UPVC Door Hinge Repair
Adjusting the hinges is a straightforward solution to misaligned Upvc door issues. First find the adjustment screw on the door side of the hinge. It is usually located at the top or the bottom hinge. It can be turned clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Butt Hinges
Hinges are essential to the functionality and security of the door. However should they become rusty, or become worn, they can fail. This can make it difficult or impossible to open a door. There are a variety of hinges and they can all be replaced or repaired easily. Whether you're fixing a small issue or replacing the entire hinge, it is essential to take your time to do the job correctly.
The full mortise, half surface and the concealed hinges are offered in different designs to suit a wide range of door widths, heights and thicknesses. They are available in two-knuckle designs or three-knuckle styles, and swing-clear designs. There are also special designs for electrical security, heavy duty hinges and non-removable pins (NRP).
A lubricated pivot is easier to use, and reduces friction caused by frequent use. You can lubricate hinges by using dry or liquid lubricants like cooking oils petroleum jelly or paraffin wax. Apply a thin layer of oil on the hinge barrel and allow it to soak for at minimum 15 minutes.
If your hinges are rusty or are stuck, you will have to clean the barrel and remove the pin. After doing this clean the hinge barrel with a wirebrush as well as an oil that penetrates the barrel like Liquid Wrench, the PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench. After cleaning the barrel, put it back on the hinge and test to ensure that the pin fits properly.
One of the most frequent causes of a hinge that is loose is the presence of screw holes that are stripped. It can be difficult to tighten screws when there are stripped holes. To repair the stripped screws holes, you can drill a wooden dowel in the stripped hole after cutting it into pieces of 1 inch. Spread carpenter's glue onto the dowel and then tap it into place carefully with the Hammer.
A worn hinge pin is another frequent cause of loose latches. The best way to repair a damaged hinge is to replace the hinge pin. You can buy new hinge pins at hardware stores or online. Install the hinge pin replacement by taking off the original pin and replacing it with the new one.
Rebated Hinges
Rebated hinges are an increasingly popular option for doors that are to be installed inside frames built around them. The hinges are placed within the frame so that they don't touch the door sash when open and are attached to the edges of the door with screws. The hinges can be installed on uPVC, aluminium and timber doors. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different door sash dimensions.
These hinges are a good option for doors that require more adjustability than traditional butt hinges can provide and are a great choice for doors with chamfer features that do not permit the use of traditional butt hinges. They are fitted with a metal cap that can be adjusted in three planes and can support 60 kg each. They are easy to install and suitable for right or left hand doors RH/LH.
Spraying an aerosol silicone or lithium grease on your rebated door hinges will solve the issue quickly and cheaply. This will stop the squeaking for a short time but is not a permanent solution and may be worn off over time.
Drill the screw holes and then fill them with wood filler. This will keep the screws in place and give you a solid grip on the door. You can also use toothpicks to reinforce the holes.
Another alternative is to use a wooden dowel that is similar to the size of the screw hole. Drill out the hole big enough to fit the dowel, then glue in the dowel, and then chisel off the dowel once it is the dowel is fixed. You can then screw the hinge back in place.
I have a few old doorframes in which the hinge recesses have been drilled out too much and have split. The frames are buried in an old building and are quite big, so replacing them is not an option. Could it be possible to cut out the frame's section and splice in a new block of wood, into which a new hinge recess can be created that can better accommodate screws for the hinges? Would this be an ideal idea? And if so what kind of wood is best for this kind of repair?
Flag Hinges
UPVC hinges can be used to replace hinges on old doors or to enhance the design of the door. Many modern uPVC doors come with slimline adjustable hinges. They allow the door to be opened and closed easily and are more resistant to heat. They are also easier to maintain than hinges that are older and less likely to cause draughts or rattle. Like all hinges, they can wear out over time and require adjusting.
If your uPVC door won't shut properly it could be due to the door's frame isn't properly level. It is necessary to correct the frame before you adjust hinges. Otherwise, the latch won't get caught on the strike plate, and it won't close the door.
You can adjust the butt hinge by loosening the screw in the middle of the hinge. Then, turn the bottom or top screws to achieve an upward movement. If there's a screw for compression adjustment on the top, you must remove the cap to access it. This screw can be used to adjust the height of the hinge to a a tolerance of up to 2mm.
Flag hinges are more flexible than butt hinges, and can be adjusted both vertically and laterally. They are also less susceptible to draughts than the butt hinges as they have a smaller lip on the hinge. They are typically found on older uPVC doors and can be replaced with modern T hinges.
Repairing emergency upvc door repair of a flag using wood glue, wood filler or epoxy to fill any gaps in the hinge. After the filler has dried, sand the area smooth and then apply a coat of paint to it. Consult a hardware store for advice if not sure of the kind of filler you should use. You can also choose to use a filler with a greater gloss to give the door an even more polished look. Alternately, you could utilize wood veneer to fill the gap in the door. This option is slightly more expensive, but it can make your door appear new.
Recess Hinges
Make a small recess in the door frame using a chisel in line with the size hinge you are installing. Once you've made the requisite cut, scrape away the wood that you've just removed and then clean the area with a damp towel to ensure that the new hinge will rest perfectly against the surface of the frame.
Install the new hinges after cleaning the area. Test the door to confirm that it works. Make sure that the sash meets the frame at both ends and that it doesn't have any gaps or catches on the hinge at any point because this could mean that your uPVC door is out of alignment and needs to be readjusted.
You can buy a spirit level at many hardware stores at a reasonable price. Simply place the level on top of the door and observe if there are any differences in height between the frame and the door, that is a sign that the hinges require to be adjusted.
uPVC hinges can be adjusted by using an Allen Key that is located on the door side of the hinge. Turn clockwise to tighten or counter-clockwise for loosening (lower). Repeat this process until your door opens and closes easily with even spacing and no creaking noises.
There are three main kinds: Butt, Flag and Rebated. Research each type carefully before making a final decision. Each hinge has its own advantages and disadvantages. But, regardless of the type of hinge you pick it's essential to know how to maintain and repair your uPVC doors to keep them looking good and working effectively for a long time.
If you're unsure of the kind of uPVC door hinge you have take a look at our guide to identify the type of uPVC hinge you own and how to adjust it. We've also listed the steps for adjusting each type of hinge, so you can move to the hinge you need!