Window & door repairs in Newcastle

A lot of window and door problems look worse than they are. A door that has started to catch on the frame, a window that will not lock or a pane that has gone cloudy can usually be put right without replacing the whole thing. Our window and door repairs service covers uPVC and aluminium windows and doors across Newcastle and Tyneside, whoever fitted them originally.

Below we go through the faults we see most often, what causes them and how we fix them. We also explain how we decide whether repair or replacement is the better value, because sometimes it honestly is not worth spending money on an old frame.

Misted double glazing: what has happened and how we fix it

When you see moisture or a milky haze between the two panes of a double-glazed unit, the seal around the edge of the unit has failed. Damp air has got into the gap, and the gas fill that helped with insulation has escaped. You cannot clean it from either side, and it will not go away.

The good news is that the frame is usually fine. We measure the unit, have a new one made to the exact size, and then swap it into the existing frame. The new unit can often be specified with better glass than the original, such as a modern Low-E coating, toughened safety glass or obscure glass for a bathroom.

Doors that drop, stick or will not lock

This is one of the most common faults we see. Over time a door can drop slightly on its hinges, especially heavy composite doors and doors that get slammed. Once it drops, the hooks and bolts of the multi-point lock no longer line up with the keeps in the frame. You find yourself lifting the handle harder or pushing the door to turn the key.

Why it matters

Forcing a stiff lock puts strain on the gearbox, the mechanism inside the door that drives all the locking points. If the gearbox breaks, the door can jam shut or refuse to lock at all.

How we fix it

Most doors can be realigned by adjusting the hinges and keeps. If the gearbox or the whole multi-point lock has worn out, we replace it with a matching or compatible mechanism. If your door is getting stiff, it is far cheaper to have it adjusted now than to wait until it fails.

Window hinges, handles and locks

Casement windows open on friction hinges, sometimes called friction stays. These wear over time, and the window may start to drop, rub on the frame or refuse to stay open in the wind. On exposed homes near the coast, salt can corrode hinges and speed this up. Replacing the hinges is quick and makes the window work like new.

Handles break, espagnolette locking bars wear, and keys go missing. We can replace handles, fit locking handles where you want extra security, and replace the locking mechanism inside the sash. On upstairs windows that serve as fire escape routes, we make sure any replacement hinges still allow the window to open wide enough.

Draughts, leaks and worn seals

uPVC and aluminium windows and doors seal against rubber gaskets. After years of sun, frost and use, these gaskets shrink, harden or come out of their grooves, and draughts creep in. We can replace them, which is a simple job that makes a room noticeably more comfortable.

Leaks often have a different cause. Blocked drainage slots in the bottom of a frame can let water build up and spill inside, which is common on sliding doors and bi-folds. Failed sealant around the outside of the frame is another culprit. We will find the source and fix that, rather than just dealing with the symptom.

Upgrading security on older doors

Many uPVC and composite doors fitted before anti-snap cylinders became common still have the original standard cylinder. These can be vulnerable to lock snapping. Replacing the cylinder with an anti-snap one is a quick job that greatly improves security, and it is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to any door.

We can also fit locking window handles, upgrade letterplates and add door chains or restrictors. If you have just moved into a house and do not know who has keys, a new cylinder is worth doing anyway.

Repair or replace: how we decide

We will always give you an honest view. As a general rule, repair makes sense when:

• the frame is straight, sound and not discoloured;
• parts are still available for the window or door system;
• the fault is limited to glass, hardware or seals.

Replacement usually makes more sense when frames are warped, split or badly discoloured, when several units have failed at once, or when the windows are so old that even new glass would leave them well short of modern energy performance. In that case, new uPVC windows or a replacement composite door may cost less over time than repeated repairs. We will explain why if that is our advice, and the choice is always yours.

Arranging a repair

The quickest way to get a repair sorted is to send us a description of the problem along with a few photos through the quote form or by email at [email protected]. A close-up of any markings on the edge of the glass unit or the lock faceplate can help us identify parts in advance. A wider photo of the window or door shows us the style and system.

Parts availability varies by manufacturer, and some older systems are no longer made. Where an exact match is not available, we look for a compatible part that fits properly. We will let you know what we have found before any work starts, and you will get a clear, itemised quote.

For more general questions, see our FAQs, or use the quote form to ask for a visit.