Composite doors represent the very top of the tree when it comes to premium entrance solutions in the modern era. Built to last for decades and withstand everything from the harshest of weather conditions to the most determined, tool-equipped intruders. As an almost impenetrable barrier between the things you love and value, and the realities of life beyond, composite doors are a game-changing addition to any property.
Whether you already have your composite doors in situ or are planning to purchase some and have them fitted, it is a great idea to have an understanding of exactly how they are hung. This will help you to better perform any necessary adjustments and alterations yourself if any signs of misalignment or other issues occur in the future. We have gathered together the very best tips and tricks our dedicated, experienced team has learned and utilised over many years in the industry and would like to share them with you.
If your door catches on the frame and does not close smoothly and effortlessly, the chances are it is not sitting in perfect alignment with the frame. However, before we take any steps to correct this, we need to be certain we have diagnosed the issue correctly. Certain tell-tale signs reveal when adjustments need to be made, including an uneven gap around the door frame when the door is closed and difficulty operating the door. Creaking sounds when the door opens and closes are another sign that some fine adjustments need to be made.
Depending on the exact type of door you have, you may require some of the following tools:
Because our composite doors are so robust and durable, we get very few queries about their maintenance and function, apart from this one. Luckily, it is not a particularly difficult or complex task or one requiring lots of bespoke tools and technical knowledge. What it does require, however, is patience, perseverance, and the ability to admit when the process needs to be started over, as it sometimes will.
It is possible to complete this task alone with some preparation, props, and common sense, however, it will be all the easier if you have another pair of hands to assist you. Not only will it significantly reduce the amount of time taken, but also the levels of frustration experienced. First things first:
When you are satisfied the frame is clear and the door has unhindered space to swing and sit in the frame:
Assuming you have confirmed your composite door is misaligned and no longer hanging correctly, sitting in the frame at an angle, here are the steps you can take to make some simple adjustments and successfully address the issue.
1) Open the door
In order to gain maximum access to all sides of the hinges as necessary, the door must first be opened. If it is liable to swing freely and hinder you, ask your partner to hold the door or use a cushion or other object to prevent it from moving as you work.
2) Identify the hinge screws
There will typically be four hinges in all and one of the screws you need to find will be holding the hinge to the door frame. Another will be attaching it to the adjacent door jamb and the final one will be connecting the two parts of the hinge together.
3) Loosen the screws slightly
Use a screwdriver with the correct head, either straight or cross-headed, to loosen all the screws until the hinge becomes separated from the door.
4) Repeat with the other hinges. Assess the condition of the hinges and hinge pins. If your door has been hanging for many years, these may have accumulated dirt and grime you may wish to remove. This is also a good time to give those hinges a spritz of lubricant.
5) Re-hang the door
Now that the door is effectively free from its moorings, you can reposition and hang it perfectly. The key is to maintain the balance equally between all four hinges. You may find the mallet useful here if some parts are a little stiff and need some encouragement. If you suspect any of the screws may be damaged or inappropriate for the task, do not hesitate to use fresh ones. As one person holds the door in the required position, the other slowly tightens the screws one at a time.
6) Re-check the door level
Gauge the level by eye at first and swing the door back and forth to assess its movement. Use the spirit level again to determine whether the door is hanging straight but remember, not all houses are straight themselves and it may be the doors will hang a little out of line with the frame. Providing the movement is free and does not catch or stick, it is the result that matters, not the tiny details. If the door still does not open and close freely, assess where some of the tension needs to be adjusted and loosen the requisite screws, tightening fresh ones in turn. Repeat this process until the door hangs and swings unhindered.
Adjusting your composite doors by slightly altering the tension on each of the hinges can be a little bit tricky but is a rewarding DIY job most people can handle without the need to bring in professionals.
One useful feature of composite doors is that because they have such incredible levels of engineering and construction, it is unlikely to be the fault of the door if it is not hanging as it should be. The door is almost guaranteed not to have changed at all and still be perfectly straight. This means you can eliminate it from your investigations quickly and seek out the real culprit. Wooden doors, on the other hand, can warp and swell over time, meaning you might be fighting a losing battle to try and fit them effectively.
We hope you found some useful hints and tips in this guide on keeping your composite doors perfectly aligned at all times and making necessary adjustments when issues arise. If the time has come to replace your old doors with the very best money can buy, why not take a few moments to browse our incredible range of stunning, premium-quality composite doors now? Alternatively, please do not hesitate to contact us today if you have questions or comments about any aspects of our composite doors or fitting services in London and the Home Counties. Here at Rock Solid Doors, we pride ourselves on the quality of our products and services and will be only too happy to help.
