In summer, patio and balcony doors often start to stick, scrape the frame, or let air through. Usually it is not a fault, just misaligned hardware or a dropped sash. In most cases it can be adjusted in 30–60 minutes, without replacing the door. This guide explains when adjustment is enough, when a repair is needed, and how to prepare for the technician’s visit.
How much door adjustment costs and what affects the price
The price depends on the door type (tilt-and-turn, sliding, HS lift-and-slide), the number of adjustment points, and whether hardware or seals need replacing. Adjusting the sash is cheaper than replacing rollers or strike plates. Current rates are in the table below — we quote upfront and you pay after the job. Materials (seals, rollers) are charged separately.
| Service | min | max |
|---|---|---|
| Interior door installation | 700 zł | 1100 zł |
| Interior door replacement | 800 zł | 1300 zł |
| Door removal | 150 zł | 300 zł |
| Door trimming | 120 zł | 250 zł |
| Door frame installation | 250 zł | 450 zł |
| Door adjustment | 30 zł | 60 zł |
| Squeaky door lubrication | 40 zł | 80 zł |
| Lock replacement | 180 zł | 350 zł |
| Door handle replacement | 80 zł | 150 zł |
| Window installation | 300 zł | 700 zł |
| Window adjustment | 30 zł | 60 zł |
| Window sealing | 25 zł/mb | 40 zł/mb |
| Window repair | 150 zł | 400 zł |
| Roller shutter installation | 200 zł | 350 zł |
| Blinds installation | 200 zł | 350 zł |
| Mosquito net installation | 150 zł | 300 zł |
How the adjustment visit works
- Inspection: we check whether the sash has dropped, where it scrapes and binds.
- Hardware check — hinges, running rollers (on sliders), locking cams.
- Adjusting the sash height and compression with an Allen key in the hinges.
- Setting even seal pressure around the whole perimeter.
- Checking smooth opening, closing and lock operation.
- Final paper-sheet test — does the seal hold along the full length.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Spraying hinges with WD-40 instead of proper grease — it attracts dust and worsens movement.
- Over-tightening everything, which strips the thread in the hardware.
- Ignoring scraping for months — the sash drops further and ruins the seal.
- Cleaning sliding tracks without removing sand first — rollers wear out faster.
- Trying to force an HS door that actually needs new rollers.
- Leaving the sash tilted open in the heat for long — the frame can warp slightly.
What to prepare before the technician arrives
- Provide access to the door from both sides (move furniture, pot plants).
- Remove curtains and blinds that block access to the hinges.
- Note when the problem started and in what weather it gets worse.
- If you have it, the window system name (often a sticker on the frame).
- Check the key works — sometimes the issue is the lock cylinder too.
- Clear coarse sand and leaves from the lower track (sliders).
- Allow 45–60 minutes of clear access to the door area.
- Tell us in advance if the sash is very heavy (HS) — we will come as a pair.
A case from Warsaw — Mokotów, a flat with a terrace
A client in Mokotów reported that her patio door ‘would not close fully and felt draughty’. On site the sash had dropped a few millimetres and was scraping the bottom threshold.
We adjusted the height and compression at the hinges, cleaned the strike plates and greased the hardware with the right lubricant. After adjustment the seal held evenly around the whole perimeter.
The visit took about 40 minutes, with no parts replaced. The door now closes smoothly in one motion. The takeaway: in 8 out of 10 sticking patio doors, adjustment is enough, not replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dropped patio door be adjusted without replacement?
Usually yes — sash height and compression are adjusted at the hinges. Replacement is only needed for worn rollers or cracked hardware.
Why do doors stick mainly in summer?
Heat and humidity make the material and seals move. A sash that worked fine in winter starts to scrape in summer.
How long does adjustment take?
Usually 30–60 minutes per door. HS doors and badly neglected hardware can take longer.
Do you adjust sliding and HS doors?
Yes — tilt-and-turn, PSK sliding and HS lift-and-slide. Heavy HS sashes are handled by two people.
What if the problem is a draught, not sticking?
First we increase seal compression. If the seal is hardened or cracked, we replace it.
Do I need to buy parts in advance?
No. We carry basic lubricants and common seals. Non-standard rollers are ordered for the specific system.
Do you travel outside the centre?
Yes, across all of Warsaw and nearby — Ursynów, Wola, Białołęka, Praga and beyond.
Do you fix squeaking and noise too?
Yes, usually it is a matter of greasing the hardware and adjusting — sorted on the spot.
How often should patio doors be adjusted?
Once a year as prevention, ideally before the season. Regular track cleaning greatly extends hardware life.
Do you issue an invoice?
Yes, we issue a VAT invoice for the service on request.
Who does the repair and how we work
Door adjustment and repair are carried out by experienced HandyMan24 technicians who work with various window systems across Warsaw every day. We arrive at the agreed time, quote upfront, work cleanly and tidy up after ourselves. Payment after the job, no deposits.
Is your patio door sticking or draughty? Leave a request online — we will come and adjust it in a single visit.