uPVC doors are solid, stylish, and usually low-fuss—but when they go wrong, they really know how to test your patience. From dodgy locks to wonky hinges, these doors can throw up all sorts of little issues over time. But the good news? Most problems can be sorted without a full replacement.
At BC Doorlocks, we’re often called for uPVC door repairs, so we’ve rounded up some top common issues we come across—and a few pointers on what you can do to fix them.
- Door Won’t Lock Properly
If your door’s sticking or won’t lock unless you yank it hard, something’s off. Misalignment is usually the culprit—it can happen from door sagging, warping, or just general wear and tear.
Fix: Try adjusting the hinges slightly. If that doesn’t work, it’s best to call in a pro for upvc door lock replacement before things jam completely.
- Loose or Wobbly Door Handle
Feels like the handle’s going to come off in your hand? That’s usually down to the internal screws loosening or the spindle wearing out.
Fix: Tighten up the screws on the backplate. If it’s still giving trouble, a full handle replacement might be needed.
- Key Won’t Turn in the Lock
This one’s a classic—and can mean anything from a broken key to a faulty cylinder. Forcing it might snap the key, which only makes things worse.
Fix: Try a bit of graphite powder (never oil) in the lock. If no luck, give your local emergency locksmiths Dublin a buzz—we’ve got the right tools to get it sorted without damage.
- Door Dropping or Dragging
Your uPVC door feels heavier, and you’re lifting it to close? That’s usually a sign the hinges are giving out.
Fix: A hinge adjustment might buy you some time. If it’s a recurring issue, the hinges probably need replacing.
- Condensation Inside the Panels
Foggy panels or condensation between the glass usually means the seal has failed. This isn’t just about looks—it affects insulation too.
Fix: Seals can be replaced and are way cheaper than swapping the whole unit. Give us a call if you’re unsure which bit needs changing.
- Lock Feels Stiff or Crunchy
If it feels like you’re grinding gravel when locking the door, there could be dirt in the mechanism—or worse, internal damage.
Fix: Cleaning out the lock gently with compressed air might help. If that fails, a door lock replacement is the way to go.
- Drafts or Leaks
If cold air or rainwater is sneaking through, the door’s seal or alignment is off. Not only annoying, but also costly on your heating bills.
Fix: Replace worn weather seals. If it’s still draughty, we’ll inspect it as part of our uPVC door repairs and fix the root cause.
- Door Won’t Stay Shut or Keeps Rebounding
If your door won’t latch properly or bounces open again after you close it, the strike plate may have shifted, or the latch may be worn out.
Fix: Realign the strike plate or swap out the latch. Simple job if you’ve got the tools—or we can pop out and do it quickly.
- Faulty Multi-Point Locking System
Multi-point locks are great—until one point fails. If you can’t lift the handle or the lock gets stuck halfway, don’t force it.
Fix: This is best left to the best locksmiths like BC Doorlocks. We can check if a single part needs changing or if a full upvc door lock replacement is needed.
- Snapped Key in the Lock
It happens more often than you’d think. Cold weather, worn keys, or a bit too much force, and snap.
Fix: Don’t try digging it out with pliers—you could wreck the cylinder. Give your locksmiths near me a ring, and we’ll have it out in no time.
- Misaligned Hinges or Sagging Door
If your door used to shut like a dream but now you’ve got to lift or yank it, sagging hinges could be the issue. Over time, daily use, temperature changes, or even just gravity can cause the door to drop slightly out of line.
Fix: A quick hinge adjustment with an Allen key might do the trick. If the hinges are old or worn, replacing them is the smarter call. Our team can sort this out as part of a regular uPVC door repair service.
When to Call BC Doorlocks
Some fixes are grand to handle yourself. Others—like broken locking mechanisms or full realignments—are best sorted by a pro. At BC Doorlocks, we handle door lock replacements, lockouts, uPVC door repairs, and more, right across Dublin, Meath, Louth, and North County Dublin.
We’re fast, local, and won’t faff about. Whether it’s an urgent issue or just something that’s been bothering you for ages, we’ll get it sorted quickly and properly.
Need Help? We’re Only a Call Away
No stress, no hard sell—just honest advice and expert help when you need it. If your uPVC door is giving you grief, reach out for a quote or emergency call-out.
Call BC Doorlocks now and let’s fix that door before it gets worse.