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Door repair usually becomes necessary when a uPVC or aluminium door no longer closes cleanly, requires extra force to lock, or begins letting in draughts. These doors depend on accurate alignment between hinges, handles and multi point locking hardware. When that alignment changes, operation becomes difficult and security performance drops.
Most faults develop gradually. Homeowners often notice stiffness or resistance long before a component actually fails.
Because glazed panels add weight, even small movement affects how the locking system engages. The door itself rarely breaks — the hardware stops working in the position it was designed for.
Why problems occur in uPVC and aluminium doors
uPVC and aluminium doors are stable materials, but their moving parts wear through daily use.
Common causes:
- Weight settling onto hinges over time
- Temperature changes affecting alignment
- Repeated handle lifting stressing the gearbox
- Locking cams wearing against keeps
- Minor building movement in the opening
uPVC doors carry consistent load through reinforced profiles and glazing units. Aluminium doors are rigid but transfer force directly to hinges and locking mechanisms. In both cases the result is resistance in operation rather than structural failure.
Signs a repair is needed
Changes in behaviour normally appear before visible damage.
Typical warning signs:
- Door catching the frame or threshold
- Handle harder to lift
- Door only locking when lifted
- Key turning but door not securing fully
- Draughts along edges
- Door reopening slightly after closing
These symptoms usually indicate misalignment within the locking system rather than a damaged door.
Door hinges repair
Hinges carry the door weight and control its closing position. Over time the door can settle slightly, lowering the locking points relative to the frame. This leads to dropping when opened. A door handle repair plate is a metal reinforcement that installs around or behind the door handle area to strengthen a weakened or damaged spot, especially where the handle is mounted. You should use a door handle repair plate when the area around the handle has become loose, cracked, or damaged due to stress or frequent use, restoring stability to the handle without replacing the entire door.
This leads to:
- Dropping when opened
- Scraping at the bottom
- Increased pressure on the handle
- Locking points missing their keeps
A door hinges repair restores the original height and positioning so the locking mechanism works without force. Leaving the problem causes extra strain across the entire system.
Door handle repair
The handle positions the locking points before the key secures them. If movement becomes difficult, the handle is usually reacting to resistance elsewhere, which may require cleaning.
Common issues:
- Handle not returning fully
- Internal spring wear
- Spindle movement
- Loose mounting
A door handle repair restores smooth operation and allows the lock to engage properly. When the handle does not return correctly, the door may appear locked but only partially secure.
Door hardware repair
uPVC and aluminium doors use multi point locking systems with several components engaging together. Misalignment affects the whole mechanism rather than a single part.
Door hardware repair typically involves:
- Fixing or replacing door hardware such as door knobs, handles, hinges, mechanisms, letterplates and cylinders.
- Replacing misted glazed units within the door panel
- Resealing door edges to eliminate draughts
- Replacing worn door gaskets to restore sealing pressure
The door structure normally remains intact. Restoring the condition of the hardware and sealing components returns the door to normal operation and performance.
Repairing hardware vs replacing parts in uPVC and aluminium doors
Operational problems rarely require a new door. The panel and frame generally remain sound while hinges, handles or locking components move out of tolerance.
Door hinges repair, door handle repair or broader door hardware repair normally resolves the issue. Only worn components may need changing if adjustment no longer works. The purpose of repair is to return the existing door to proper function.
Safety and security implications
Multi point door locks must engage fully to provide security. Misalignment allows some locking points to miss their keeps even though the key turns normally.
This can result in:
- Door appearing locked but not fully secured
- Increased vulnerability to forced entry
- Faster wear of internal components
Correct alignment allows the locking system to operate as designed.
What these door symptoms are telling you
Door dropping or reopening after closing
The hinge position has shifted slightly so the latch catches weakly. A door hinges repair restores correct closing position.
Stiff handle but the key still turns
Resistance exists in the locking alignment. A door handle repair removes strain and allows proper engagement.
Sudden draughts around the door
Uneven compression from hinge movement prevents sealing. Door hardware repair restores sealing pressure.
Door repairs across South Wales homes
Futureglaze carries out uPVC and aluminium door frame repair across Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and surrounding South Wales areas. Local properties experience seasonal movement and weather exposure, making hinge and hardware adjustment a common long term requirement.
How Futureglaze approaches door repairs
Repairing a uPVC door handle can be straightforward if the problem is just misalignment or loose screws, and many homeowners comfortably tackle these minor fixes themselves. However, if the issue is related to the internal mechanism or if you feel unsure, it’s often best to call a professional to avoid causing further damage and to ensure your door’s security is maintained.
Futureglaze inspects hinge alignment, handle movement and locking engagement together to identify the mechanical cause and restore normal operation. Where damage extends beyond repairable components, Futureglaze can also advise on suitable window repair or door repair or replacement options based on the condition of the existing installation. So feel free to contact us.
FAQs : Common Door Repair Questions
Can a door still be secure if the key turns normally?
Not always. Multi point locks rely on handle movement to place locking points before the key secures them. If alignment prevents full engagement, some points may remain open. A door hardware repair restores full locking contact across the frame, ensuring the shaft operates effectively. For repairing a front door handle, it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or a professional for specific repair steps to ensure your door remains secure.
What causes a uPVC or aluminium door to become stiff?
Gradual hinge movement or worn locking components create resistance. The change often feels sudden because tolerances have reached their limit. Restoring alignment typically resolves the problem.
Do draughts mean the seals need replacing?
Usually not. Draughts often result from uneven pressure caused by hinge movement. Correct positioning allows the seals to contact the frame properly again.
Why does the handle not return on a uPVC or aluminium door?
The handle return spring is usually under strain because the locking points are not aligned correctly. Instead of moving freely, the mechanism is forced against resistance. A door handle repair restores correct movement so the locking system resets fully after each use.
Will a misaligned uPVC or aluminium door get worse if left unrepaired?
Yes. Continued force transfers load to the gearbox and locking strip, accelerating wear and reducing security performance. Over time the handle becomes harder to lift and locking points may stop engaging completely, turning a minor alignment issue into a full hardware failure.
