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Broken uPVC Doors – Repair or Replace?
Broken uPVC Doors – Repair or Replace?
A stuck lock or a misty window doesn’t always mean you need a new door. In fact, most uPVC door issues can be fixed for a fraction of the cost of replacement. This guide helps you decide: Repair or Replace?
| Action | When to do it |
|---|---|
| Repair | If the issue is a lock, handle, hinge, or glass unit. These are separate components and are easily swappable. |
| Replace | If the main frame is warped, cracked, or if the door is over 20 years old and thermally inefficient. |
| Cost | Repairs typically range from £50–£150. New doors start from £1,000+. |
Table of Contents
1. The Decision: Repair or Replace?
At KJM Group, we would love to sell you a new door, but we pride ourselves on honesty. If a repair is viable, we will tell you.
- The door is catching on the floor (dropped hinges).
- The handle spins or is loose.
- The glass is misty (condensation inside).
- The panel is cracked but the frame is fine.
- There is structural damage to the main outer frame.
- There has been a forced break-in (warped sash).
- The door is single-glazed or very old (pre-2000).
2. Top 5 Repairs We Perform
Many homeowners are surprised by what can be fixed. Here are the most common services our repair team handles in Andover:
🔧 KJM Repair Services
- Door Alignment: uPVC doors are heavy. Over time, gravity causes them to drop, making them stick or catch. We adjust the “toe and heel” packing to realign them perfectly.
- Misted Glass Replacement: If your view is foggy, the seal on the glass unit has failed. We can replace just the glass unit, keeping your existing door frame.
- Mechanism & Gearbox: If the key turns but the door won’t lock, the internal gearbox has likely failed. We stock replacements for most major brands.
- Panel Replacement: Fancy a colour change? Or is your white panel yellowing? We can swap out the uPVC panel for a fresh one in Anthracite Grey, Chartwell Green, or Woodgrain.
- Handle Renewal: A floppy handle isn’t just annoying; it puts stress on the lock. We stock a wide range of finishes to match your style.
3. Security: Locks & Handles
A faulty lock is a major security risk. If your key is crunching or sticking, do not force it—if it snaps in the lock, the repair becomes much harder.
We supply and fit TS007 Insurance Approved high-security anti-snap cylinders. Upgrading your lock cylinder is a cost-effective way to boost your home security without buying a whole new door.
4. Estimated Repair Costs
While every job varies, repairing is significantly cheaper and more environmentally friendly than replacement.
| Minor Repairs (Alignment) | £60 – £90 |
| New Handles / Hinges | £80 – £120 |
| Replacement Glass Unit | £100 – £200 (Size dependent) |
| Full Lock Mechanism | £150 – £250 |
5. When a New Door is the Only Option
Sometimes, a repair is throwing good money after bad. If your door is physically warped, allowing significant drafts through the frame itself, or requires multiple expensive parts, a modern, energy-efficient composite or uPVC door might be the better long-term investment.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Often, the door has simply “dropped” (misaligned), meaning the locking points aren’t lining up with the frame. A professional alignment adjustment usually fixes this without needing new parts.
Yes. Misted glass means the seal has failed. We measure and manufacture a new sealed glass unit and fit it into your existing door frame. It is quick, cheap, and effective.
We carry a vast range of spares. Even if your door mechanism is discontinued, there are often modern “universal” equivalents that our technicians can adapt to fit.
Repair is almost always cheaper. A typical repair costs between £60 and £200. A high-quality new fully fitted door starts from around £1,000.
📚 Knowledge Hub: Further Reading
Explore more expert advice from our repair and installation team:
- Window & Door Repairs in Andover: A local’s guide to our repair services.
- Heritage Home Maintenance: How to care for wooden windows to avoid replacement.
- Definitive Guide to Replacement: When repairs aren’t enough, read this first.
- Conservatory Dilemma: Should you refurbish or rebuild? Find out here.
Need a Repair in Andover?
Our dedicated service engineers can fix most uPVC door issues in a single visit. Save money and reduce waste.
Book a Repair Visit
Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
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