If your home has felt especially cold this winter, or you’ve noticed a noisy breeze coming from your door frame, the chances are that it’s letting in a draught.
Draughts coming through your front door can have an especially negative impact on your home’s performance. They force your heating system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills as a result.
The good news is that adjusting your uPVC doors to stop these draughts is achievable, and can often be quite a simple fix using tools like an allen key, helping you to maintain a cosy, dry home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make small adjustments, spot when a replacement is necessary, and explore the range of uPVC doors available from Northwich Glass.
How to adjust a uPVC door to stop draughts
uPVC doors are designed to be energy-efficient, but over time, even a high-quality door can start to let in cold air. Regular maintenance, correct alignment, and simple adjustments can often solve draught issues without the need for a replacement.
Check the door alignment
A common cause of door draughts is misalignment. Over years of regular use, a door can shift slightly in its frame, leaving gaps at the top, bottom, or sides. You’ll want to check the alignment using a spirit level to ensure the door is sitting correctly in the door frame.
- Check for even gaps around the edges of the door.
- Examine the rubber seal to make sure it is sitting flat and hasn’t worn down.
- Inspect the strike plate and locking mechanism for signs of movement or misalignment.
Adjust the hinges
Modern uPVC doors usually feature adjustable hinges, which allow for vertical, lateral, and compression adjustments. Knowing which hinge type you have (butt hinge, flag hinge, or metal plate hinge), is crucial before making changes.
- Use an allen key or flat head screwdriver to make gentle adjustments.
- The top of the hinge controls the vertical height. Adjusting here can lift or lower the door for an even gap at the frame edges.
- The centre of the hinge allows for lateral adjustment, moving the door side to side.
- The side of the hinge can fine-tune the compression, ensuring the door presses snugly against the door seal.
Make small adjustments at a time, testing the door’s movement after each change. If your door sticks or doesn’t close smoothly, stop and recheck the alignment before proceeding.
Replace worn seals and draught excluders
Even a perfectly aligned door can let in cold air if the rubber seal is worn or the draught excluder has become damaged. These components act as the final barrier against cold air and moisture.
- Inspect the edges of the door frame for cracks, gaps, or flattened seals.
- Replace any worn seals with a new draught excluder kit.
- Ensure the door closes against the seal evenly for maximum efficiency.
Lubricate the locking mechanism and hinges
Sometimes, door draughts are caused by a slightly stiff door that doesn’t close fully. Lubricating the locking mechanism and uPVC door hinges ensures the door moves smoothly, making it easier to close properly and maintain the correct position against the frame.
Regular maintenance tips
To prevent draught problems from returning, consider:
- Checking door alignment and seals at least twice a year.
- Wiping down hinges and locking mechanisms with a light lubricant.
- Using a spirit level periodically to check that the door hasn’t sagged.
- Testing your heating system efficiency after adjustments.
With these steps, you can improve the energy efficiency of your home without costly replacements. Minor adjustments can make a noticeable difference during the colder months, keeping heat loss to a minimum.
Signs that a permanent replacement is needed
Sometimes, minor adjustments aren’t enough. Identifying the signs early can save you money on energy bills and prevent damp problems in your home, so we’ve listed a few things to look out for here.
Gaps that can’t be fixed
If you’ve tried vertical and lateral adjustments and still notice gaps between the door frame and the door itself, it may be time for a replacement door. Uneven gaps often indicate the frame has warped over time.
Damaged seals or worn door edges
Repeated use can wear down the rubber seal, leaving your home vulnerable to cold air. Older uPVC doors with cracked or compressed seals may no longer close properly, allowing draughts even after minor adjustments.
Frequent sticking or jamming
A door that frequently sticks or jams may have issues with the alignment of the door or the type of hinge. While minor adjustments may temporarily fix the problem, door’s movement may indicate a more serious structural issue.
Rising energy bills
If your heating system is working harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, and your energy bills are rising, a draughty front door may be the culprit. This is often a sign that heat loss is beyond what can be corrected with small tweaks.
Damp or cold patches inside
Persistent cold spots or signs of moisture near the door are an indication that your door is no longer protecting your home. A replacement uPVC door can restore the final barrier against weather and damp.
Replacement uPVC doors from Northwich Glass
At Northwich Glass, we offer a wide range of doors to suit every Cheshire home. Our new uPVC doors combine style, thermal efficiency and security, giving you peace of mind in all seasons.
Our uPVC door range includes:
- Entrance doors in Simply White, Irish Oak, Anthracite Grey, Clotted Cream, Ruby Red and more
- Sliding patio doors that bring the outside in
- Elegant French doors
- Contemporary bi-fold doors
All our doors are fully customisable with a choice of glazing options, hardware, and woodgrain finishes for a classic or modern look.
We are proud to be FENSA accredited, members of Which? Trusted Trader, and offer 10-year warranties on all installations. With over 60 years of experience, our expert team ensures that every door is installed with precision, giving you a snug, dry, and energy-efficient home.
Benefits of a new uPVC door:
- Improved energy efficiency and lower heating bills
- Reduced draughts and cold air infiltration
- Long-lasting durability and low maintenance
- Leading home security
FAQ
How often should I check my uPVC door for draughts?
Twice a year is recommended, ideally before winter and summer, to maintain energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.
Can I adjust older uPVC doors myself?
Yes, minor adjustments using an allen key or screwdriver can help, but some older uPVC doors may need a replacement if seals or hinges are worn.
What tools do I need for door adjustments?
Common tools include an allen key, flat head screwdriver, and a spirit level for alignment checks.
Why is my front door still draughty after adjustment?
This may indicate worn rubber seals, warped frames, or compression adjustment limits being reached. A new uPVC door could provide a permanent solution.
Do new uPVC doors reduce heating costs?
Yes, properly installed doors improve thermal efficiency, helping keep your home warm and reducing energy bills over time.
Who are Northwich Glass?
Founded in 1959, Northwich Glass is a family-run company with over 60 years of experience in home improvements across Cheshire. We are FENSA accredited, members of Which? Trusted Trader, and provide a 10-year guarantee on all installations.
Our expert team can guide you through:
- uPVC and aluminium windows: casement, flush sash, sliding sash, tilt & turn
- Doors: entrance, composite, sliding patio, bi-fold, French
- Replacement roofs: tiled, solid, glass, roof lanterns
Visitors are always welcome at our showroom at Leicester Street, Northwich, CW9 5HW, Monday to Saturday, to see our full range of products.
Speak to our friendly staff for further information or request a free quote via our contact form or on 01606 810 000. At Northwich Glass, we make home improvements stress-free, guiding you from enquiry to completion with professionalism, care, and expertise.
