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Common Composite Door Problems & How to Prevent Them
COMMON PROBLEMS WITH COMPOSITE DOORS
The right front door can help make any house a home. Here at Apeer, we believe that the right composite door can do just that.
Composite doors are designed for durability, low maintenance and excellent insulation. However, like any door exposed to changing temperatures, humidity and everyday use, minor issues can develop over time. Most are easily fixed with simple maintenance – and many are covered under your manufacturer’s warranty if installed correctly.
Don’t let this put you off buying a composite front door. We wanted to highlight some of the common problems composite doors, just like any regular front door, have. In this article, we will highlight some of the common issues and offer guidance on how to overcome them, so you can become a composite door expert!
Before we get there, it helps to know just what we’re referring to when we talk about composite doors.
What is a composite door?
Composite doors are made of more than one material. This combination of different materials allows composite doors to counteract common problems found in uPVC/ timber doors and to bring advantages to the structure. By combining materials like fibreglass, timber, and insulating foam, composite doors resist warping, cracking, and fading far better than single-material doors such as uPVC or timber.
There are a lot of choices when it comes to composite doors. You can see our most popular doors to get an idea of how they look in different homes.
What are composite doors made of?
What is a composite door made of is another question we are frequently asked. Our composite doors are made from fibreglass with a high-quality polyurethane core. Fibreglass offers many different benefits, such as security and increased durability while also being waterproof and windproof. It is less likely to warp or bow, a common problem you’re likely to experience with a uPVC or timber door.
Common Composite Door Problems
Composite doors rarely have problems, and most composite door issues are caused not by faults in the door itself but by factors such as weather exposure, installation alignment, or a lack of simple seasonal maintenance. But, there’s a very slim chance you could encounter similar problems to traditional doors, so knowing what to look for and how to fix it early, can help your door last decades:
- Door swelling
- Door warping
- Sticky locks
- Dropped hinges or doors not closing properly
- Door Staining
- Worn seals/gaskets
- Blocked drainage holes
And here is how you deal with these types of composite door problems:
Door swelling in the sun
One of the most common door problems across composite, uPVC, and timber doors is swelling during those hot summer days.
The truth is, pretty much any kind of door can swell, and it’s important to know why, as you could already be seeing it in your home.
One of the main reasons a composite door swells is because it is oversized. As the sun shines down on your doors, they will naturally swell and expand, which can make it difficult for the door to open or close. If any door will be south-facing, you need to make sure you’re buying a door that allows for natural swelling.
Composite doors can also swell when they aren’t closed properly. To close your composite door properly, you need to throw the handle up all the way.
Pro Tip: To prevent swelling, ensure your door is properly aligned within the frame and has adequate expansion clearance. In south-facing or high-heat areas, consider adding shading or ventilation to reduce direct sun exposure.
DOOR WARPING
Good quality composite doors such as the Apeer Doors should never warp, they are build to be UV-ray resistant. However, that’s not to say that composite doors can’t warp, some do.
If you are seeing signs that your door is about to warp, it can be due to factors such as moisture changes, excessive heat, not properly closing the door or due to your door not being manufactured with the best materials or finishes.
One thing you can control is closing your door properly, as how you close any door can lead to warping or bowing damage. With the likes of a composite door, pull the handle (also known as throwing the handle) up when the door is closed. This ensures the locks are fully engaged, a simple preventative measure that can save you the heartache of damage down the line.
When doors are closed properly, you run the risk of leaving the door resting on a latch that only holds the middle of the door in place, leaving the top and bottom of the door to warp or swell in the heat. By throwing the handle each time you close the door, you can save money long-term!
My locks are sticking
Just because composite doors are easy to maintain, it doesn’t mean you should hold off on basic maintenance. After all, you always want your Apeer doors looking their best.
Sticky locks are extremely inconvenient, infuriating at times and can lead to home security issues. By carrying out some simple maintenance on your composite door locks, you will avoid this common problem and increase your locks’ lifespan.
A common choice for lubricating your locks will be WD-40, but this can do more harm than good. At Apeer, we recommend using a grease lubricant if a composite door has a sticky lock, doing so once every six months.
For your door cylinder, never use grease or oil-based lubricants. Instead, use silicone or graphite-based lubricant.
Pro Tip: Quick steps to fix a sticky composite door lock:
• Insert your key and gently turn it to check resistance.
