Sagging doors are more than just an annoyance—they can compromise your security, energy efficiency, and even your sanity when you’re wrestling with a stubborn handle every morning. If your UPVC doors are dragging on the floor, sticking in the frame, or refusing to shut properly, you’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners and business owners across the UK face this issue, and the good news is: there’s a simple, time-tested solution—toe and heel door adjustment.
In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of sagging doors, the role of toe and heeling in resolving the problem, and why professional glazing repairs are essential to keep your double glazing systems working smoothly.
Sagging is most common in UPVC doors and windows due to the way these units are constructed. These doors are fitted with double-glazed glass units that are heavy, and over time, gravity does its job. Without proper support, the weight of the glass pulls down on the hinge side, causing the door to drop and become misaligned.
The door rubs against the frame or threshold
It’s hard to lock the door
You feel drafts even when the door is shut
The handle feels stiff or misaligned
The door no longer closes smoothly
If you’re nodding along to any of these, you’re likely dealing with a dropped door—but don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you need a new one. Often, the issue lies in improper or failed toe and heeling.
Toe and heeling refers to a method of reinforcing glazed doors and windows to prevent them from dropping or becoming misaligned over time. It’s a technique that dates back to the early days of double-glazing and remains a cornerstone of professional glazing repairs today.
Imagine a seesaw with a heavy load at one end. Without support, that end dips. In the same way, a door with a heavy double glazing unit will naturally want to tilt down. Toe and heeling combats this by transferring the weight diagonally across the frame.
In a toe and heel door setup:
The bottom hinge side of the glass (the “toe”) is supported with glazing packers.
The top lock side (the “heel”) is also packed.
This diagonal bracing ensures the weight is evenly distributed and prevents sagging.
This isn’t a DIY quick fix—it’s a precise adjustment that requires a good understanding of door mechanics and the correct tools and materials.
Without proper support, the glazing unit can stress the frame, hinges, and lock mechanism. Over time, this can cause permanent damage.
Misaligned doors may not close or lock properly, compromising your property’s security. A correctly toe and heel door ensures that locks align and function as intended.
Gaps in the door frame due to sagging can lead to draughts, heat loss, and higher energy bills. Proper toe and heeling ensures a tight seal.
By balancing the weight and pressure, you protect both the glass and the frame from undue wear and tear.
The internal beads are carefully removed to access the glazing unit.
The glass panel is safely taken out using suction pads or specialist tools.
Packers (specialised plastic or rubber spacers) are placed diagonally—bottom hinge side and top lock side—to support and brace the glass.
Once the glass is properly braced, it’s reinserted and the beads are clipped back into place.
This ensures your toe and heel door is restored to perfect alignment—no more sagging, sticking, or struggling.
Technically, yes. Practically? It’s tricky.
Without proper tools, training, and experience, you risk cracking the glazing unit, damaging the frame, or making the problem worse. That’s why at RPS Glazing Repairs, we always recommend calling in professionals who understand the mechanics and nuances of your door system.