If you have a UPVC door that keeps catching on the floor, won’t shut smoothly, or seems to be leaning on its hinges, you are not alone. Dropped UPVC doors are one of the most common problems we deal with here at Repair UPVC, and it is an issue that can range from a simple annoyance to a real security risk. A well-fitted door should open and close with ease, sit snug in its frame, and lock without resistance. When it begins to sag or misalign, you notice it straight away – the key becomes difficult to turn, you may have to lift the handle higher than normal, or you might even see daylight creeping through gaps that were once sealed. In this post, we will explain exactly why UPVC doors drop, the underlying causes, what can be done to fix them, and when you should call in the experts.
The Signs of a Dropped UPVC Door
Most homeowners know instinctively when their door is not sitting right, but here are some of the most common symptoms:
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The door scrapes the floor or threshold when you open or close it.
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The locking points no longer line up with the keeps in the frame.
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You have to force the handle or pull the door up slightly to engage the lock.
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Gaps appear around the edges of the door, letting in draughts.
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The door feels stiff, heavy or awkward to operate.
If any of these sound familiar, it is a clear sign that your door has dropped out of alignment and needs attention.
Why Do UPVC Doors Drop?
UPVC doors are designed to be robust, but over time the weight of the door combined with daily use can cause them to sag. Some of the main reasons include:
1. Hinge Wear and Tear
Most UPVC doors are heavy, especially those with double or triple glazing. The hinges take the brunt of this weight every single day, and eventually, they can wear down. When the hinge pins or screws become loose, the door shifts in its frame.
2. Poor Installation
If a door has not been installed correctly in the first place, problems will show up sooner rather than later. Incorrectly packed frames, badly aligned hinges, or poor adjustment during fitting can all lead to a dropped door.
3. Seasonal Movement
UPVC is a material that expands in heat and contracts in cold. During summer months, doors can swell slightly, while in winter they can shrink. Over time this constant movement can contribute to alignment problems.
4. Settling of the Property
Houses naturally shift and settle over time, and this can affect how a door sits in its frame. Even minor shifts can throw the alignment out.
5. Loose or Damaged Screws
Something as simple as a loose hinge screw can allow the door to dip. If ignored, the problem worsens and causes strain on other components like the gearbox and locking strip.
Can You Fix a Dropped UPVC Door Yourself?
The short answer is yes, sometimes. If the issue is minor, it may just be a case of adjusting the hinges. Modern UPVC doors often come with adjustable hinges that allow you to raise, lower, or move the door sideways to get the perfect fit. However, while it may sound straightforward, it often takes an experienced eye to get it right. Adjust too much one way and you can cause a new problem on the other side.
A lot of DIY guides online recommend turning the hinge screws until the door lifts, but in reality, there are several things to check:
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Are the hinges themselves worn or damaged?
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Is the frame square, or has it moved?
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Is the locking strip lining up correctly with the keeps?
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Are the seals and gaskets compressed in a way that affects closing?
If the root cause is worn hinges or a damaged mechanism, no amount of adjustment will fully solve the problem – replacement parts will be needed.
The Risks of Ignoring a Dropped Door
Many homeowners learn to live with a stiff or misaligned door, but leaving the problem unchecked can cause bigger headaches later. The constant strain on the locking mechanism can cause the gearbox to break, leading to costly repairs. The gaps that appear when a door drops not only let in draughts but also compromise your home’s security. According to figures published by the Office for National Statistics, around 76% of domestic burglaries in England and Wales occur through doors, with insecure or faulty locks being a common factor. A properly aligned door is essential for security, so it is not something to put off.
Professional Solutions for Dropped Doors
At Repair UPVC, we deal with this problem daily and have a proven process to bring doors back to perfect working order. Our repair methods include:
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Hinge Adjustment: Using professional tools to realign the door so that it sits square and locks correctly.
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Hinge Replacement: If hinges are beyond adjustment, we supply and fit high-quality replacements.
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Frame Checks: Ensuring the door frame has been correctly packed and secured.
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Locking Strip and Gearbox Repairs: If the lock has been strained by misalignment, we can repair or replace the faulty components.
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Seal Replacement: Replacing worn or compressed seals to restore energy efficiency and keep out draughts.
Every repair is tailored to the exact problem. Sometimes it is a quick adjustment, and sometimes it involves a full hinge or lock replacement. The benefit of calling a specialist is that you will get the right fix first time, and avoid the cost of unnecessary replacements.
Prevention Tips – Keeping Your Door in Top Shape
While not all causes of dropped doors can be prevented, there are steps homeowners can take to prolong the life of their UPVC doors:
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Keep hinges lubricated with a suitable silicone spray every six months.
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Check for loose screws regularly and tighten where needed.
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Avoid slamming doors, as this puts extra strain on hinges and locks.
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Call in a professional at the first sign of difficulty – early intervention often prevents major repairs.
When to Call Repair UPVC
If your UPVC door keeps dropping, jamming, or feels unsafe, it is always best to call in the experts. While some adjustments are simple, others require specialist knowledge and the right parts. At Repair UPVC, we do not just adjust and hope for the best – we get to the root of the problem and ensure your door is secure, smooth, and built to last. We cover everything from hinge replacements and lock repairs to full mechanism overhauls, and we are passionate about giving homeowners a cost-effective solution that avoids unnecessary new doors.
Ready to Fix Your Door?
If your UPVC door has dropped and you are tired of struggling with stiff handles, misaligned locks, or draughts creeping in, we can help. At Repair UPVC, we bring expertise, friendly service, and genuine care for keeping your home safe and comfortable. Do not put up with a door that does not work as it should – contact us today for a fast, professional repair and get your door back to perfect condition.
👉 Call Repair UPVC now or use our online contact form to request a free no-obligation quote – and let us put your door right.