Condensation

Condensation can occur on glazing in three forms:

• The outside of the glazing which faces the external environment.
• The inside of the glazing which faces into the home.
• Between the panes of glass.

Thankfully, it's not always bad news and of these three, only the last is a product fault. If it's on the outside of the house this is good and a demonstration of quality glazing. If it's inside the house this is caused by a lack of ventilation and lower quality glazing. For health reasons (caused by dampness and potential mould growth) we would recommend you change your glazing but there is lots you can do to reduce the issue first. The last is a demonstration that your glazing unit has failed and is letting in water and should probably be replaced before you get water marks and reduced visibility.

Read more...

Window care guide

Over time pollution, weather, dust and many other things can stain and cause damage to your windows. That's why it's important you care for them regularly to ensure they maintain their appearance and preserve their life expectancy.

When carrying out window maintenance such as cleaning, there are of course some general tips we advise you follow:

• ALWAYS use appropriate cleaners for each material.
• DO use standard lubrication oil to ease the friction of the moving parts inside the window frames.
• DO clean windows at least twice a year.
• NEVER use glass cleaner on frames.
• DO NOT use kitchen or bathroom cleaners and abrasive pads.

However, caring for your windows depends on many factors, from material and glass, to locks and hinges, so it often proves to be a daunting task. That's why, at Everest, we have compiled a comprehensive list of tips to make maintaining your windows as simple as possible.

Read more...

How to clean sash windows on both sides

On uPVC Sash windows you will not be able to remove the sash. However, there are some steps you can take to help clean your windows.

• Slide the lower sash up about 3 inches (From inside).
• Slide the 2 x finger latches inwards towards the centre (these are found on the top edge of the sash).
• The sash will then drop inwards, allowing you to clean from inside.
• The same with the top sash (this must be done with the lower sash already tilted for cleaning).
• Lower about 3 inches.
• Pull latches in towards centre.
• The sash will drop inwards to enable cleaning.
• To re-engage simply close sashes with both hands.

How to clean secondary glazing

Please follow the steps below for help with cleaning your secondary glazing.

• Remove the 'Anti Crabbing' guide blocks on the sides of the insert.
• The unit can then be pushed to one side and lifted out.
• If the secondary window slides horizontally instead of vertically you will need to position the sliding section into the middle of the frame and then lift before trying to pull the bottom out. This should release it from the frame and enable cleaning.

Window stiff to open

Over time windows can become stiff to use if they are not opened regularly and therefore will need some small basic maintenance to keep them running freely. The most common cause is a build up of dirt and dust which overtime can cause reduce the free running of the moving parts in the stay (metal support braces that hold the window open) and hinge making the windows difficult to operate.

• Firstly check that there is no obvious bits of grit or any other object stuck in the moving parts of the window mechanism first. Then we recommend that oil your window hinge and stays using a standard light lubricant oil or multi purpose oil. Simply apply the oil to all the moving hinges on the window to free them up.
• Secondly, if the problem persists there maybe an issue with some of the screws. Screws working loose causing friction on the stay where they are protruding and rubbing on the component. In this instance we recommend tightening the screws – but be careful not to over tighten.

Window handle loose

Over time or heavy use window handles can become loose. But they are easy to tighten with a standard cross head screw driver.

There are 2 screws that hold the handle in place at the top and bottom of the handle. These are usually covered by plastic caps. Remove the caps and tighten the screws – you may need to put the handle up to reach the bottom screw. Replace caps after tightening.

Simple 5 step process:

• Remove the screw head cap from top screw
• Tighten top screw
• Lift handle and remove bottom screw head cap
• Tighten bottom screw
• Replace caps

I have a draught around my window

In our experience draughts around a window are caused by 4 main issues, air movement caused by natural air movement (convection), damage to seals, items caught in the seals and trickle vents. It is also important to mention that air movement in a property should be promoted to avoid issues with damp and mould whilst creating a comfortable space.

