Introduction

If your conservatory doors have started catching, rubbing or hitting each other when you try to close them, it's usually a sign that they are no longer correctly aligned. Although this can make the doors awkward to use, it's a very common problem and, in most cases, it can be repaired without replacing the doors.

Ignoring the problem can place unnecessary strain on the locking mechanism, increasing the risk of gearbox or multipoint lock failure. Dealing with it early is often a simple and cost-effective repair.

Why Are the Doors Catching?

French-style conservatory doors are designed to meet evenly in the middle with a consistent gap between the two door leaves.

If one or both doors move even slightly over time, you may notice they begin to:

• Catch each other when closing.
• Rub together.
• Fail to meet evenly in the centre.
• Become difficult to lock.
• Require extra force to close.

Even a few millimetres of movement can affect how the doors operate.

The Doors May Have Dropped

The most common cause is that one or both doors have gradually dropped on their hinges.

This can happen because of:

• Everyday use.
• The weight of the doors.
• Worn or loose hinges.
• Natural movement of the conservatory.
• Seasonal expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature.

As the alignment changes, the doors no longer close as they were designed to.

The Hinges May Need Adjusting

Most modern conservatory doors are fitted with adjustable hinges that allow the doors to be repositioned if they move over time.

Correct adjustment can often:

• Restore an even gap between the doors.
• Prevent the doors from rubbing.
• Improve how easily they close.
• Allow the locks to engage properly.
• Reduce unnecessary strain on the locking mechanism.

Adjusting the hinges before damage occurs is often all that's needed to restore smooth operation.

The Locking Mechanism May Be Under Strain

When conservatory doors are out of alignment, the multipoint locking mechanisms have to work much harder every time the doors are locked.

Over time this can lead to:

• Stiff handles.
• Keys becoming difficult to turn.
• Excessive pressure on the gearbox.
• Locking points failing to engage.
• Premature wear of the multipoint locking mechanism.

Many gearbox failures are actually the result of prolonged strain caused by poor door alignment rather than a fault with the gearbox itself.

Don't Force the Doors

If the doors are rubbing together or won't close properly, avoid forcing them into position.

Applying extra pressure can damage:

• The gearbox.
• The multipoint locking mechanism.
• Door handles.
• Hinges.
• The edges of the doors.
• Locking points and keeps.

What begins as a simple alignment issue can quickly become a more expensive mechanical repair if excessive force is used.

Look for Other Warning Signs

Doors that are catching each other often show other symptoms before the problem becomes serious.

You may notice:

• Uneven gaps around the doors.
• One door sitting lower than the other.
• The top corners touching first.
• The handle becoming harder to lift.
• The key becoming increasingly stiff.
• Having to pull or push the doors together before locking.

These are all signs that the doors should be inspected before further damage occurs.

Realignment Is Usually the Solution

In many cases, professionally realigning the doors restores them to their correct position without replacing any major components.

Correct alignment allows:

• Both doors to meet evenly.
• The handles to lift smoothly.
• The locking points to engage without resistance.
• The key to turn easily.
• The doors to close without rubbing.

If the locking mechanism has already suffered wear, components such as the gearbox or lock mechanism can usually be repaired or replaced at the same time.

Most Conservatory Doors Can Be Repaired

Many homeowners assume that conservatory doors which catch or rub together need replacing.

In reality, the problem is usually caused by dropped doors, hinge movement or poor alignment rather than damage to the doors themselves.

Provided the doors and frames remain structurally sound, most faults can be repaired by adjusting the alignment and replacing only any worn locking components.

Don't Ignore the Problem

Conservatory doors rarely begin catching overnight. The problem usually develops gradually as the doors settle and the hinges experience normal wear.

Continuing to use doors that are rubbing together places extra strain on every part of the locking system, increasing the likelihood of gearbox failure, damaged handles or a worn multipoint locking mechanism.

Having the doors adjusted when the problem first appears is usually a quicker, less expensive repair than waiting for the locking system to fail completely.

Conclusion

If your conservatory doors are hitting each other, don't assume they need replacing. In most cases, the cause is poor alignment, dropped doors or hinge movement rather than a fault with the doors themselves. Correctly realigning the doors restores the proper gap between them, reduces strain on the locking mechanism and allows the locks to operate smoothly again.

Addressing the problem early not only improves how the doors open and close but also helps prevent unnecessary wear on the gearbox and multipoint locking mechanism. With the correct adjustments and replacement of any worn components where necessary, most conservatory doors can continue providing reliable, secure service for many years.

Related guides:

• Repairing multi point locking systems.
• Can conservatory doors be repaired?
• Common causes of conservatory door failure.
• Why handles become loose?
• Common door lock problems.
• Signs your door needs repaired?