If Your uPVC Door Is Letting in Cold Air, the Hinges May Be the Problem
If you can feel a cold draught around the edges of your front door — especially near the top or handle side — the issue is often poor hinge alignment rather than the seal itself.
uPVC doors can drop slightly over time. Even a few millimetres is enough to create gaps and let cold air in.
The good news? You can usually fix this in under 15 minutes.
Signs Your uPVC Door Needs Adjustment
- Cold air coming in from the top or handle side
- Door feels slightly misaligned when closing
- Latch catches but feels tight
- Visible gap between door and frame
- Seal looks compressed unevenly
If the hinges are out of alignment, adjusting them should restore pressure against the seal.
What You’ll Need
- Allen key set (usually 4mm or 5mm)
- Screwdriver (sometimes required)
- Step stool (if adjusting top hinge)
- Patience — small adjustments matter
Step-by-Step: How to Adjust uPVC Door Hinges
Most uPVC doors use flag hinges. These allow three types of adjustment:
- Side to side
- Height
- Compression (how tightly it seals)
Step 1: Remove the Hinge Cover
Gently pop off the plastic cover. It should lift or slide off.
Step 2: Identify the Adjustment Points
You’ll normally see:
- A side adjustment screw
- A vertical adjustment screw
- A compression adjustment screw
Check one hinge first before adjusting all three.
Step 3: Adjust Side-to-Side Alignment
Insert the Allen key and turn:
- Clockwise → Moves door closer to hinge side
- Anti-clockwise → Moves door away
Make very small turns — about 1/4 turn at a time.
Test after each adjustment.
Step 4: Adjust Height (If the Door Has Dropped)
If the door scrapes or the top gap is uneven, adjust vertically.
Turn clockwise to raise the door slightly.
Again — small adjustments only.
Step 5: Adjust Compression
If cold air is still coming through, increase compression slightly so the door presses harder against the seal.
Do not overtighten — too much compression damages seals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adjusting all hinges at once
- Turning screws too far in one go
- Ignoring compression setting
- Forcing the door closed after adjustment
Small, gradual changes are key.
When Adjustment Won’t Fix It
If:
- The door frame is warped
- Hinges are worn or loose
- Seals are perished
You may need to replace the seal instead.
Final Thoughts
A misaligned hinge is one of the most common causes of front door draughts. It’s simple to fix and doesn’t require replacing the entire door.
Take your time and test after each adjustment.