• Spray a graphite-based lubricant into the keyhole – avoid WD-40, which attracts dust.
• If the lock remains stiff, check that the latch and strike plate are aligned.
• Adjust hinge screws slightly if the door appears misaligned.
Dropped hinges Or DOORS NOT CLOSING PROPERLY
Even with regular maintenance, it’s perfectly normal for door hinges to drop, and you can even fix this yourself with the correct tools.
Composite doors are fitted with self-lubricating bearings, meaning your hinges only require minimal maintenance. The hinges may likely drop when a composite door is in constant use. If this occurs, it’s solved with a minor hinge adjustment.
Like sticking locks, you need to carry out basic hinge maintenance from time to time, and you can do this by spraying the hinges with a light oil lubricant every couple of months.
If your composite door isn’t closing properly, you may need to adjust your door’s hinges. When they door needs a height adjustment, release the centre screws on each one of the hinges, lift the door to the desired height and secure the door in that position by using a wedge, then re-tighten the screws.
Pro Tip: If hinge adjustment doesn’t solve alignment issues or the door scrapes against the frame, it’s best to contact a professional installer – persistent misalignment may indicate a frame shift or incorrect installation.
Door Staining
Natural wear and tear of composite doors are inevitable, and as a result, so is staining. Thankfully it’s not something you need to worry about, as there is a simple, quick fix.
Your composite door may be suffering from weather stains or even have muddy paw prints or dirty handprints in places. All you need to do is grab a clean cloth and mix a mild detergent with water to clean your door. If the stain proves to be stubborn, you may need to use something stronger and safe on composite doors to clean the stain.
Composite doors with stainless steel furniture or glazing trims can sometimes see tea staining. This is often confused for corrosion or rust; however, it is caused by a build-up of oxidised surface contaminants on stainless steel. You usually notice it on doors with knockers. Regularly cleaning any stainless steel elements on a composite door will reduce the likely hood of tea staining.
Worn weather seals or gaskets
Over time, the weather seals added to your composite door, designed to keep water from leaking into the home, can become dislodged. You need to check that the weather seals are correctly positioned on the door track regularly, and if not, you need to push the seal firmly back into the grooves in the track to prevent damage when opening/closing the door.
Blocked drainage holes
Like most exterior doors, composite doors come with a built-in drainage system that consists of slots and holes in the bottom of the door’s thresholds. These ensure any excess water runs off and stays outside the home. Once or twice a year, it’s recommended to check the drainage holes and remove any dirt.
Flush them with water to check if they’re working properly and if you’re still struggling, you can use a thin screwdriver to get those hard-to-reach places. If you find that there’s water pooling between the two gaskets/weather seals in your threshold, this is the most likely culprit!
Pro Tip: Quick weatherproofing checklist:
• Inspect the bottom threshold for dirt buildup every few months.
• Check rubber seals for cracks or dislodgement.
• Flush drainage holes with water or a soft brush to prevent pooling.
SIMPLE SEASONAL MAINTENANCE & TIPS TO PREVENT COMMON COMPPOSITE DOOR PROBLEMS
Most composite door issues can be avoided with simple, seasonal maintenance:
• Lubricate locks and hinges twice a year.
• Clean the surface monthly with warm soapy water.
• Ensure the door is properly latched (“handle thrown”) when closed.
• Inspect seals and drainage after storms or extreme temperatures.
• Avoid slamming the door, which can stress hinges and locks.
By following these easy steps, you’ll prevent swelling, sticking, and draughts before they start.
WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL
While many composite door issues can be resolved at home, there are times when calling a professional is best. If your door no longer aligns within the frame, has deep warping, or your locks feel loose despite lubrication, professional adjustment ensures the door remains airtight, secure, and under warranty.
Why choose a composite door for your home?
A high-quality composite door typically lasts more than 30 years with proper care. At Apeer, our doors come with comprehensive guarantees covering the structure, colour finish and hardware.
Plus, our front doors come with many colour choices with the most popular being Pink, Grey, Black, and Green. If you can’t find your desired shade, we can also colour match your door!
Is a composite door a good idea?
After reading through this, you may be left wondering if a composite door is a good idea. All the issues listed above are rare, and you’ll have noticed that they all are common door problems and not just composite door problems.
What are the advantages of having a composite door?
Composite doors have transformed the door industry thanks to their benefits and how well they transform the look of homes. If you need more convincing, here are a few advantages to installing a composite door:
- Built to last – The materials used in a composite door make them highly durable.