• Convection is the normal movement of air around a window and is caused when cold or warm air moves through a property. Windows can cause this especially if they have a radiator underneath as the warm air rises and sucks in colder air to fill the space. This can be most pronounced on windows on stairwells for example where there is large amount of air movement between upstairs and downstairs.
• The seals which go round the windows and keep a weather tight seal can perish and degrade. All Everest windows are made from Qlon which is a memory foam that offers unrivalled performance and keeps its shape and does not degrade. We would advise you check the seal remains in place and if not simply push the seal back into its housing.
• Items can also be caught in the window seal or have damaged the seal. Qlon seals can be replaced by a specialist glazier or the householder fairly simply.
• Finally you may have a trickle vent installed in the window. These are designed to promote air circulation and do not provide an air tight seal. They are recommended as part of building regulations to promote good ventilation in a building as they enable small amounts of air circulation. This helps with issues such as damp but as explained above convection will increase the speed of air circulation in extreme hot or cold periods.

My window pane is pane cracked or has shattered

If the window has been cracked due to an accident, then Double glazing units are fairly easy to replace. Everest windows have an internal beading system that means the glazing is held in place by small removable strips on the inside of the window. This can be a straightforward DIY job by carefully prizing off the strips and lifting out the unit – be aware the units can be heavy and we would recommend you arrange your local glazier to manage this for you. Double glazing units can be ordered online by the confident DIY’er or if you choose to use a glazier they will be able to organise this for you.

If the unit has shattered across the whole pane the same process above can be followed. It may be covered by your warranty if you have purchased your windows since the 1st June 2020 and you can raise a request for this by filling in this form.

If however, you had your windows fitted before June 2020 you will need to read further on how to have this issue rectified here.

Fogging, Misting and Water between the panes

If you are experiencing water, fogging or misting between the panes this indicates that there is a failure within the seal for the sealed unit. In older units the sealant used to create the seal may become loose over time or degrade depending on the age of the unit allowing water to enter the panes. To fix this the double glazing unit will need to be replaced.

Everest windows have an internal beading system that means the glazing is held in place by small removeable strips on the inside of the window. This can be a straightforward DIY job by carefully prizing off the strips and lifting out the unit – be aware the units can be heavy and we would recommend you arrange your local glazier to manage this for you. Double glazing units can be ordered online by the confident DIY’er or if you choose to use a glazier they will be able to organise this for you.

It may also be covered by your warranty if you have purchased your windows since the 1st June 2020 and you can raise a request for this by filling in this form.

If however, you had your windows fitted before June 2020 you will need to read further on how to have this issue rectified here.

Door care guide

Over time pollution, weather, dust and many other things can stain and cause damage to your doors. That's why it's important you care for them regularly to ensure they maintain their appearance and preserve their life expectancy.

When carrying out door maintenance such as cleaning, there are of course some general tips we advise you follow:

• ALWAYS use appropriate cleaners for each material.
• DO use standard lubrication oil to ease the friction of the moving parts.
• DO clean doors at least twice a year.
• NEVER use glass cleaner on frames.
• DO NOT use kitchen or bathroom cleaners and abrasive pads.

However, caring for your doors depends on many factors, from material and glass, to locks and hinges, so it often proves to be a daunting task. That's why, at Everest, we have compiled a comprehensive list of tips to make maintaining your doors as simple as possible.

Read more...

Problems locking or unlocking door

If you are having problems locking or unlocking your door, we aim to rectify this issue via a service call. However, unfortunately we cannot always attend the same day, so follow our steps below to try and secure the door in the locked position until we can attend.

• Is the door in the open or locked position?
  a) If locked and you have other means of accessing the property, please use this and await a service visit from an engineer or an installer.
  
  b) If open, please go to the next question.
• Can you lift the handle and turn the key?
  a) If no, please try using lubrication. Apply this to all the locks and try and move the handle up and down to free up the mechanism.
  
  b) If yes, close the door as normal whilst lifting the door at the same time and confirm the door has locked. It may be necessary to use more force than normal to ensure all locks enter the lock position. If possible, whilst raising the handle take the weight of the door on the handle.
• Is the door now locked?
  a) If yes, please limit the use of this door and await a service visit.
  
  b) If no, please follow the simple adjustment guides below to alter the position of the door.

Adjustment guides

uPVC doors

• You will need a 5mm Allen key to adjust the hinges. On the top you can raise the door by 5mm. Ensure you adjust all 3 hinges the same so the weight of the door is evenly spread.
• You can move the door left and right by adjusting the front "bolt". There is 9mm of adjustment here. It is possible to "twist" the door by having different settings here. Try to avoid this as it shows with the door leaf running out against the hinges.
• You can also adjust the compression of the door by adjusting the 2 bolts next to the hinge. You will need to step the adjustment alternating between bolts to ensure they are both on the same final setting per hinge.
• Turn the nut with an Allen Key to adjust door. This can be adjusted without removing hinge cover if required. Simply remove the small plug from end and adjust.
• When removing and re-fitting the hinge face cover, these clip on and screw through from the back.

