As specialists in UPVC door repairs and locksmith services, one of the most common questions we hear is whether it makes more sense to repair a broken door or bite the bullet and replace it entirely. It is a fair question. After all, a new door is not a small expense and yet nobody wants to keep pouring money into temporary fixes that do not last. In this guide I want to take you through the decision-making process in plain, practical terms. I will explain the most common issues we see with UPVC doors, what can usually be repaired at a reasonable cost, and when replacement is the smarter long-term choice. By the end, you should feel confident in knowing what to do with your own troublesome door.
Why UPVC Doors Are So Popular
Before we dive into repairs versus replacement, it helps to understand why UPVC doors are everywhere in the UK. They are affordable, energy efficient, and generally long lasting. According to the Glass and Glazing Federation, UPVC doors can easily last 20 to 25 years with the right care. They also offer excellent insulation, low maintenance, and plenty of style options compared to old timber doors. Yet like anything mechanical, parts wear out, hinges drop, locks break and seals perish. A well-built frame may stand the test of time, but the moving components inside a UPVC door are often where problems start.
The Most Common Problems With UPVC Doors
At Repair UPVC, we deal with every type of fault you can imagine. Some of the most common issues include:
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Dropped or misaligned doors that catch on the frame
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Jammed or stiff multi-point locks that will not turn
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Broken gearboxes inside the mechanism
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Handles that spin loosely or fail to engage the lock
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Cracked or misted glass units within the door panel
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Worn seals that let draughts and water seep through
If any of these sound familiar, you are far from alone. The important thing is that many of these problems are completely fixable with the right expertise, without needing to replace the entire door.
When Repairs Are the Right Choice
A skilled UPVC door repair can give your door a new lease of life for a fraction of the cost of replacement. Here are some clear signs that repairing makes sense:
Your Frame Is Still Solid
If the main UPVC frame is intact and not warped or cracked, then most repairs are straightforward. We can realign doors that have dropped, replace hinges, and adjust strike plates so they open and close smoothly again.
Mechanism and Lock Problems
One of the most frequent repair jobs we carry out is a gearbox or multi-point lock replacement. The gearbox is the heart of the door’s locking mechanism. When it wears out, the key will not turn properly or the handle feels stiff. Replacing this single part brings the lock back to life and restores security. It is almost always more economical than buying a new door.
Draughts and Seal Issues
If your door is letting in cold air, it usually means the rubber seals or gaskets are worn. These can be swapped out quickly, improving both comfort and energy efficiency. The Energy Saving Trust reports that proper draught-proofing can cut around £60 a year off heating bills in the average British home, so small repairs here can add up to big savings.
Glass Unit Replacement
If your double glazing panel is cracked or misted between the panes, it does not mean the whole door needs to go. We can replace just the glass unit itself, which is significantly cheaper than a full replacement.
When Replacement Is the Better Option
There are times when even the best repairs cannot offer long-term value. In these cases, investing in a new door is the smarter move.
Structural Damage to the Frame
If the frame itself is badly cracked, warped or damaged beyond adjustment, then replacement is the only safe choice. No amount of mechanism work will fix a compromised structure.
Extremely Old Doors
While many UPVC doors last decades, if yours is pushing 30 years old and constantly failing, the parts may no longer be available or cost effective to replace. Modern doors also have much higher energy efficiency standards compared to older models.
Repeated Breakdowns
If you have already repaired the same door multiple times within a few years, it might be time to stop patching and invest in reliability. Spending hundreds on repeat repairs can quickly surpass the cost of a brand-new installation.
Upgrading Security
Today’s modern locks, especially anti-snap and high-security cylinders, offer far better protection than those fitted to older UPVC doors. If your home security is a priority, upgrading to a new door with integrated enhanced locking systems can provide peace of mind that repairs alone may not deliver.
The Cost Factor
Cost is usually the deciding factor for most homeowners. To give you a general idea:
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Gearbox replacement typically ranges from £70 to £120 fitted
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Complete multi-point lock replacement can range from £120 to £180
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Hinge realignment or replacement is often under £100
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A new set of seals may be around £40 to £60
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A full new UPVC door supplied and fitted can easily be £700 to £1,200 depending on style and security features
As you can see, most repairs are only a fraction of the cost of full replacement. That is why it makes sense to explore repair options first with an expert assessment.
Repair vs Replace – The Decision Checklist
If you are weighing up what to do, here is a simple checklist to guide your decision:
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Is the frame still solid and undamaged? If yes, lean towards repair
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Is the fault with the mechanism, lock, handle or glass? Repair is likely suitable
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Is the door over 25 years old or already repaired many times? Replacement may be better
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Are you looking for improved security or energy efficiency beyond what repairs can provide? Consider replacement
Why Professional Repairs Make All the Difference
Trying to force a lock that has jammed or bodging a hinge repair with DIY tools can often make matters worse. We regularly see doors that could have been repaired easily but have suffered extra damage through well-meaning attempts. That is why calling a specialist like Repair UPVC saves both time and money in the long run. We carry stock of common parts, understand the fine adjustments needed to realign heavy UPVC doors, and can usually complete the repair in a single visit. Our locksmith knowledge also means that when we work on your locks, you can be confident your home remains secure.
Giving Your Door a Second Life
In many cases, a repaired UPVC door feels almost brand new again. A stiff handle replaced with a smooth new unit, a dropped door realigned to close effortlessly, or a misted glass unit swapped for crystal clear double glazing can all transform your daily experience of using your door. These improvements not only save you money but also add comfort, security and peace of mind.
Time to Make Your Door Work for You Again
If your UPVC or composite door is giving you trouble, do not rush into buying a replacement before speaking to a repair specialist. At Repair UPVC we pride ourselves on honest advice, skilled workmanship, and a genuine commitment to saving our customers money where repairs are the sensible option. If replacement is truly the better route, we will tell you straight, but more often than not a well-done repair is all that is needed.
Need help with a broken UPVC or composite door? Contact Repair UPVC today for a friendly, professional service and get your door working smoothly again.