--- title: How to Adjust a uPVC Door That Won't Close description: "How to adjust a uPVC door that won't close: hinge adjustment to fix dropping and rubbing, safe steps to try, and when misalignment needs a professional in York." --- [![SM\_Logo\_Final\_Lught](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp?width=140&height=80&name=SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp "SM_Logo_Final_Lught")](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) - About - [About](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/about) - Doors - [uPVC Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-doors-york) - [Sliding & Bifold Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/aluminium-sliding-bi-fold-doors) - [Composite Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/composite-doors-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Door Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Windows - [uPVC Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-windows-york) - [Casement Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/casement-windows-york) - [Sash Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/sash-windows-york) - [Timber Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/timber-windows-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Lanterns & Roof Lights](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/korniche-lanterns-flat-roof-lights) - [Window Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Conservatories - [Conservatories](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - [Orangeries](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - Resources - [Gallery](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/gallery) - [Brochures](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads) - [Blog](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog) - [Reviews](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/customer-reviews) - [Contact Us](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/contact) [Request A Quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) [![SM\_Logo\_Final\_Lught](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp?width=140&height=80&name=SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp "SM_Logo_Final_Lught")](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) [Request A Quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) - About - [About](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/about) - Doors - [uPVC Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-doors-york) - [Sliding & Bifold Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/aluminium-sliding-bi-fold-doors) - [Composite Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/composite-doors-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Door Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Windows - [uPVC Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-windows-york) - [Casement Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/casement-windows-york) - [Sash Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/sash-windows-york) - [Timber Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/timber-windows-york) - [Heritage Aluminium Windows](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/heritage-aluminium-windows-doors) - [Lanterns & Roof Lights](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/korniche-lanterns-flat-roof-lights) - [Window Repairs](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) - Conservatories - [Conservatories](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - [Orangeries](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/conservatories-orangeries-york) - Resources - [Gallery](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/gallery) - [Brochures](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads) - [Blog](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog) - [Reviews](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/customer-reviews) - [Contact Us](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/contact) [Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/tag/doors) # How to Adjust a uPVC Door That Won't Close By [SM Windows & Doors](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/author/sm-windows-doors) Oct 15, 2026, 10:30:00 AM 3 Minutes Read A uPVC door that rubs, catches or will not shut cleanly is usually not broken, it has just drifted out of adjustment. The frames and hinges are designed to be tweaked, so learning how to adjust a uPVC door often solves the problem without a single new part. Here is how the adjustment works, what you can safely try yourself, and when it is better to call someone in. ## Why uPVC doors drift out of line uPVC doors move a little over time. They settle on their hinges with daily use, and the material expands and contracts as it warms and cools through the seasons, so a door that shut perfectly in spring can start to catch in a hot summer or cold winter. Add a heavy door and years of opening and closing, and it is no surprise the alignment drifts. When it does, you get the familiar signs: the door rubs on the frame or sill, the handle is hard to lift, the lock catches, or there is a draught down one edge because the door no longer meets the seal evenly. Nearly all of these come down to hinge adjustment. ## Understanding uPVC door hinges Most uPVC doors have adjustable hinges, and there are a few common types (flag hinges, butt hinges and rebate hinges). Between them they usually allow three kinds of movement: - **Up and down (height):** lifts a dropped door so it stops catching on the sill - **Side to side (lateral):** moves the door towards or away from the hinge side to fix rubbing and even the gap - **In and out (compression):** adjusts how tightly the door presses against the seals to cure draughts The adjustment screws are usually hidden under small caps on the hinges. Which screw does what depends on the hinge type, so the key is small movements and testing as you go. ## Safe steps to try yourself If you are handy and the fault is mild, gentle adjustment is a reasonable DIY job. Take it slowly. 