Double glazed doors are one of those things you don’t really think about until they stop working properly. Most of the time they glide open and shut without a second thought, keeping the warmth in, the cold out, and your home secure. But when a door begins to stick it can become frustrating very quickly.
It often starts as a small niggle. You notice you have to push a little harder than usual to get it shut. Then perhaps it needs a shove, or you find yourself rattling the handle and worrying about whether it will even lock. Many homeowners put up with it for a while, but the truth is a sticking door is a sign that something is not quite right and if you ignore it the problem tends to get worse.
At RPS Double Glazing Repairs we see this issue all the time in homes across Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown, Christchurch and the surrounding South Coast. We know from experience that while there are a few simple things you can try yourself, most of the time a professional repair is the safest and most reliable way forward.
Doors are built to last, but they are also used every day, often dozens of times. All of that opening and closing eventually takes its toll, and even the smallest changes in alignment or movement can cause problems.
One of the most common causes we come across is dropped hinges. Over time the weight of the glass and the constant use causes the door to sag slightly. When that happens the door no longer lines up neatly with the frame and it begins to catch when you try to shut it.
Weather also plays a big part. Anyone living along the South Coast knows how changeable the conditions can be. Hot summers, damp winters and salty coastal air all affect the frames. A uPVC frame can expand in the heat and contract again as it cools. Wooden frames absorb moisture and swell. Either way the result is the same less space for the door to move freely.
Then there are the moving parts. Hinges, handles and locking mechanisms all wear down eventually. Sometimes you might hear a creak or notice a little stiffness before it becomes a bigger issue. Other times the lock simply stops lining up with the strike plate, which makes it difficult or impossible to turn the key.
It is completely natural to want to have a go at fixing things around the house. With a sticking door there are a few small jobs you can try before calling in a professional. A good clean is always the first step. Wipe down the hinges, the tracks and the inside of the frame to get rid of dust and debris. A quick spray of silicone lubricant can also make a surprising difference, especially if the sticking is minor.
Checking for obvious blockages or loose seals is another quick win. Sometimes you might find a piece of rubber that has worked its way loose or a small stone wedged in the track. Removing these obstructions often solves the immediate problem.
However, if the issue is more serious, for example if the door has dropped, the frame has swollen or the locking mechanism is out of line it is not always wise to take matters into your own hands. Modern double glazed doors are fitted with complex locking systems and making the wrong adjustment can actually cause more damage. We have visited plenty of homes where a well-meaning attempt at DIY has led to a lock completely seizing up or hinges being bent out of shape.
The truth is, if you are dealing with anything beyond a light clean and lubrication, calling a professional is usually the best option.
When you book us to look at your sticking door, the first thing we do is carry out a thorough inspection. We look at the hinges, the alignment of the frame, the lock and the condition of the seals. This helps us pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.
If the hinges have dropped, we carefully re-set them so the door sits square again. If the lock is out of alignment, we make the necessary adjustments to ensure it lines up perfectly. Where parts are damaged or badly worn, we can replace them with high-quality components designed to last.
We also take the time to check the weather seals and insulation. A door should not only open and close smoothly but also keep your home warm and energy efficient. Once the adjustments are made, we test everything thoroughly to make sure the door feels secure and easy to use.
Our team is based on the South Coast and we are proud to serve customers across Dorset and Hampshire. That includes places like Alderholt, Bournemouth, Colehill, Corfe Mullen, Christchurch, Ferndown, Fordingbridge, Poole, Ringwood, Verwood, West Moors and Wimborne.
We know that when you have an issue with your double glazed door or windows, you want someone who can get there quickly and understands the needs of local homes. Being a local company means we are never far away, and our knowledge of the area helps us deliver a personal service that larger national companies often struggle to match.
If you are dealing with a sticking double glazed door or any other glazing problem, the best thing you can do is get it sorted sooner rather than later. These issues rarely fix themselves and usually get worse if ignored.
At RPS Double Glazing Repairs we are here to make life easier for you. Whether you are in Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown, Christchurch or any of the surrounding towns and villages, we are only a call away.
Let us take the frustration out of your doors and windows and get them back to how they should be.