Read more about adjusting uPVC hinges...

44mm composite doors

• Adjust the door on hinges to get perfect operation. Hinge has 3 way adjustment.
• You will need a 4mm Allen key to adjust the hinges. On the top/bottom you can raise the door by +/- 4mm. Ensure you adjust all 3 hinges to the same so the weight of door is evenly spread.
• You can move the door left & right by adjusting the 2 "Allen bolts" on the side of hinge. There is +/- 4mm of adjustment here. It is possible to "twist" the door by having different settings here. Try to avoid this as it shows with the door leaf running out against the hinges-before adjustment please loosen the small centre grub screw.
• You can also adjust the compression of the door. Adjust the Allen bolts under/above the hinge. Ensure you adjust all 3 hinges to the same final setting to prevent door "groaning" when opening. This adjustment in on both sides of hinge, use which ever is easiest to access.
• Once you are sure all adjustments have been made tighten the small grub screw on the side of each hinge.

70mm composite doors

• You can move the door left and right by adjusting the nut on the side of the hinge. There is +/- 4mm of adjustment here. It is possible to "twist" the door by having different settings here. Try to avoid this as it shows with the door leaf running out against the hinges.
• Adjust the door on hinges to get perfect operation. Hinge has 2 way adjustment, vertically and horizontally. You will need a hinge spanner to adjust the hinges. On the bottom you can raise the door by +- 4mm. Ensure you adjust all 3 hinges the same so the weight of door is evenly spread.
• Once hinges are fully adjusted fit top and bottom hinge caps. These are different so don't mix them up.
• VERY IMPORTANT - Always check and tighten the small grub screws on the side of the hinges. Failure to do so will cause service calls.

Smartlock not working

If you are having trouble with your Everest SmartLock there are a number of excellent resources to support this handle. You can download the technical manual for the lock or alternatively visit the Yale help and resource centre to find a technical answer to your issue.

Importantly if you are having problems that in the first instance you check the batteries are not dead. This is simple to do if you are inside the property remove the cover and insert two new batteries, if you are outside place a square 9V battery on the 2 prongs located on the underside of the handle, this will give enough power to enable you to use your smart key, enter the home and replace the batteries.

If this has not corrected your problem we would advise that you download the manual or visit the Yale help centre linked above.

Patio doors will not lock

Patio doors can experience problems as they frequently remain locked through the winter or long periods. We find when customers come to open up in spring that there have been some small movements or that moving parts have been impacted by water ingress and oiling is required to free them up.

Here are the common issues to investigate:

• The lock keep in the frame has moved slightly
  Pull sliding patio door towards lock keep in the frame with the door almost closed. Put the door into lock position and with a pencil mark on the frame where all the hook locks and dead bolts are, pull door away and check the pencil marks line up with the hole positions of the keep, if not you can adjust the keep position by slackening off the screws on the keep which are in elongated holes, adjust the keep position and re-tighten.
• The door has dropped on its running mechanism
  You can adjust the height of the door on its running gear by making small corrections in the rollers under the door. To do this you will find under the left or right side of the door small rollers. With a pozi (cross head or Philips) screwdriver adjust one of the screws visible on the roller wheels under the door. Adjust one side at a time, using only half turns. If you adjust too far in one direction it’s easy to take the door too high or too low. Keep doing this until your door is level and parallel with the track and all the lock components line up with the keep. Please ensure you adjust both sides or the door will slide true in the frame.
• The lock mechanism is difficult to operate
  If the lock mechanism is difficult to operate you should lubricate all moving parts with a light machine oil such as 3 in 1 oil. Then operate the lock mechanism from locked to open position several times to work the machine oil into the mechanism. We recommend doing this periodically to keep your doors operating smoothly and to increase the longevity of the locking mechanism.
  
  If the cylinder is tough to operate apply graphite lock lubricant to a key, insert and work key clockwise and anti-clockwise until the cylinder moves freely once again, this may need to be done several times.
  