1. **Work out where it catches.** Close the door slowly and watch where it rubs, or slip a piece of paper round the edge to find the tight spot. 2. **Find the right hinges.** Pop the caps off to see the adjustment screws. 3. **Make tiny turns.** A quarter or half turn at a time, then test the door. Small changes make a surprising difference. 4. **Adjust height for sill catching**, lateral for rubbing on the lock side, and compression for draughts. 5. **Check the whole door** after each change, since adjusting one thing can affect another. 6. **Lubricate the hinges, locking points and cylinder** once it moves freely, to keep it that way. Go gently and keep track of which way you turned each screw so you can undo it if needed. ## When to call a professional Adjustment is straightforward in principle, but there are times to hand it over: - **The door still catches after careful adjustment**, which can mean the hinges are worn or the door has sagged beyond a simple tweak - **The handle will not lift or the lock will not engage** even when the door is open, which points to the gearbox rather than alignment - **The door has dropped badly** and needs more than a screw turn to bring back into line - **You are not confident** which screw does what and worried about making it worse - **The seals are damaged** and letting draughts through regardless of compression There is no shame in it, getting the adjustment wrong can leave a door rubbing worse or not locking, and hardware is fiddly to get spot on. Our [window and door repairs in York](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/window-door-repairs-york) team realigns dropped doors day in, day out, usually in a single visit. ## When adjustment is not enough Sometimes a door that will not close is telling you it is near the end of the road. If the frame has moved, the hinges are worn out, the door has warped, or the whole thing is draughty and tired as well as misaligned, adjustment only buys a little time. In that case a new door is the honest answer, and you get modern security and insulation into the bargain. Our [uPVC doors in York](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/upvc-doors-york) range is a good place to see the options. ## Keeping it shutting sweetly A door that is looked after rarely gives trouble. Lubricate the hinges, locking points and cylinder a couple of times a year, keep the seals clean and supple, and adjust the door as soon as it starts to catch rather than shoving it shut for months. Small, timely tweaks keep a uPVC door closing cleanly for years. ## FAQs ### Why won't my uPVC door close properly? Usually the door has drifted out of alignment, dropping on its hinges or expanding with the weather, so it rubs the frame or sill. Hinge adjustment corrects most cases without new parts. ### Can I adjust a uPVC door myself? Yes, if the fault is mild. Most uPVC hinges adjust for height, side to side and compression. Make small quarter-turns and test often. If it still catches or the lock will not engage, call a professional. ### Which way do I turn the hinge screws? It depends on the hinge type, so there is no single answer. Make small movements and test after each one. Adjust height for sill catching, lateral for rubbing, and compression for draughts. ### Why is my door draughty even though it closes? The compression adjustment may need tightening so the door presses evenly on the seals, or the seals themselves may be worn. Adjust compression first, and replace damaged seals if that does not cure it. ### When should I replace rather than adjust a uPVC door? Replace when the hinges are worn out, the door has warped, or it is draughty and tired as well as misaligned. If adjustment no longer holds, a new door restores security and insulation together. Want to see the full range of door styles, colours and finishes? [Download our latest brochure](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/brochure-downloads), or [request a free quote](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/request-a-quote) and we will pop out for a look. #### SM Windows & Doors Author ## Phone: 07833387823 Email: [Sam@smwindowsanddoors.co.uk](mailto:Sam@smwindowsanddoors.co.uk) Opening times: Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:00 Sat-Sun: By Prior Appointment [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/people/SM-Windows-Doors/100093013267883/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/smwindowsanddoors/) ![x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a\_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY](https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY.jpg?width=300&height=106&name=x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY.jpg "x59dcc190ea7d320001f0083a_logoAsset-2-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.lk8k-280iY") ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "SM Windows & Doors", "url" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/author/sm-windows-doors" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-15T09:30:00.696Z", "datePublished" : "2026-10-15T09:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to Adjust a uPVC Door That Won't Close", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/blog/sm-windows-doors-blog/how-to-adjust-a-upvc-door-that-wont-close", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://smwindowsanddoors.co.uk/hubfs/SM_Logo_Final_Lught.webp" }, "name" : "SM Windows & Doors" } } ```