A cold draught coming under a UPVC front or back door is one of the most noticeable energy efficiency problems in a home. Even a small gap at the bottom of a frequently used external door can let in a significant amount of cold air. Here's how to find the source and what the fix involves.
Check the Door Bottom Seal
Most UPVC and composite doors have a rubber or brush seal on the bottom edge of the door slab that presses against the threshold when the door is closed. Over time this seal compresses, splits, or pulls away from the door, leaving a gap. Replacing the door bottom seal is one of the quickest and cheapest UPVC repairs available. The old seal is pulled or unscrewed from its channel and a new one of the same profile is pushed in. It should be done by someone who can measure the correct profile.
The Door Has Dropped
If the door has dropped on its hinges, the bottom of the door may no longer align correctly with the threshold, leaving a gap at one or both corners. This is especially common on heavy composite doors after several years of use. Hinge adjustment typically corrects the drop and restores contact between the door seal and the threshold. In some cases the threshold or keeps may also need adjusting to match the new door position.
The Threshold Seal Has Failed
Most thresholds have a rubber or pile seal on the top surface that the door bottom seal presses against when the door is closed. This threshold seal can harden, split, or compress flat, reducing the effectiveness of the closure. Replacing the threshold seal is usually a straightforward task — the old seal is clipped or slid out and a new one is fitted. This is often overlooked when only the door bottom seal is inspected.
Locking Points Not Fully Engaging
If the multi-point locking system isn't pulling the door fully into the frame on the latch side, the bottom of the door may not be pressing firmly against the threshold. You may notice the door feels slightly 'loose' when locked, or can be pushed slightly at the latch side. Adjusting the keeps or the hinge position to pull the door in more tightly when locked will improve the seal. The Glass Guardian provides full door draught diagnosis and repair across Birmingham and the Black Country.
Need a UPVC Repair in Birmingham or the Black Country?
The Glass Guardian provides fast, affordable UPVC window and door repairs across Birmingham, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and the surrounding area. Call for a free quote.