uPVC door installation tips (inc tool list)

To help you out, we’ve put together these helpful tips and frequently asked questions on uPVC door installation.

What tools do you need to fit uPVC doors?

• ◉ Pencil & paper
• ◉ Tape measure
• ◉ Spirit level
• ◉ Long-handled scraper
• ◉ Stripping knife
• ◉ Stanley knife
• ◉ Screwdriver
• ◉ Chisel
• ◉ Claw hammer
• ◉ Drill
• ◉ A coarse toothed saw e.g. bow saw
• ◉ A fine-toothed saw e.g. hand saw
• ◉ Crowbar
• ◉ Silicone
• ◉ Superglue
• ◉ Broom

How do I measure for a replacement uPVC door?

• ◉ Take measurements in millimetres and centimetres, not feet and inches
• ◉ Measure the brick opening, not the existing door or frame
• ◉ Take 3 measurements of the door width at the top, middle and bottom of the opening
• ◉ Take 3 measurements of the door height at the left, middle and right of the opening
• ◉ Deduct 10mm from the final width and height measurements. This is a 5mm expansion gap for room to square the frame in the opening.

Our top uPVC trade door installation tips

• ◉ Before you begin, be sure to check the size, style and condition of the new uPVC door against the survey size and the actual aperture sizes
• ◉ On internal opening uPVC doors, a frame extension kit may be required to clear the door from old plaster especially on the hinge side
• ◉ Double-check the door is plumb and level before drilling fixing holes in the sides of the frame
• ◉ Use quality shims to stop any movement
• ◉ Use at least 5 fixings per jamb, with intermediate fixings spaced no more than 600mm apart
• ◉ Care should be taken to avoid overtightening the screws, as this could distort the door frame
• ◉ Fit the door handle before fitting the aperture
• ◉ Prevent cracking welds by making sure corner fixings are a minimum of 150mm and a maximum of 250mm in from the external corner
• ◉ Insert appropriately sized shims adjacent to the fixing positions to prevent the outer frame from distorting during installation
• ◉ Remove excess length from the shims with a chisel
• ◉ For a smoother finish, use masking tape along the edges of the door frame and apply a smooth bead of sealant between the frame and the brickwork (remove once dry).

What screws to use on uPVC door?

Plugless masonry concrete screws between 3.9 – 4.3mm, such as Rapier Starfix screws.

Can you put a security chain on a uPVC door?

Yes, as long as the correct fixing screws or rivets are used. Be sure to check it won’t invalidate the door’s warranty first.

High quality uPVC door Supplier across Essex

For all your home improvement needs from windows, doors or conservatories; don’t hesitate to get in touch for trade competitive prices to help you get the job done. Fill out a form for a free quote now or call us on 01787 473881 and we will respond to you as soon as possible