huge strain on the gearbox inside the lock. Eventually it breaks, and you may find yourself unable to open or lock the door at all. Fixing the alignment early is much cheaper than replacing a broken multipoint lock.
What You Can Safely Check Yourself
- Open the door and check whether any hinge screws are visibly loose
- Clean dirt and grit from the keeps and the threshold
- Lightly lubricate the locking points with a silicone spray
- Look at the gap around the closed door to see where it is catching
Some flag hinges can be adjusted with an Allen key, but making the wrong adjustment can make the problem worse, and covers can be easily damaged. If the door is still hard to lock, it is best to call a professional.
Repair, Adjust or Replace?
Most dropped UPVC doors only need adjusting or new hinges. Even if the lock has started to fail, replacing a multipoint mechanism or handle costs far less than a new door. We always aim to fix the problem properly, with genuine parts, rather than sell you a replacement you do not need.
Security and Energy Efficiency
A door that does not close tightly is less secure and lets heat escape. Police-backed Secured by Design recommends making sure doors lock properly and using quality, tested locks. The Master Locksmiths Association also has useful advice on door locks. A properly aligned door seals against its gaskets, cutting draughts; the Energy Saving Trust explains how efficient doors help reduce energy bills. If draughts are your main problem, read our guide: Why is my door drafty?.
UPVC Door Repair in Berkshire and Surrey
WDRS has over 18 years of experience repairing UPVC, composite, patio and French doors. Our average repair time is under 45 minutes on site, and we explain the fault clearly before any work starts.
- Door repair Berkshire
- Door repair Surrey
- Door hinge repair Surrey
- Lock replacement Berkshire
- Lock and handle replacement Surrey
- Window won’t lock or close? 7 common causes
If your UPVC door has dropped or is hard to lock, contact us for a free quote or call 07951 152986.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my UPVC door has dropped?
Common signs are the door catching on the frame, a bigger gap at the top on the lock side, and having to lift the handle hard to lock it.
Can a dropped UPVC door be fixed without replacing it?
Yes. Most dropped doors are fixed by adjusting or replacing the hinges and, if needed, re-packing the glass panel.
Why is my UPVC door hard to lock?
Usually because the door has dropped and the locking points no longer line up with the keeps. Forcing it can break the gearbox, so it is worth fixing the alignment early.
