Why Does My uPVC Door Let in Draughts?
uPVC doors designed to provide a airtight seal to keep out the cold air. If you start to feel draughts coming in through your uPVC door. It could be that one or more of the components are no longer performing as they use too. Understanding the common problems of draughts can help you decide if the issue is worth fixing or if you should replace the door for the better options.
Worn or Damaged Door Seals
A common cause to draughts is flattened, damaged or worn door seals around the frame.
Over time these can cause the following:
- Lose shape over time and become compressed.
- Split or crack due to weather exposure and age.
- Start to pull away from the frame.
When door seals no longer form a barrier, cold air can start to enter your home.
Door or Frame Misalignment
If a uPVC doors has shifted or dropped every so slightly, it may no longer sit well within the frame.
This can happen due to:
- Natural building movement.
- Heavy use of the door.
- Old worn out hinges.
Even tiny gaps can be caused be the door being misaligned and can allow draughts.
Locking Mechanism Not Pulling the Door Tight
Modern uPVC doors that have multi-point locking systems, pull the door more tightly against the frame.
If the lock is worn or out of adjustment:
- The door may not close fully against the seal.
- Gaps can start to appear around the edge of the door.
- Draughts can appear even when the door is locked.
This issue is usually a common sign of a seal problem.
Warped or Aged uPVC Frames
Althought uPVC is very durable, older uPVC doors experience frame warping from long term exposure to sunlight and temperature changes.
Warped frames:
- Stop the door from sealing correctly.
- Create little gaps which let cold air in.
- Are difficult to adjust and correct.
In most cases, replacement is the better solution long term.
Failed or Outdated Glazing Units
If your uPVC doors has double glazing, draught may come through the glass rather than the frame.
Common glazing-related issues include:
- Failed double glazing unit.
- Poor insulation properties in older glass designs.
- Gaps in between the glass and the frame.
State of the art glazing provides better thermal performance compared to older units.
Poor Installation or Age-Related Wear
Draughts can also be a sign of general wear over time.
Signs include:
- Gaps around the door and frame.
- Movement when the door is fully closed.
- Visible damage around the joints.
Even a high quality door will struggle to especially if it is nearing its end of lifespan.
Can a Draughty uPVC Door Be Repaired?
In most cases, draughts can be fixed by the following:
- Brand new seals.
- Fixing old locks and hinges.
- Door realignment.
However, if these issues happen multiple times, or the door is old. Repairs may not be a long term solution.
When Replacement Is the Better Option
Replacing a uPVC door with a new one or a composite door is a good solution if:
- Draughts continue to be an issue even after repairs.
- The door frame is damaged or warped.
- The locking system lacks modern security and insulation.
- Energy usage continues to rise.
New uPVC or composite doors provide, insulation, improved sealing and comfort.
Conclusion
A uPVC door allowing draughts in is a sign of misalignment, worn seals, locking issues or age related deterioration. Whilst some problems can be fixed, persistent issues indicate that the door is no longer performing well. Identifying these problems allow homeowners to restore comfort, lower energy bills and make a decision on repairs or replacement.