  One other option is to try WD40 which is not a lubricant but helps to reduce water corrosion which can occur when small amounts of moisture enter via the keyhole over winter. WD40, which stands for water diffuser, will help to free up the lock mechanism. Once free we would then advise the use of light engineering oil to keep the parts running freely.

Lock cylinder difficult to operate

Locks over time can become difficult to use which can be due to either the lock itself or changes in the door or frame. In the first instance its important to isolate out which is causing the issue by operating the lock with the door in the open position.

Read option 1 if the lock remains difficult to operate in the open position and section 2 if the lock operates smoothly in the open position.

1. The lock is stiff to operate with the door in the open position.
   We need to investigate the locking mechanism. Locks can become stiff to operate due to issues such as dirt in the lock cylinder, water ingress corroding the internal parts, lack of maintenance of the locking system, cold or hot weather causing the parts to cease or expand or finally the lock parts have simply broken through use.
   
   If it’s the lock it could be either the lock barrel or the locking mechanism. To improve the lock barrel the best way to do this is with a graphite powder (we advise against WD 40 or a 3in1 type oil). A graphite powder can be found on online and can simply be blown into the lock cylinder and will improve the running of the key into the lock. A good hack here is to simply use a graphite pencil on the key and coating it in pencil lead.
   
   One final check to make sure is to the cylinder fixing screw (the screw that holds the lock cyclinder to the door) isn’t too loose – if it is the screw head would be visibly proud of the lock gearing in this instance you can tighten the screw. Also it may be the screw is overtightened, this may require taking a phillips screw driver and slackening off half a turn.
   
   If it’s the locking mechanism its important to check the running gear and lubricate it with a light engineering oil such as 3 in1. Any parts which are restricting movement should be checked to ensure that nothing is jamming the mechanism. Any loose parts can be re-tightened with a Philips head screwdriver.
2. If the lock works fine with the door in the open position we need investigate the door and frame.
   Many customers are surprised how much movement there is in a door, but as the door tolerances are very fine any small movement in the door leaf through heat expansion on a hot day for example will impact how easy it is to open the door and then lock it. We advise that you check for door issues on a day that is not too hot or cold.
   
   First check around the door and find where it is catching and that nothing is stopping the door from closing tightly. Frequently gravel or small stones carried in on a shoe are enough to stop the door from fully closing making it then hard to line the locks up with the keeps correctly.
   
   If there are no impairments stopping the door from closing correctly but you can find some points where the door is not sitting squarely in the frame you can read our advice for how to adjust the door to correct this problem and alleviate pressure on the lock.

Draught from door

Draughts around doors can be very frustrating. Unfortunately, doorways tend to be very susceptible to creating draughts as they tend to be in hallways that enable easy air circulation and as large apertures, there are many opportunities for gaps to open up which however, small can be very noticeable.

4 main issues cause draughts around doors, air movement caused by natural air movement (convection), damage to seals, items caught in the frame and trickle vents. It is also important to mention that air movement in a property should be promoted to avoid issues with damp and mould but this needs to be in the context of your space being comfortable.

1. Convection
   This is the normal movement of air around a door and is caused when cold or warm air moves through a property. Doors can cause this especially if they are in heated hallways where there is a large amount of air movement between upstairs and downstairs. Letterboxes can accentuate this problem if a draught excluder is not fitted. A full-length curtain hung over the door can be a very good way of reducing issues with convection.
2. Damaged Seals
   On an Everest door there are 2 rows of seals around your door one on the leaf and one on the frame. Have a look around the door and investigate for any visible damage, loose seals, gaps or debris between the seal and your door when closed. It could be possible that there is a loose seal. All Everest doors are fitted with Qlon seals which are made of a form of memory foam and do not perish or lose their shape but they can come loose. These will need to be pushed back into place and this can be done by hand. If you are missing a seal please contact customer services and we can arrange for replacement seal to be sent to your home.
3. Incorrect set up of the door leaf
   If all seals are present and intact, please check for any gaps between the door leaf and frame, a requirement to adjust the door position may be needed, please refer to simple door adjustments.
4. Night/Trickle vents
   Finally, you may have a trickle vent installed at the top of the door. These are designed to promote air circulation and do not provide an air-tight seal. They are recommended as part of building regulations to promote good ventilation in a building as they enable small amounts of air circulation. This helps with issues such as damp but as explained above convection will increase the speed of air circulation in extreme hot or cold periods. Its important to note that where fitted they are not designed to be air-tight when closed.

