The letterbox on a UPVC door is one of the most frequently used and most overlooked components. A stiff or broken letterbox is a nuisance, but a draught coming through the letterbox can also have a noticeable impact on your home's heat retention. Here's what you need to know.
Common Letterbox Problems
The most common letterbox faults are: the flap becomes stiff or won't close fully, the internal draught excluder deteriorates and allows cold air in, the letterbox rattles in the wind, the plate is cracked or damaged, or the letterbox has become misaligned with the door. Most of these are straightforward repairs, though the fix depends on the letterbox type.
Draughts Through the Letterbox
Letterboxes are a significant source of draughts if the internal draught excluder fails. Many letterboxes have a brush seal or a second flap on the inside to block the airflow. When these wear out, cold air can flow freely through the door. Fitting a letterbox draught excluder — either as a replacement for the existing unit or as an add-on — is a quick, inexpensive upgrade.
Letterbox Security
Letterboxes are also a security concern: certain techniques use the letterbox opening to fish for keys left inside the door or to operate the door handle from outside. Fitting a letterbox with an internal guard (a cage that prevents anything being passed through and manipulated) is recommended for any property where the key is stored near the front door.
Full Letterbox Replacement
If the letterbox plate or mechanism is beyond repair, replacement is straightforward as long as the new unit matches the existing hole size. Standard letterbox sizes are 30x100mm and 30x127mm. The Glass Guardian can supply and fit replacement letterboxes of all types on UPVC and composite doors across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
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.