Don’t Replace Yet! When and How to Repair Windows and Doors

On occasion, replacing your windows and doors is not always necessary. With the current cost of living, our budgets are squeezed, and it’s not always feasible to have such a sizeable outgoing cost. Repairs are often cheaper than replacements, and sometimes, a repair may be all you need to get your windows and doors working properly.

Of course, repairs aren’t always viable or cost-effective, so it’s important to explore the issues with your existing windows and doors. An expert from a reputable firm will be able to advise on your best course of action.

In this post, we’ll examine some repair options that may extend the life of your windows or doors until you are able to replace them.

Read on to learn about some common issues to look out for when assessing whether you need to replace or repair windows and doors.

Faulty Window or Door Locks

If your windows or doors are sticking or it is a little difficult to engage the lock, they likely just need a replacement locking mechanism.

Issues with window or door hinges

If your window or door won’t close properly, there could be an issue with the hinges. If your door has dropped slightly and is catching the frame, the hinges likely need some adjustment to bring them back in line. Hinges can drop over time when the door is used often, and this is usually a quick and inexpensive repair.

Other issues with hinges include rusting, loose screws and worn-out bearings. These can all be addressed by a professional. In such cases, reach out to us and we’ll advise accordingly.

Repairing Handles on Doors and Windows

If your window or door won’t close properly, there could be a problem with the handle. If a window or door handle won’t turn, and there is no obvious obstruction, the mechanism could have an issue. It is quite common for handles to become stiff, start to stick or for the handle spindle to wear down over time and with frequent use. Most window and door handles can easily be replaced.

Repairing chips, cracks and scratches in windows and doors

Chips, cracks and scratches can occur in glass panes and frames. When possible, removing scratch damage and repairing damaged glass by filling cracked, chipped or shelled glass, is a cost-effective solution. This will need to be done by professionals, and the cost will depend on the extent of the damage. Feel free to seek our advice in such cases.

Minor damage to window and door frames, whether wooden, aluminium, or uPVC, can usually be touched up or repaired to an acceptable standard. However, if you have a lot of fading or significant chips, cracks or scratches, your frames will probably need to be replaced.

Replacing the Glass in Windows and Doors

If condensation is present between the panes of your glass, this means that the seals around your glass unit have failed, and the glass panes likely need to be replaced.

Glass is often easily replaced in uPVC windows and doors; you do not need to replace the entire window or door, which could reduce the cost. However, replacing the glass in newer, double- or triple-paned windows or doors is more complex and expensive than in single-paned units.

Replacing the Seals on Windows and Doors

Over time, seals around windows and doors compress and perish. Damaged window and door seals can lead to heat loss and cold air draughts.

If the silicone seals around your windows have deteriorated, you can usually just remove and replace them. However, this may not be possible if you are experiencing a loss of plaster or render.

There are many types of door and window seals available. It’s important to get an exact match to your existing seal, and having it fitted professionally will ensure a watertight, draught-proof solution.

Conservatory Roof Repairs

This one would need a full assessment, as there are many reasons why a roof needs repairs, from slipped panels to leaks. It would be difficult to determine whether a roof is repairable without carrying out a site visit. Please contact us to seek further advice.

In Conclusion

The issues mentioned in this post can often be repaired, which may be the most cost-effective option. However, it isn’t recommended that you carry out these repairs yourself. Special tools are often required, and attempting the repairs yourself could be dangerous and lead to further damage.

Here at Three Counties, we have a dedicated engineer who can attend to your property, carry out repairs, and assess the issues you are experiencing with your windows and doors. During their initial hour-long appointment, our engineer will try to make any repairs to get your windows and doors working as they should. We will let you know if further work is required and put together a bespoke quotation.