French doors will not close properly

French doors are a popular choice as a secondary entrance point invariably to a garden. As a result, they get lower usage, sometimes remaining unopened in the winter months but when spring comes issues with water ingress, material expansion and low maintenance can result in them becoming difficult to open or close. Issues with French doors tend to arise when one of the doors moves slightly which puts it out of true with the other causing both doors to become difficult to open. Isolating which door is the culprit is always a good starting point.

But first here are some of the reasons why French Doors can become difficult to operate:

• Heat or cold can make them expand or contract. Direct sunlight on a hot summers day especially causes this for composite. Timber products can be prone to natural shrinkage or expansion.
• Slight movement in the frame or the door adjustment can result in one leaf moving out of true with the other.
• Low use over winter can result in the moving parts corroding slightly or reduced lubrication due to no movement.
• Issues with the lock becoming stiff to operate due to water ingress or light use.

Firstly isolate the issue. There is a good chance that your issue is caused by the movement of one of the doors. First with the doors both closed, check the gap running down between both sets of doors is equal all the way, without the top or bottom of the doors being closer from one end to the other.

Check also all the moving parts and that some small piece of grit is not clogging up any of the running gear or stopping the doors from closing together.

1. Does it look like the door has expanded as the gaps around the door are not equal?
   Many customers are surprised how much expansion or shrinkage can impact their doors. But as the tolerances are set within a fine degree to reduce draughts only a one or two mm expansion can make the door stick. Both timber and uPVC will expand to a small degree and we recommend that any attempt to isolate your issue is carried out on an average weather day. If its not expansion it could be the doors are no longer.
2. Are the gaps unequal at certain points or the doors catching on each other due to moving closer?
   This could be the issue that one of the doors has moved slightly. This is possible to fix with some simple small adjustments to the hinges and you can find out more by reading our door adjustment guide.
3. Is it the locking mechanism or moving parts such as hinges at fault?
   As above our doors do require light maintenance, and French doors especially which have low use will require a light oil to be applied. Also, ensure that there is no grit in the running gear. If it feels like the lock you can read more on our reducing stiffness in the tab above.

Conservatory care guide

Over time pollution, weather, dust and many other things can stain and cause damage to your conservatory. That's why it's important you care for it regularly to ensure it maintains its appearance and preserved its life expectancy.

When carrying out conservatory maintenance such as cleaning, there are of course some general tips we advise you follow:

• ALWAYS use appropriate cleaners for each material.
• DO use standard lubrication oil to ease the friction of the moving parts.
• DO clean at least twice a year.
• NEVER use glass cleaner on frames.
• DO NOT use kitchen or bathroom cleaners and abrasive pads.

However, caring for your conservatory depends on many factors, from material and glass, to locks and hinges, so it often proves to be a daunting task. That's why, at Everest, we have compiled a comprehensive list of tips to make maintaining your conservatory as simple as possible.

Read more...

Condensation

Condensation can occur on glazing in three forms:

• The outside of the glazing which faces the external environment.
• The inside of the glazing which faces into the home.
• Between the panes of glass.

Thankfully, it's not always bad news and of these three, only the last is a product fault. If it's on the outside of the house this is good and a demonstration of quality glazing. If it's inside the house this is caused by a lack of ventilation and lower quality glazing. For health reasons (caused by dampness and potential mould growth) we would recommend you change your glazing but there is lots you can do to reduce the issue first. The last is a demonstration that your glazing unit has failed and is letting in water and should probably be replaced before you get water marks and reduced visibility.

Read more...

Window stiff to open

Over time windows can become stiff to use if they are not opened regularly and therefore will need some small basic maintenance to keep them running freely. The most common cause is a build up of dirt and dust which overtime can cause reduce the free running of the moving parts in the stay (metal support braces that hold the window open) and hinge making the windows difficult to operate.

• Firstly check that there is no obvious bits of grit or any other object stuck in the moving parts of the window mechanism first. Then we recommend that oil your window hinge and stays using a standard light lubricant oil or multi purpose oil. Simply apply the oil to all the moving hinges on the window to free them up.
• Secondly, if the problem persists there maybe an issue with some of the screws. Screws working loose causing friction on the stay where they are protruding and rubbing on the component. In this instance we recommend tightening the screws – but be careful not to over tighten.

