How to Adjust UPVC Door Hinges for a Smooth and Easy Use
UPVC doors can get misaligned over time, which may cause the door to stick, create small gaps around the door frame, or make it difficult to lock. These issues are common and usually happen because the hinges move slightly with regular use. The good part is you don't always need a professional to fix them.
With a few basic tools, you can adjust the hinges yourself. In this guide, we'll show you how to check if your door needs alignment, explain the different types of UPVC hinges, and walk you through the step-by-step adjustment process.
Check if Your UPVC Door Needs Alignment
Check if your UPVC door really needs adjustment and where. Close the door and look for gaps around the frame. Try lifting the door handle, if it feels loose, the door moves up, or there is difficulty locking, the hinges need adjustment. Check for uneven gaps, sticking, or scrapes against the frame when opening or closing the door.
What Type of Hinge does your UPVC Door have?
Before you start making adjustments, you need to identify which type of hinge your UPVC door uses. Each hinge type has different adjustment mechanisms, so knowing what you're working with is important. Most UPVC doors have mainly three types of hinges:
Flag Hinges
Flag hinges are the most common type on UPVC doors. Shaped like a flag, they come with three adjustment screws, from top to bottom, side-to-side, and in or out. This makes them ideal for fixing dropped doors, closing gaps, and stopping draughts with quick and easy adjustments.
Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are simpler and older than flag hinges, with two flat plates that join together. They usually have one or two screws and allow limited adjustment. You can mostly move the door in and out, while side-to-side changes are harder. These hinges are less common on modern UPVC doors but are often found on older UPVC doors.
T-hinges
T-hinges, shaped like the letter “T,” are often used on heavier UPVC doors. They usually allow adjustments in two directions, up and down, and side to side. This makes them useful for fixing dropped doors and correcting gaps, though they don’t offer as much flexibility as flag hinges.
Tools Required for Adjusting UPVC Door Hinges
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- Cross-Head Screwdriver
- Allen keys (hex keys)
- Spirit level to check alignment
- Tape measure for accuracy
- WD-40 or similar spray for stiff screws
How to Adjust Butt Hinges on a UPVC Door
Butt hinges offer limited adjustment (about 2mm), but they can help fix basic alignment issues. Follow these 5 steps:
Step 1 - Open the door and remove any caps on the hinges. Look for adjustment screws present on the side and top of the hinge.
Step 2 - For side-to-side movement, use a screwdriver to turn the side screws slightly to move the door left or right.
Step 3 - For vertical adjustment, use an Allen key on the top screw. Rotate it clockwise to raise the door, anti-clockwise to lower it.
Step 4 - Once the door is in the right position, tighten all screws to keep it secure.
Step 5 - Open and close the door to test it. Make sure door operates smoothly and locks correctly without gaps or scraping.
How to Adjust Flag Hinges on a UPVC Door
Flag hinges give you full control over your door's position with three different adjustment screws. Here's how to adjust them:
Step 1 - Open the door fully and remove any caps covering the hinge screws. Look for screws on the side, top, and front.
Step 2 - For side-to-side movement, use an Allen key on the horizontal screw at the bottom. Turn it clockwise to move the door toward the frame, anti-clockwise to move it away.
Step 3 - For up-and-down movement, use an Allen key on the vertical screw on the top. Turn it clockwise to raise the door, anti-clockwise to lower it.
Step 4 - For inward or outward adjustment, use an Allen key on the front screw to move the door closer or further from the frame. This helps seal gaps and stop draughts.
Step 5 - Test the door by opening and closing it. Make sure it moves smoothly, locks correctly, and there are no gaps or scraping.
How to Adjust T-Flag Hinges on a UPVC Door
T-flag hinges work similarly to regular flag hinges but have a distinctive T-shaped design. Follow these steps to adjust them:
Step 1 - Open the door fully and remove any caps covering the hinge screws. Look for screws on the side, top, and front.
Step 2 - To move the door sideways, use the horizontal screw at the bottom. Turn clockwise to move the door toward the frame, anti-clockwise to move it away.
Step 3 - To change the height, use the top screw. Turn clockwise to raise the door, anti-clockwise to lower it.
Step 4 - Adjust the front screw to move the door in or out. This works as a compression adjustment, ensuring the door seals properly against the frame.
Step 5 - Test the door after each adjustment. Open, close, and lock it to ensure smooth movement and proper sealing.
How to Adjust UPVC Door Hinges to Stop Draughts
Draughts happen when your door doesn't sit tight against the frame, letting cold air through gaps. Here's how to fix this problem:
Step 1 - Close the door and look for gaps between the door and frame. Check if air is coming through the sides, top, or bottom.
Step 2 - Identify your hinge type (flag, butt, or T-hinge) to know which screws to adjust.
Step 3 - Adjust the horizontal screws to move the door closer to the frame and reduce side gaps.
Step 4 - Use the top or front screws to adjust the height or in-and-out position so the door seals evenly.
Step 5 - Test for draughts by placing your hand around the edges. Repeat small adjustments until all gaps are closed.
Key Takeaways
Properly adjusting UPVC door hinges keeps your door moving smoothly, prevents draughts, and improves security. Regular checks and small adjustments can save time and stop minor problems from becoming bigger. By following these easy steps, most alignment issues can be resolved quickly using basic tools.
If issues continue or you want a long-lasting upgrade, Emerald Doors offers a wide range of high-quality options. Browse our internal doors, external doors, and fire doors for stylish, durable replacements that need less maintenance than UPVC doors.
FAQs on Adjusting UPVC Door Hinges
Here are answers to the most common questions about UPVC door hinge adjustments.
How do you adjust a UPVC door that has dropped?
To fix a dropped UPVC door, open it and find the vertical adjustment screw. Use an Allen key to raise the door by turning the top screw clockwise. Test and repeat until the door sits evenly in the frame.
How to adjust a UPVC door hinge from side to side?
To adjust a UPVC door hinge side to side, locate the horizontal screw on the hinge. Turn it clockwise or anti-clockwise to move the door closer to or away from the frame until aligned.
How to adjust a uPVC door to close tightly?
To make a UPVC door close tightly, check for gaps around the frame. Adjust the hinge screws on the side, top, and front until the door fits properly. Test by closing the door to ensure it seals evenly without gaps.