UPVC Door Hinge Repair
Misaligned upvc doors are a common issue which can be easily fixed by altering the hinges. First, locate the adjustment screw on the door side of the hinge. It is usually located at the top or the bottom hinge. You can turn it clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Butt Hinges
Hinges are essential for the security and functionality of doors. However should they become rusty, or become worn or damaged, they could fail. This can make it difficult or impossible to open a door. There are many kinds of hinges, and they can all be repaired or changed easily. It is important to repair a minor issue or replace the entire hinge.
The full mortise, half surface and the concealed hinges are offered in a variety of designs to accommodate a wide range of door sizes, widths and thicknesses. These hinges are available in two-knuckle designs or three-knuckle styles, and swing-clear designs. There are also special designs for electrical security as well as non-removable pin (NRP) and heavy duty hinges.
A lubricated hinge is easier to use and reduces the amount of friction created due to frequent use. You can lubricate the hinges using dry or liquid greases, like petroleum jelly, cooking oil paraffin wax or furniture polish. Apply a thin layer of lubricant onto the hinge barrel, and allow it to soak in for 15 minutes or more.
If your hinges have rust or are stuck, you'll need to clean the hinge's barrel and take off the pin. Once you've done this cleaning the hinge barrel using wire brushes and a small amount of penetrating oil, like Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster. Reinstall the hinge after cleaning the barrel. Test it to make sure that the pin is properly fitted.
One of the most common causes of a loose hinge are stripped screw holes. It can be difficult to tighten screws using holes that are stripped. To fix the screw holes, you can cut a dowel from wood into pieces of 1 inch and then drill into the stripped hole. Spread the carpenter's adhesive on the dowel and then tap it in place with a hammer.
A worn hinge pin is another common reason for loose latches. The best method to repair a damaged hinge is to replace the pin. Hardware stores and online shops are both places to purchase new hinge pins. Once you've purchased the replacement hinge pin, you can install it by removing the old pin and inserting the new pin into the hinge barrel.
Rebated Hinges
Rebated hinges are a popular option for doors that must sit inside door frames that have been built around them. The hinges are placed within the frame to ensure that they don't encroach on the sash of the door when it is open and are attached to the edges of the door with screws. The hinges can be installed on uPVC or aluminium, as well as timber doors. They are available in different sizes to fit different door sash dimensions.
These hinges provide a solution for doors requiring more adjustment than standard butts can offer. They also make a great choice for doors with chamfers that don't permit the use of traditional butts. They come with a metal dust cap and can be adjusted in 3 planes and can support up to 60 kg per pair. They are simple to install and are suitable for left or right hand doors LH/RH.
If your hinges on the door that are rebated are squeaking or squeaking, a simple and inexpensive fix is to spray them with an aerosol silicone grease or lithium. The spray will stop the sounding for a while, but is not an effective solution for the long term. It can be worn off over time.
Drill the screw holes, and then fill them in with wood filler. This will ensure that the screws are tight and you have a good grip on the door. You can also use toothpicks to plug the holes and strengthen them.
Another alternative is to use a wooden dowel that is the same size as the screw hole. Drill out the hole big enough to hold the dowel, then glue in the dowel and chisel off the flush once it has been the dowel is fixed. The hinge can be re-screwed.
I have some doors that had the hinge recesses for the hinges drilled too deep and splinted. They are quite substantial frames embedded into the wall of an old structure, so replacement is not really an option. Could the frame be cut, and a new piece of wood connected to form a new hinge recess that will better accommodate screws? Would this be a good idea, and in the event that it is what kind of wood is the best for this type of repair?
Flag Hinges
uPVC hinges are available to upgrade or replace hinges that are already in use. A lot of the latest uPVC door models have hinges that are adjustable and slimline. These allow the door to open and close easily and are more resistant to heat. They require less maintenance and are less likely than older hinges to become draughty. However, just like any hinge, they will wear over time and need adjusting.
If upvc front door repairs isn't closing properly, it could be due to the door's frame isn't properly level. If this is the case, you'll must correct the issue before you adjust the hinges. In this case, the latch will not catch onto the strike plate and won't close the door.
You can adjust a butt type hinge by loosening the screw in the middle of the hinge (face-on). You can then turn the bottom or top adjustment screws to get sideways movement. If there's a compression adjustment screw on the top, you need to remove the cap to access it. This screw adjusts the height of the hinge to a the tolerance of 2 millimeters.
Flag hinges can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. They are also less susceptible to draughts than butt hinges because they have a smaller lip on the hinge. These hinges are used on a few older uPVC doors and can be easily replaced with modern T-hinges.
To fix a hinge with a flag, you can make use of wood glue, wood filler or epoxy to fill any gaps. After the filler has dried, sand the area smooth and then apply a coat of paint to it. Contact a hardware store for advice if you are uncertain about the type of filler you should apply. You can also opt for a filler with more gloss to give your door a more polished look. Alternatively, you can also make use of wood veneers to fill the gap in the door. This is somewhat more expensive however it will make your door look brand new.
Recess Hinges
Create a recess that is shallow in the door frame using a chisel in line with the size hinge you are installing. Once you've made the requisite cut, scrape off the wood that you've just removed and clean up the area with a damp cloth to ensure that your new hinge will sit perfectly against the frame's surface.
Install your new hinges after cleaning the area. Test the door to confirm that it functions. Verify that the sash is aligned with the frame on both the top and bottom. If there are gaps, or if the sash gets caught on the hinge, it could indicate that your uPVC doors need to be adjusted.
You can purchase a spirit level in most hardware stores for reasonable prices. Place the level on the door's top. If there are differences in height, the hinges will require adjustment.
uPVC hinges can be adjusted using an Allen Key that is located on the door side of the hinge. Turn it clockwise to tighten or counter-clockwise to loosen (lower). Repeat this procedure until the door shuts and opens smoothly with no creaking sounds.
There are three primary types: Butt, Flag, and Rebated. Take your time researching each one before making a decision. Each has its own advantages, and drawbacks. It is essential to know how to maintain and repair your uPVC door, regardless of the style of hinge. This will ensure they are in good condition and last for a very long time.
Read our guide on how to determine the kind of uPVC uPVC is on your door and how to adjust it. We've also listed the steps needed to adjust every type of hinge to allow you to jump to the one you require!