Window handle loose

Over time or heavy use window handles can become loose. But they are easy to tighten with a standard cross head screw driver.

There are 2 screws that hold the handle in place at the top and bottom of the handle. These are usually covered by plastic caps. Remove the caps and tighten the screws – you may need to put the handle up to reach the bottom screw. Replace caps after tightening.

Simple 5 step process:

• Remove the screw head cap from top screw
• Tighten top screw
• Lift handle and remove bottom screw head cap
• Tighten bottom screw
• Replace caps

I have a draught around my window

In our experience draughts around a window are caused by 4 main issues, air movement caused by natural air movement (convection), damage to seals, items caught in the seals and trickle vents. It is also important to mention that air movement in a property should be promoted to avoid issues with damp and mould whilst creating a comfortable space.

• Convection is the normal movement of air around a window and is caused when cold or warm air moves through a property. Windows can cause this especially if they have a radiator underneath as the warm air rises and sucks in colder air to fill the space. This can be most pronounced on windows on stairwells for example where there is large amount of air movement between upstairs and downstairs.
• The seals which go round the windows and keep a weather tight seal can perish and degrade. All Everest windows are made from Qlon which is a memory foam that offers unrivalled performance and keeps its shape and does not degrade. We would advise you check the seal remains in place and if not simply push the seal back into its housing.
• Items can also be caught in the window seal or have damaged the seal. Qlon seals can be replaced by a specialist glazier or the householder fairly simply.
• Finally you may have a trickle vent installed in the window. These are designed to promote air circulation and do not provide an air tight seal. They are recommended as part of building regulations to promote good ventilation in a building as they enable small amounts of air circulation. This helps with issues such as damp but as explained above convection will increase the speed of air circulation in extreme hot or cold periods.

My window pane is pane cracked or has shattered

If the window has been cracked due to an accident, then Double glazing units are fairly easy to replace. Everest windows have an internal beading system that means the glazing is held in place by small removable strips on the inside of the window. This can be a straightforward DIY job by carefully prizing off the strips and lifting out the unit – be aware the units can be heavy and we would recommend you arrange your local glazier to manage this for you. Double glazing units can be ordered online by the confident DIY’er or if you choose to use a glazier they will be able to organise this for you.

If the unit has shattered across the whole pane the same process above can be followed. It may be covered by your warranty if you have purchased your windows since the 1st June 2020 and you can raise a request for this by filling in this form.

If however, you had your windows fitted before June 2020 you will need to read further on how to have this issue rectified here.

Fogging, Misting and Water between the panes

If you are experiencing water, fogging or misting between the panes this indicates that there is a failure within the seal for the sealed unit. In older units the sealant used to create the seal may become loose over time or degrade depending on the age of the unit allowing water to enter the panes. To fix this the double glazing unit will need to be replaced.

Everest windows have an internal beading system that means the glazing is held in place by small removeable strips on the inside of the window. This can be a straightforward DIY job by carefully prizing off the strips and lifting out the unit – be aware the units can be heavy and we would recommend you arrange your local glazier to manage this for you. Double glazing units can be ordered online by the confident DIY’er or if you choose to use a glazier they will be able to organise this for you.

It may also be covered by your warranty if you have purchased your windows since the 1st June 2020 and you can raise a request for this by filling in this form.

If however, you had your windows fitted before June 2020 you will need to read further on how to have this issue rectified here.

Problems locking or unlocking door

If you are having problems locking or unlocking your door, we aim to rectify this issue via a service call. However, unfortunately we cannot always attend the same day, so follow our steps below to try and secure the door in the locked position until we can attend.

• Is the door in the open or locked position?
  a) If locked and you have other means of accessing the property, please use this and await a service visit from an engineer or an installer.
  
  b) If open, please go to the next question.
• Can you lift the handle and turn the key?
  a) If no, please try using lubrication. Apply this to all the locks and try and move the handle up and down to free up the mechanism.
  
  b) If yes, close the door as normal whilst lifting the door at the same time and confirm the door has locked. It may be necessary to use more force than normal to ensure all locks enter the lock position. If possible, whilst raising the handle take the weight of the door on the handle.
• Is the door now locked?
  a) If yes, please limit the use of this door and await a service visit.
  
  b) If no, please follow the simple adjustment guides below to alter the position of the door.

