Hey everyone! I've been living in my house for about a year, and I've noticed that the front door is super stiff to open and close, especially when it's hot outside. The handle is tough to turn, although the door itself seems to operate okay otherwise. It's a uPVC door, and I think the metal parts might be causing some thermal expansion issues. When it's cooler or rainy, it's easier to open, but I'm worried this might get worse over time. I'm not very experienced with DIY but would love to know if there's anything I can do myself, or if I should call a technician instead. Also, does anyone know how much it might cost to get this fixed in the UK? Thanks!
1 Answer
uPVC doors tend to expand with heat and contract when it’s cooler, so you're likely experiencing some thermal expansion. First, check the door seals and maybe adjust the hinges a bit; sometimes a simple lubrication can do wonders. If it's still giving you trouble, consider trying to keep it cooler—something like painting it a lighter color or adding some shade could help. I’d suggest giving DIY fixes a go before calling a technician; there are loads of YouTube videos that can help you out if you’re unsure!
Thanks for the advice! The door is actually white, so it reflects some light, but the heat is still affecting it. I noticed that the resistance feels more metallic rather than plastic when I try to open it.