Most common composite door problems and how to fix them

Composite doors are becoming more and more popular every day. They are a great alternative to traditional wooden doors, and they offer many benefits that other types of doors cannot. However, like any other type of door, composite doors can experience problems from time to time. In this article, we will discuss the most common composite door problems and how to fix them!

What is a composite door?

If you’re reading this you either already have a composite door or are exploring potential issues that may a occur if you buy one. We’ll get into the most common problems and how to fix them in a moment, but for if you’re not sure what a composite door is, here’s a quick overview.

A composite door is made of several different materials, such as wood, organic fibres, PVC and glass reinforced plastic (GRP). These materials are put together in layers to create a strong and secure door that provides excellent insulation and security.

Unlike a uPVC door, they doesn’t require additional maintenance or painting, making it a great choice for busy households with a composite front door often being designed to last for many years.

Can a composite door be fixed or repaired?

Yes, in most cases. The majority of minor composite door problems can be fixed or repaired with relative ease and we’ll cover each of these in more detail below. Common issues such as sticky locks, misalignment, cracked door panel or damages to the door frame and hinges can often be remedied by following a simple repair procedure.

Composite door lock mechanism problems:

The majority of issues with composite doors are due to a damaged door locking mechanism. If one part of the mechanism is defective, it can make the door challenging to lock or for you to even close the door properly, leads to sticky locks and render it completely unusable in some instances!

Composite door locks can vary, but the most typical door locks used on these types or doors are: mortise locks, Euro Cylinder locks or night latches.

If you have one of these types of door lock, you can first try the solution below, but if that doesn’t work, it can be easily removed for repair or replacement if necessary. All you need to do is locate the screws that secure the lock in place and then carefully unscrew them before taking the lock out from its frame.

Solution:

If the door is sticking, or won’t lock properly, you’ll need to lubricate and adjust the locking mechanism. Start by cleaning out any dirt or debris from around the mechanism using a soft cloth.

Then add some lubricant to all of the moving parts. Be sure to use a product that’s designed specifically for locks and doors as other alternatives can cause additional damage.

Once the lubricant is applied, try operating the lock a few times to ensure that it moves smoothly and without any resistance. If there are still issues, you may need to adjust some of the internal components of the locking mechanism such as the latch and deadbolt.

Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace some or all of the components in order to get your composite door operating correctly again.

Cracked composite door:

In some cases, a composite door may become cracked due to general wear and tear, particularly for exterior doors. This can be caused by changes in temperature or even a sudden impact on the door itself. uPVC doors are prone to cracking, but composite doors can suffer this problem too.

Solution:

The solution here depends on how severe the crack is. If it’s only a small crack, you may be able to fix it with some simple DIY methods such as using a composite repair kit or filling the area with epoxy putty.

However, if the crack is more extensive, you will likely need to replace either part of the entire door for safety reasons. It’s important that you consult an expert before attempting any repairs as this will ensure your safety and avoid further damage to your door in the long run!

Composite door warping, bowing or swelling:

In some cases, a composite door can warp, bow or swell due to changes in temperature or humidity. This can lead to gaps in the frame and make it difficult to open and close the door.

Solution:

The best way to fix this issue is by adjusting the hinges on the door frame. Start by removing all existing screws from the hinges and then inserting new ones that are slightly longer. This will help create a tighter fit for the door and should stop any warping or bowing. You may also need to add additional weather stripping around the edges of the door if there are still gaps present after adjusting the hinges.

Dropped hinges:

A dropped composite door hinge can be another common issue with composite doors and can cause the door to become misaligned. This can then make it difficult to open and close the door properly.

Solution:

The best way to fix this is by adjusting the hinge screws on the door frame. Start by loosening all of the existing screws before adding longer ones in their place. This will help lift the hinge back up into its original position. However, you may also need to add additional weather stripping around the edges of the door if there are still gaps present after tightening up the screws.

If you think this may the issue you’re facing, you can read our full guide on how to adjust a composite door hinge the right way.

Worn weather seals:

Worn weather seals can be another common issue with composite doors, especially if they have been exposed to a lot of wear and tear over time, which is often the case with most exterior doors. This can lead to gaps around the door frame which could potentially allow drafts or rainwater into the house.

Solution:

The best way to fix this is by replacing the existing weather seal with a new one that is designed for composite doors. You can find these at most hardware stores or online retailers, and you will also need to make sure that it is the correct size for your particular door before purchasing it. Once you have the correct seal in place, use some adhesive to secure it firmly on the door frame.

Built in drainage system issue:

Composite doors also typically have a built-in drainage system which is used to help keep the interior of the door dry and free from condensation. However, this system can sometimes become blocked with debris or leaves which can cause water to build up on the inside of the door.

Solution:

The best way to fix this issue is by cleaning out the internal drainage channel of your composite door. You will need to remove all debris and any blockages that may be present before testing the system to make sure it is working correctly again. Once you’ve done this, you should be able to open and close your composite door without any issues!

Will you need to replace your composite door?

In some cases, you may find that the damage to your composite door is too extensive for you to be able to repair it yourself. If this is the case, then it may be best for you to replace your entire door and invest in a new door instead. Doing this will ensure that all of the issues mentioned above are taken care of and that your door is back to working as it should be.

Therefore, if you find yourself facing any of the issues listed above with your composite door and you’re unable to fix them yourself, then it’s best to consider replacing the entire door instead. This will save you from having to worry about further damage in the long run!

A couple tips if you do choose to go down this option:

• Self lubricating bearings: It’s important to ensure that the new door you purchase comes with self lubricating bearings. This will help reduce friction and wear on the hinges and make it easier for you to open and close your door every time.
• Weather seals: You should also make sure that if you buy a new composite door, it comes with a weather seal which is designed for composite doors. This will help keep the door weatherproof and reduce the risk of drafts or rainwater getting into your home. There you have it – the most common composite door problems and how to fix them!

Final thoughts:

Composite doors are becoming increasingly popular due to their strength, durability and insulation properties. However, like any other type of door, they can experience problems from time to time. We’ve discussed the most common composite door problems and how to fix them in this article, so hopefully you now feel more confident in tackling any repair work yourself. However, if you’re ever unsure then it’s best to consult an expert for advice as they will be able to provide the best solution for your particular door.