Adjustment guides

uPVC doors

• You will need a 5mm Allen key to adjust the hinges. On the top you can raise the door by 5mm. Ensure you adjust all 3 hinges the same so the weight of the door is evenly spread.
• You can move the door left and right by adjusting the front "bolt". There is 9mm of adjustment here. It is possible to "twist" the door by having different settings here. Try to avoid this as it shows with the door leaf running out against the hinges.
• You can also adjust the compression of the door by adjusting the 2 bolts next to the hinge. You will need to step the adjustment alternating between bolts to ensure they are both on the same final setting per hinge.
• Turn the nut with an Allen Key to adjust door. This can be adjusted without removing hinge cover if required. Simply remove the small plug from end and adjust.
• When removing and re-fitting the hinge face cover, these clip on and screw through from the back.

Read more about adjusting uPVC hinges...

44mm composite doors

• Adjust the door on hinges to get perfect operation. Hinge has 3 way adjustment.
• You will need a 4mm Allen key to adjust the hinges. On the top/bottom you can raise the door by +/- 4mm. Ensure you adjust all 3 hinges to the same so the weight of door is evenly spread.
• You can move the door left & right by adjusting the 2 "Allen bolts" on the side of hinge. There is +/- 4mm of adjustment here. It is possible to "twist" the door by having different settings here. Try to avoid this as it shows with the door leaf running out against the hinges-before adjustment please loosen the small centre grub screw.
• You can also adjust the compression of the door. Adjust the Allen bolts under/above the hinge. Ensure you adjust all 3 hinges to the same final setting to prevent door "groaning" when opening. This adjustment in on both sides of hinge, use which ever is easiest to access.
• Once you are sure all adjustments have been made tighten the small grub screw on the side of each hinge.

70mm composite doors

• You can move the door left and right by adjusting the nut on the side of the hinge. There is +/- 4mm of adjustment here. It is possible to "twist" the door by having different settings here. Try to avoid this as it shows with the door leaf running out against the hinges.
• Adjust the door on hinges to get perfect operation. Hinge has 2 way adjustment, vertically and horizontally. You will need a hinge spanner to adjust the hinges. On the bottom you can raise the door by +- 4mm. Ensure you adjust all 3 hinges the same so the weight of door is evenly spread.
• Once hinges are fully adjusted fit top and bottom hinge caps. These are different so don't mix them up.
• VERY IMPORTANT - Always check and tighten the small grub screws on the side of the hinges. Failure to do so will cause service calls.

Lock cylinder difficult to operate

Locks over time can become difficult to use which can be due to either the lock itself or changes in the door or frame. In the first instance its important to isolate out which is causing the issue by operating the lock with the door in the open position.

Read option 1 if the lock remains difficult to operate in the open position and section 2 if the lock operates smoothly in the open position.

1. The lock is stiff to operate with the door in the open position.
   We need to investigate the locking mechanism. Locks can become stiff to operate due to issues such as dirt in the lock cylinder, water ingress corroding the internal parts, lack of maintenance of the locking system, cold or hot weather causing the parts to cease or expand or finally the lock parts have simply broken through use.
   
   If it’s the lock it could be either the lock barrel or the locking mechanism. To improve the lock barrel the best way to do this is with a graphite powder (we advise against WD 40 or a 3in1 type oil). A graphite powder can be found on online and can simply be blown into the lock cylinder and will improve the running of the key into the lock. A good hack here is to simply use a graphite pencil on the key and coating it in pencil lead.
   
   One final check to make sure is to the cylinder fixing screw (the screw that holds the lock cyclinder to the door) isn’t too loose – if it is the screw head would be visibly proud of the lock gearing in this instance you can tighten the screw. Also it may be the screw is overtightened, this may require taking a phillips screw driver and slackening off half a turn.
   
   If it’s the locking mechanism its important to check the running gear and lubricate it with a light engineering oil such as 3 in1. Any parts which are restricting movement should be checked to ensure that nothing is jamming the mechanism. Any loose parts can be re-tightened with a Philips head screwdriver.
2. If the lock works fine with the door in the open position we need investigate the door and frame.
   Many customers are surprised how much movement there is in a door, but as the door tolerances are very fine any small movement in the door leaf through heat expansion on a hot day for example will impact how easy it is to open the door and then lock it. We advise that you check for door issues on a day that is not too hot or cold.
   
