Bi-fold doors have become a much-loved feature in homes across Britain. They open up a living space to the garden, let in floods of natural light, and add a real sense of luxury. But when they stop closing properly, the joy quickly disappears. Instead of a smooth glide and a snug close, you are left with doors that stick, don’t line up, or leave draughts blowing through. At Repair UPVC, we see this problem all the time, and the good news is that most issues can be fixed without needing a costly replacement. As a specialist in bi-fold door repairs and a qualified locksmith, I want to walk you through why bi-fold doors go wrong, what you can do to identify the cause, and how we go about putting it right.
Why Bi-Fold Doors Stop Closing Properly
Bi-fold doors are intricate systems made up of multiple panels, hinges, tracks, rollers and locking mechanisms. It only takes one part to go slightly out of sync for the whole system to stop working smoothly. The most common reasons we encounter include:
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Misalignment – Even a few millimetres out can stop the doors closing flush. This often happens as houses settle over time or with repeated use.
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Worn rollers – The rollers carry the weight of the doors. When they wear down, the panels don’t glide properly and get stuck partway.
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Track problems – Dirt, grit and general wear can damage the running track, making movement stiff or uneven.
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Locking mechanism faults – Multi-point locks and handles can become stiff or jammed, stopping the doors from engaging correctly.
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Seal and gasket issues – When seals wear out, gaps appear, leading to draughts and doors that don’t sit snugly.
According to FENSA, a government-authorised body that oversees window and door installations, around 18% of call-backs for doors are related to operational issues such as sticking and misalignment. That figure highlights just how common these problems are, and why having an expert on hand is vital.
Spotting the Early Warning Signs
The sooner you catch a problem, the easier it is to fix. Many homeowners put up with little annoyances for far too long, only to find themselves locked out of their garden or struggling to secure their property. Warning signs to watch for include:
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Doors feeling heavy or grinding when sliding
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Gaps appearing between panels or around the frame
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Handles that feel loose, stiff, or fail to lift properly
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Draughts or water ingress near the seals
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Panels that refuse to line up when you try to close them
If you notice one or more of these issues, it is best to act quickly. What starts as a simple adjustment can, if ignored, turn into a much more costly repair.
How We Approach Bi-Fold Door Repairs
At Repair UPVC, we treat every repair with the same level of care, whether it is a quick hinge adjustment or a full replacement of parts. The process usually begins with a careful inspection. We check the alignment of the doors, test the locks, and look for signs of wear on the hinges and rollers. From there, we can identify the exact fault and recommend the right solution.
Common Fixes We Carry Out
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Realignment and adjustment – Often, a simple adjustment of the hinges or track can bring the doors back into line.
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Roller replacement – If the rollers have worn out, swapping them for new high-quality parts makes the doors glide smoothly again.
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Track repair – Damaged tracks can be repaired or replaced, ensuring smooth operation and preventing further strain on the rollers.
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Lock and handle repairs – We service or replace multi-point locks and handles, ensuring the doors close securely every time.
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Seal replacement – New seals stop draughts and leaks, improving comfort and energy efficiency.
Every job is finished with a full test of operation and security. We never leave a repair half-done.
Why Professional Help is Often Essential
While it is tempting to grab a screwdriver and attempt a repair yourself, bi-fold doors are not the same as a simple cupboard hinge. Their complexity means that small mistakes can make problems worse. We often see homeowners who tried a DIY adjustment and ended up bending the track or damaging the locking mechanism. What could have been a quick, low-cost job becomes a bigger project.
Professional repair has other benefits too:
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Safety – Bi-fold doors are heavy. Working with rollers and tracks can be hazardous without the right tools.
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Security – A door that does not close properly is an easy target for burglars. We make sure your property stays secure.
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Longevity – Repairs carried out with the correct parts and expertise extend the life of your doors.
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Peace of mind – Knowing the job has been done properly lets you get back to enjoying your home.
The Role of Locks and Security
One of the less obvious reasons a bi-fold door may not close properly is due to problems with the lock. Multi-point locks are excellent for security, but if a gearbox inside the mechanism fails, the doors won’t engage correctly. As a locksmith, I regularly replace gearboxes and cylinders that have worn out over time. Upgrading to an anti-snap lock is also a wise choice for added security. According to West Yorkshire Police crime prevention advice, lock snapping is one of the most common methods burglars use on UPVC and composite doors. Ensuring your bi-fold doors have the right locks is as much about safety as it is about function.
Energy Efficiency and Draughts
A bi-fold door that doesn’t close properly often means draughts and higher heating bills. Research from the Energy Saving Trust shows that replacing or repairing faulty seals on doors and windows can save homeowners up to £60 a year on heating costs. At Repair UPVC, we see this regularly – once new seals are fitted, not only do the doors feel snug again, but the home becomes noticeably warmer. For families, this is a small fix with a big impact.
When Repairs Might Not Be Enough
While most issues can be repaired, there are times when replacing parts is the only option. For example, if the track is severely bent or a locking mechanism has broken beyond repair, fitting a new component is the best way forward. The good news is that this is still far cheaper than replacing the entire set of doors. A full replacement should always be the last resort, and in our experience, it is rarely needed.
How Repair UPVC Can Help You
At Repair UPVC, we bring years of hands-on experience to every job. Our team specialises in UPVC and composite doors, including bi-fold, patio, and standard front doors. We understand the frustration of doors that don’t close properly and the worry about security and energy loss. That is why we provide fast, friendly, and professional repairs across our service areas. We stock a wide range of parts, so many repairs can be completed on the same visit. Whether it is a simple realignment or a complex mechanism replacement, we aim to get your doors working as good as new.
Ready to Get Your Bi-Fold Doors Back on Track?
Living with bi-fold doors that don’t close properly is not something you have to put up with. The sooner you deal with the problem, the easier and cheaper it usually is to fix. If your doors are sticking, not locking, or leaving draughts, we would be delighted to help. Contact Repair UPVC today for a no-obligation quote and let us restore the smooth, secure operation of your bi-fold doors.
👉 Call Repair UPVC now or fill out our quick contact form to arrange your repair – and get back to enjoying your home without the hassle of faulty doors.