How to Adjust uPVC Door Hinges After Installing a New Frame

Key Takeaways

• Adjusting UPVC door hinges is a common DIY task, especially after changing door frames
• After a new frame goes on, your hinges might not line up in the same spaces as before
• Give the door a few days to settle into place first, and then adjust using this quick guide
• Learning how to adjust UPVC door hinges is a valuable DIY skill to have in your locker
• Adjustments are usually a case of minor adjustments clockwise or counter-clockwise

If you have recently fitted a new door frame, you might need to adjust the UPVC door hinges yourself. We know that this can sound like a challenge, but it’s really not so difficult. Adjusting UPVC door hinges is a relatively simple task once you know what you are dealing with.

In this quick guide, which includes insight from UK specialists Locksandhardware.co.uk, you should be able to get a good idea of where to start when you need to adjust UPVC door hinges. Use the info here to make quick work of adjustments. 

If you still need help by the end, you might be better off hiring a locksmith. They can quickly adjust the hinges on your door for you to ensure the right fit with your frame. 

Why Would A New Door Frame Impact Your Door Hinges?

The main reason is that new frames could reposition your door hinges. Replacing a door frame could mean having something sleeker or a different shape than the old frame. As such, there could be a new place for your UPVC door hinges to sit. They might not line up exactly where they did previously.

New frames usually only cause minor shifts to your door hinge position. Still, that can be enough to throw your door out of sync. Even a slight lateral or vertical adjustment could leave you with a door that no longer opens or closes as it did. Failure to adjust will just see the issue get worse over time.

So, you must take quick action if you spot problems with your door after fitting a new frame. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of waiting a few days to see if subsidence and your property settling fix the issue. Most of the time, though, you’ll need to carry out a UPVC door hinge adjustment. 

Fine-Tuning UPVC Door Hinges For Proper Closure

While adjusting UPVC door hinges can be a pain, it’s not too difficult. Most of the time, the adjustment process only takes a few minutes, and typically only requires a few tools:

1. A Hex/Allen key; usually, one around the 4-5mm range should be suitable for most hinges
2. A screwdriver; some hinges have a cap that you need to pop off with a screwdriver first
3. A spirit level; this is just for final testing to make sure your door is properly aligned
4. WD-40 or a similar lubricant; this helps to keep the hinges operating smoothly

Step One: Understand Your Hinge Type

The main confusion you are likely to face when adjusting UPVC door hinges is working out which hinge type you have. Most of the time, you will have flag hinges, butt hinges, or T-hinges. Most UPVC doors today will have flag or butt hinges, and these are generally very easy for you to adjust.

Use a visual guide; you should be able to quickly identify your hinges based on reference images.

Step Two: Removing Potential Coverage

Next, use your screwdriver to pop off any caps or covers on your hinges. Most hinges have a plastic cover that hides the hinge adjustment and adds a nice aesthetic finish. These usually pop off with a flat-head screwdriver, but be gentle to avoid damaging anything.

Step Three: Adjusting Laterally

Most problems will involve a door that is not sitting properly horizontally or laterally. Most of the time, you’ll find the lateral hinge adjustment on the side section of the hinge. With your Allen key, turn the adjustment screw clockwise to tighten the door and counterclockwise to loosen it. 

Step Four: Adjusting Vertically

You might need to instead adjust your doors’ vertical position – their height. If your door has clear gaps around the top or bottom, adjust the vertical screw. This is usually found at the bottom of your hinge. With your Allen key, turn clockwise to raise and counterclockwise to lower. 

Step Five: Adjusting Compression

If your door isn’t tight against the frame when closed, it could allow drafts and make your door less secure. It could even leave you with locks that won’t engage properly. Compression screws are usually on the front face of the hinge or behind the hinge cover. Again, turn this clockwise to tighten compression and counterclockwise to reduce compression. 

Step Six: Testing & Verification

With these small adjustments to each hinge – remember to adjust each hinge on your door, not just one hinge – you should fix the problem. You will now have to test the finish and make sure that your door closes and opens, locks and unlocks properly. Close the door over, open it back up, lock it and then unlock it. Are you noticing any struggles or difficulties? If not, you have done the job properly!

Test accordingly, and then test again in a few days. This can be a bit of a back-and-forth experience, so be patient. By the end, though, you should now have completed a UPVC door hinge adjustment!

Remember: Let Your Door “Settle” Before Adjusting

With the above, you now have a much better idea of how to adjust UPVC door hinges successfully. As you can see, the process really isn’t as complicated as it can first appear!

However, before you adjust, we do want to stress Locks & Hardware’s recommendation to wait. Yes, you don’t want to wait too long, but it does take some time for a new door frame to “settle” into place. So, we highly recommend waiting a few days to see if your frame and hinges settle afterwards.

A little bit of patience can go a long way here, and it might stop you from adjusting UPVC door hinges when you don’t need to. Give it a few days, and then, if you still feel like your door is not opening or closing properly, adjust the hinges.