   First check around the door and find where it is catching and that nothing is stopping the door from closing tightly. Frequently gravel or small stones carried in on a shoe are enough to stop the door from fully closing making it then hard to line the locks up with the keeps correctly.
   
   If there are no impairments stopping the door from closing correctly but you can find some points where the door is not sitting squarely in the frame you can read our advice for how to adjust the door to correct this problem and alleviate pressure on the lock.

Draught from door

Draughts around doors can be very frustrating. Unfortunately, doorways tend to be very susceptible to creating draughts as they tend to be in hallways that enable easy air circulation and as large apertures, there are many opportunities for gaps to open up which however, small can be very noticeable.

4 main issues cause draughts around doors, air movement caused by natural air movement (convection), damage to seals, items caught in the frame and trickle vents. It is also important to mention that air movement in a property should be promoted to avoid issues with damp and mould but this needs to be in the context of your space being comfortable.

1. Convection
   This is the normal movement of air around a door and is caused when cold or warm air moves through a property. Doors can cause this especially if they are in heated hallways where there is a large amount of air movement between upstairs and downstairs. Letterboxes can accentuate this problem if a draught excluder is not fitted. A full-length curtain hung over the door can be a very good way of reducing issues with convection.
2. Damaged Seals
   On an Everest door there are 2 rows of seals around your door one on the leaf and one on the frame. Have a look around the door and investigate for any visible damage, loose seals, gaps or debris between the seal and your door when closed. It could be possible that there is a loose seal. All Everest doors are fitted with Qlon seals which are made of a form of memory foam and do not perish or lose their shape but they can come loose. These will need to be pushed back into place and this can be done by hand. If you are missing a seal please contact customer services and we can arrange for replacement seal to be sent to your home.
3. Incorrect set up of the door leaf
   If all seals are present and intact, please check for any gaps between the door leaf and frame, a requirement to adjust the door position may be needed, please refer to simple door adjustments.
4. Night/Trickle vents
   Finally, you may have a trickle vent installed at the top of the door. These are designed to promote air circulation and do not provide an air-tight seal. They are recommended as part of building regulations to promote good ventilation in a building as they enable small amounts of air circulation. This helps with issues such as damp but as explained above convection will increase the speed of air circulation in extreme hot or cold periods. Its important to note that where fitted they are not designed to be air-tight when closed.

French doors will not close properly

French doors are a popular choice as a secondary entrance point invariably to a garden. As a result, they get lower usage, sometimes remaining unopened in the winter months but when spring comes issues with water ingress, material expansion and low maintenance can result in them becoming difficult to open or close. Issues with French doors tend to arise when one of the doors moves slightly which puts it out of true with the other causing both doors to become difficult to open. Isolating which door is the culprit is always a good starting point.

But first here are some of the reasons why French Doors can become difficult to operate:

• Heat or cold can make them expand or contract. Direct sunlight on a hot summers day especially causes this for composite. Timber products can be prone to natural shrinkage or expansion.
• Slight movement in the frame or the door adjustment can result in one leaf moving out of true with the other.
• Low use over winter can result in the moving parts corroding slightly or reduced lubrication due to no movement.
• Issues with the lock becoming stiff to operate due to water ingress or light use.

Firstly isolate the issue. There is a good chance that your issue is caused by the movement of one of the doors. First with the doors both closed, check the gap running down between both sets of doors is equal all the way, without the top or bottom of the doors being closer from one end to the other.

Check also all the moving parts and that some small piece of grit is not clogging up any of the running gear or stopping the doors from closing together.

1. Does it look like the door has expanded as the gaps around the door are not equal?
   Many customers are surprised how much expansion or shrinkage can impact their doors. But as the tolerances are set within a fine degree to reduce draughts only a one or two mm expansion can make the door stick. Both timber and uPVC will expand to a small degree and we recommend that any attempt to isolate your issue is carried out on an average weather day. If its not expansion it could be the doors are no longer.
2. Are the gaps unequal at certain points or the doors catching on each other due to moving closer?
   This could be the issue that one of the doors has moved slightly. This is possible to fix with some simple small adjustments to the hinges and you can find out more by reading our door adjustment guide.
3. Is it the locking mechanism or moving parts such as hinges at fault?
   As above our doors do require light maintenance, and French doors especially which have low use will require a light oil to be applied. Also, ensure that there is no grit in the running gear. If it feels like the lock you can read more on our reducing stiffness in the tab above.