- Improves home security – At Apeer, security is a top priority, and every door comes with a multi-point locking system as well as a super-strong, high-density polyutherane core that far exceeds all police-approved security standards. Our doors are also as intruder-proof as they come!
- Versatile with many colour options – One of the common downsides of a uPVC door is that the look is uniform, you aren’t going to stand out amongst the other houses in your area with uPVC doors. There are far fewer design options compared to composite doors. Our door builder lets you bring your dream door to life!
- Resistance to fading and damage – By carrying out basic maintenance from time to time on your composite door, you will keep it looking as new as the day you had it installed!
- Weatherproof and watertight – Our double-sealed rebate makes our composite doors virtually airtight by creating an internal secondary seal.
- Energy-efficient – Along with a 70mm super-strong, high-insulating core, glass elements on our doors are triple glazed for extra insulation, and we offer an additional gas-filling service to further improve thermal performance.
Building your ideal composite door
At Apeer, our composite doors are fully customisable to meet your needs. If you have any questions or queries about buying a composite door, you can get in touch with us directly, and we will be happy to take you through a consultation!
Common Composite Door Problems FAQs
What problems do composite doors have?
Composite doors rarely have problems, but occasionally you might encounter issues such as door swelling, sticky locks, dropped hinges, door staining, worn seals/gaskets or blocked drainage holes.
Why do composite doors swell in the sun?
Composite doors, like other door types, can swell due to exposure to hot sunlight. Oversized doors or improper closing can exacerbate the problem. To prevent swelling, ensure you buy a door that allows for natural expansion, and always close the door properly by throwing the handle.
How can I fix sticky locks on my composite door?
To avoid sticky locks, perform regular maintenance on your composite door locks. Avoid using WD-40; instead, use a grease lubricant every six months. For the door cylinder, opt for silicone or graphite-based lubricants.
What should I do if the hinges of my composite door drop?
Dropped hinges are normal wear and tear but can be fixed with minor adjustments. To prevent this, occasionally spray the hinges with a light oil lubricant.
How can I remove stains from my composite door?
To remove stains, use a clean cloth with mild detergent and water. For stubborn stains, consider using a safe and stronger cleaning agent appropriate for composite doors. Regularly clean stainless steel elements to prevent tea staining.
What should I do about worn weather seals or gaskets on my composite door?
Check weather seals regularly and push them firmly back into the grooves if they become dislodged to prevent water leakage when opening/closing the door.
How can I clear blocked drainage holes in my composite door?
Composite doors come with a built-in drainage system with slots and holes in the threshold. Check and remove any dirt from the drainage holes once or twice a year. Use a thin screwdriver if necessary to access hard-to-reach places and ensure proper drainage. Water pooling between the gaskets/weather seals in the threshold may indicate blocked drainage holes.
How long should a composite door last?
A high-quality composite door should last more than 30 years with proper care and maintenance. Regular cleaning, lubricating hinges and locks, and checking seals for wear will help extend its lifespan. Apeer doors, for example, are built with robust materials like fibreglass and a high-density polyurethane core, ensuring long-term durability and performance.
Why does my composite door make a creaking sound?
A creaking composite door is usually caused by thermal expansion (the door slightly expanding and contracting with temperature changes) or dry hinges. To fix it, apply a light lubricant to the hinges and ensure all screws are tightened. If the creaking persists, check the door alignment, as slight misalignment in the frame can also cause movement noises.
What’s the best lubricant for composite door locks and hinges?
For locks, use a graphite-based or silicone spray lubricant — these prevent sticking without attracting dust or debris. Avoid oil-based lubricants such as WD-40, which can cause buildup inside the lock. For hinges, a light machine oil or specialist hinge lubricant applied twice a year keeps movement smooth and quiet.
How can I stop draughts around my composite door?
If you feel draughts around your composite door, check the weather seals and hinge alignment first. Over time, seals can become worn or dislodged. Reseat or replace them if necessary, and adjust the hinges to ensure a snug fit within the frame. Adding a brush or rubber draught excluder at the threshold can also improve insulation and stop air leaks.
Are composite door problems covered under warranty?
Most composite doors come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers structural integrity, colour stability and hardware for a set period. However, issues caused by improper installation, lack of maintenance, or accidental damage may not be included. Always review your warranty documentation or contact your installer to confirm what’s covered and for how long.