If you have lived with a UPVC door for any length of time, you will know that they can develop quirks over time. One of the most common issues homeowners face is a sticking door. It might drag on the frame, catch at the lock, or simply feel like it takes too much effort to close. The good news is that most of these problems are fixable without having to replace the entire door, and understanding what causes a sticking UPVC door can save you both stress and money. At Repair UPVC, we see this issue almost daily, and it is one we are passionate about helping customers resolve.
Why Do UPVC Doors Stick?
UPVC doors are designed to be tough, low-maintenance, and weather resistant, but they are not immune to wear and tear. A sticking door can often be traced back to one of the following causes:
-
Misalignment due to the door dropping on its hinges.
-
Expansion and contraction of the frame in hot or cold weather.
-
Worn or faulty hinges.
-
A failing multi-point lock or gearbox.
-
Build-up of dirt or debris in the tracks or mechanisms.
-
Worn or perished door seals.
According to a recent report from the Glass and Glazing Federation, over 60% of callouts for door repairs are related to alignment and lock issues, both of which can directly lead to sticking. This shows just how common the problem is.
Seasonal Expansion and Contraction
One of the biggest culprits is our unpredictable British weather. UPVC as a material expands in the heat and contracts in the cold. During a summer heatwave, a door may swell enough to stick against the frame. In winter, the opposite can happen, and gaps may appear that affect locking and draught proofing. It is important to know that this movement is normal, but if your door is sticking constantly, it is usually a sign of a mechanical issue rather than just the weather.
Simple Checks You Can Do Yourself
Before calling out a professional, there are a few checks you can carry out safely:
-
Open and close the door slowly to see where it catches. Is it at the bottom, top, or lock side?
-
Check the hinges visually for any obvious damage or sagging.
-
Try locking the door with the handle lifted fully. If it will not engage smoothly, it could point to an alignment problem.
-
Inspect the door seals for signs of wear or perishing, as this can create extra resistance.
If you find that the door only sticks occasionally during hot weather and works fine the rest of the year, it may not need urgent repair. However, if it catches every time you use it, the underlying fault is only going to get worse.
Common Fixes for a Sticking UPVC Door
1. Adjusting the Hinges
UPVC doors are heavy, and over time gravity takes its toll. The hinges can drop slightly, pulling the door out of alignment. In many cases, a simple hinge adjustment is all that is needed to lift the door back into place. Most modern UPVC door hinges allow for adjustments in three directions – up and down, left and right, and even in and out. A trained eye can quickly assess which way a door has dropped and make precise adjustments.
2. Checking and Replacing the Locking Mechanism
The multi-point locking strip that runs the length of your door can wear or slip out of place. This often causes the handle to feel stiff when lifted, making the lock engage unevenly. A failing gearbox within the lock is another common fault. If left unfixed, this can lead to a complete lockout situation where you cannot open or secure the door at all. At Repair UPVC, we can repair or replace gearboxes and multi-point locks quickly, ensuring your home remains secure.
3. Realigning the Door Frame
Sometimes the issue lies not with the door itself but the frame. Poor installation, house settling, or changes in the structure over time can cause misalignment. Re-setting the door and frame correctly is a job best left to professionals, but once done, it restores smooth operation.
4. Replacing Worn Hinges and Seals
Hinges can bend, weaken, or seize up, especially on doors that are heavily used. Likewise, seals around the door can harden or become damaged. Replacing these small but vital parts can make a huge difference in how easily your door opens and closes, as well as improving insulation.
5. Cleaning and Lubricating the Mechanisms
A build-up of dirt, dust, or even rust inside the locking strip or hinges can cause stiffness. Cleaning the mechanisms and applying the correct lubricant (avoid oil-based sprays that attract more dirt) can restore ease of use. Silicone-based lubricants are best for UPVC components.
When to Call a Professional
While some light maintenance can be handled by a confident DIYer, many sticking door problems require professional attention. For example, adjusting a dropped door incorrectly can actually make the issue worse, and attempting to force a lock can lead to a complete failure. At Repair UPVC, we have the tools, parts, and experience to diagnose the exact cause and provide a lasting fix.
Statistics show that households that delay repairing faulty doors are twice as likely to suffer a lockout or even a break-in, as weakened mechanisms make easy targets for opportunistic burglars. It is simply not worth the risk to your home security.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Sticking UPVC Door?
Prices vary depending on the fault. A simple hinge adjustment might cost very little, whereas replacing a full multi-point lock strip will be more. What we always stress to customers is that repair is almost always cheaper than replacement. A new UPVC door can cost upwards of £800, whereas most sticking door repairs are a fraction of that.
Preventing Future Problems
Keeping your UPVC door in good working order is easier if you look after it. A few good habits include:
-
Clean the hinges and locks every few months.
-
Apply silicone lubricant to moving parts twice a year.
-
Avoid slamming the door, which stresses hinges and locks.
-
Check seals regularly and replace them before they fail completely.
-
Call a professional at the first sign of resistance rather than waiting until the door fails entirely.
These simple steps can extend the life of your door by many years and keep it performing as it should.
Why Choose Repair UPVC?
We are not just another repair company. At Repair UPVC, we pride ourselves on being specialists who genuinely care about getting your doors and windows back to their best. We do not push unnecessary replacements – if it can be repaired, we will repair it. With expertise in UPVC door repair, bi-folds, patio doors, composite doors, window mechanisms, lock upgrades, and seals, we offer a complete service that keeps your property safe, secure, and energy efficient. Our friendly team covers all aspects of UPVC and composite door repairs, giving you peace of mind that the job will be done properly.
Ready for Smooth Opening Again?
Living with a sticking UPVC door is frustrating, but it is also a warning sign that should not be ignored. Whether it is an alignment issue, a worn hinge, or a failing lock, the right repair makes all the difference. If your UPVC or composite door is giving you trouble, do not put up with the hassle or compromise your security. Contact Repair UPVC today for expert help, fast repairs, and honest advice. Your door should work as smoothly as the day it was fitted – let us get it back to that standard for you.
Call Repair UPVC now or use our contact form to book your repair. Upload a photo of your door problem, and we will give you a quick, accurate quote to get things sorted without delay.