UPVc door not closing properly? Handle needs lifting hard before the key turns? Strange grinding sound when you lock it? Don’t let anyone tell you the whole door needs replacing — most issues are repairable for a fraction of that.
Common UPVc problems and what they actually mean:
The handle is hard to lift
Almost always: door has dropped. Hinges loosen over time, the door sags, the locking points no longer line up with the keeps in the frame. You’re forcing the multipoint mechanism through misalignment every time you lock it. That kills the gearbox in months.
Fix: hinge adjustment. Takes 15-20 minutes. Usually £60-£90 including alignment, lubrication, and a check of all rollers.
Grinding or sticking when you turn the key
The multipoint gearbox is failing. Once it goes completely, the door locks shut and you can’t get out without forced entry. Catch it now (£60-£90 gearbox repair or replacement) before you’re locked out and need £150+ emergency call-out plus parts.
Cylinder turns loose or won’t turn
Cylinder cam has worn or snapped internally. Usually £45-£70 for a replacement cylinder. While we’re there, we always upgrade to 3-star anti-snap (see our anti-snap upgrade page).
Door drags on the threshold
Same as above — dropped door. Adjust hinges, often free with another job, otherwise £40-£60 standalone.
Won’t lock when shut
Hooks/bolts not engaging the keeps. Usually keeps need adjusting on the frame — easy 20-minute fix.
Why we repair instead of replace
A new UPVc door fitted is £600-£1200 typical. The vast majority of ‘broken’ UPVc doors need a £60-£120 repair, not a £900 replacement. We’ll only recommend replacement if the door is genuinely beyond economic repair (rotten frame, cracked glazing units, frame ripped off in a burglary).
What we carry
Genuine OEM gearboxes for the major UK brands — Yale, ERA, Avocet, Maco, Roto, Mila, Fuhr — usually no waiting for parts. Adjustment shims, hinge bolts, replacement keeps and rollers all on the van.
Insurance angle
If your UPVc door fails to a forced entry attempt because the cylinder wasn’t anti-snap, your insurer can refuse the claim. While we’re repairing other issues, we’ll always check the cylinder grade and recommend an upgrade if needed.
Areas covered
Southampton, Hythe, Totton, Fawley, Marchwood, Eastleigh, Romsey, Lyndhurst, Lymington, New Forest, Bournemouth, Christchurch.
Call Bugsy: 07453 327708 — diagnose on the phone, often a same-day fix.