How to adjust uPVC doors to stop draughts

Draughts are a common problem that affects most homes. Not only do they waste energy and money, but they’re just generally a real pain in the neck. Doors are one of the most common areas of the home where draughts occur.

Fixing a draughty front door could save most households around £25 a year.

Have you tried unsuccessfully to draft proof your uPVC door? Then worry not – our useful guide on uPVC door adjustment could be perfect for you.

Before getting started, make sure to check if you have a manufacturer’s or installer’s warranty or guarantee on the door (all our products come with a 10-year guarantee). If you start making changes or adjustments yourself then it may invalidate any claims, so we would recommend checking with your supplier or installer before doing anything.

What is causing my uPVC door to be draughty? 

Your door was incorrectly fitted: If your door has been incorrectly fitted it could have gaps around the edge of the door between the door and frame. It’s crucial that you always have your home improvements made to measure and professionally installed.

Your door has become damaged: If your door has become damaged it’s very likely they’ll be a draught coming through somewhere either around the frame or in the door itself. Any damages should be repaired or replaced immediately as you’ll be leaving your home vulnerable.

Your letterbox is blowing open: Unfortunately, some letterboxes can blow open in the wind making load noises and letting cold breezes into your home.

How do I know if I need to adjust my uPVC front door?

Hold the back of your hand close to the perimeter of the door. If you can feel a draught, you may need to adjust your door. It’s also a good idea to check if there isn’t another problem with your door before adjusting it. Be sure to check if there are any obstructions, such as dirt or stones, at the bottom of your uPVC front door. Any dirt or debris should be cleaned away before adjusting the door to make sure that this isn’t causing the problem.

Closely inspect the door to see if there is any damage to its frame or seals. The older your door, the more susceptible it is to damage. If there are any broken seals or other damage to the door or door frame, you may need to get a replacement door.

Reddish Joinery offers an impressive range of doors in a variety of styles and materials. From French doors, bi-folding, and sliding patio through to traditional front doors. Whether you choose, uPVC, composite, traditional wood, or Accoya, all our doors offer exceptional draughtproofing qualities.

How do I stop draughts coming through my letterbox?

Preventing draughts getting in through your letterbox is thankfully really simple. You can purchase draught excluders that can be fitted onto any letterbox. Featuring a brush-like plate, the bristles prevent cold air from entering your home and keep warmth in. You can easily fit one yourself to your internal letter plate. 

Alternatively, when you have a new door installed you can choose to have no letter plate within your door and instead choose to install a letterbox onto the side of your home.

What tools do I need to adjust my uPVC doors? 

To adjust your door, you’ll need:

– Allen key (also known as a hex key) is usually a 5mm
– A flathead screwdriver
– A Phillips head screwdriver

How do I adjust my uPVC doors and stop door draughts?

Please note: these steps should help you adjust uPVC French doors and traditional uPVC doors. However, they may differ depending on the kind of door you have.

• Remove the plastic plug, if there is one, on the centre of the hinge in the middle of your door. You can do this by using a screwdriver, or by hand in some cases.
• Insert the Allen key into the hole and turn the key until the door begins to move in the direction of the hinge. You may need to do this to the top and bottom hinges too.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, please contact us and let us help you.

What can I do if I have adjusted the hinges but the door is still not aligned?

If you have followed these steps, but can’t get the door to fit properly – don’t worry! You can try to replace the hinges or contact your original supplier to check if the door is still under warranty.

Why is it always best to ask a professional for help? 

Although you can adjust your uPVC door to fix draughts, we would always recommend talking to a professional first. As your front door is the main access point to your home it’s crucial that it’s secure and any adjustments you make could affect the security of your door. If there are any damages to your door you should look to have it replaced immediately as these will leave your door vulnerable to intruders.

At Reddish Joinery, all our uPVC doors are made to measure ensuring you receive the perfect fit every time. We have over 50 years of experience installing home improvement products so we’re confident that our expert team of installers can achieve the perfect finish every time. Having your front door professionally installed is so important when you’re looking to eliminate draughts and protect your home.

Where can I get a replacement uPVC door?

Reddish Joinery offers a wide range of secure and stylish uPVC doors that can be coloured in any shade from the RAL range. In addition to uPVC doors, we also offer uPVC windows. For more information or a free quote, fill out our quick and easy online form to see what we can do for you and your home today.

Enhance the front of your Cheshire home by investing in a new uPVC front door from Reddish Joinery

All styles of our uPVC doors are high-performance and boast multi-point locking systems to keep you and your family safe as houses. Get in touch with the team on 0161 969 7474 and let us help you.

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