Timber - PVC - Aluminium - Windows, Doors & Conservatories in Hampshire
Comprehensive Window & Door Repair Guide: Simple DIY Fixes & Professional Service in Andover and Surrounding Areas
Comprehensive Window & Door Repair Guide: Simple DIY Fixes & Professional Service in Andover and Surrounding Areas
Category: Service & Repairs
Reading Time: 5 Minutes
📌 Key Takeaways: Window & Door Repairs
- Timing: Spring is the ideal time to repair damage from winter weather.
- Timber: Moisture and paint build-up are the main causes of sticking.
- uPVC/Aluminium: Dropped hinges are common but fixable with professional adjustment.
- Misted Glass: Failed seals reduce energy efficiency and usually require unit replacement.
⚠️ Is your conservatory too far gone?
If you are repairing windows in an old conservatory, check the structure first. Sometimes refurbishment is more cost-effective than constant repairs.
Autumn and winter take their toll on your property. Windows and doors are key in keeping the weather out. Coming out the other side, Spring is the perfect time to carry out window and door repairs, so that your home is secure and weatherproof when winter comes round again.
If you already have brand new PVC-U or aluminium windows, you can probably afford to sit back. But if you have older windows or doors, investing a little time now can save you a fortune in full replacements later.
Table of Contents
1. Quick Troubleshooter
Not sure what the problem is? Use our quick guide to identify common faults.
Diagnose Your Issue
Likely Cause
Swollen timber (paint/moisture) or dropped hinges (uPVC).
The Fix
Plane the wood edge or professionally adjust hinge screws.
Likely Cause
Failed thermal seal (“blown” unit).
The Fix
Replace the glass unit (frames can usually stay).
Likely Cause
Perished rubber gaskets or gaps in sealant.
The Fix
Replace gaskets or re-apply silicone mastic.
2. The Homeowner’s Repair Toolkit
Before you start, ensure you have the right tools. Unlike some guides, we won’t ask you to use dangerous glass cutters!
- 3-in-1 Oil: For stiff hinges (avoid WD40 for long-term lubrication).
- Graphite Powder: The only safe lubricant for key cylinders.
- Silicone Spray: For rubber gaskets to stop them sticking.
- Allen Keys & Screwdrivers: For adjusting hinge tension and alignment.
3. How to repair wooden windows and doors
As a natural material, older windows will move and, without treatment, deteriorate. This can include sticking, warping, the loosening of joints and the development of gaps around the frame.
How to fix sticking wooden windows
Sticking wooden windows are a common problem. This can be caused by swollen timber or the build-up of paint.
Paint Build-Up: If you haven’t stripped back old coats, the window won’t close. Remove the build-up using a hot-air gun or chemical paint stripper to create a 2mm clearance gap.
Moisture Swelling: If windows aren’t properly maintained, moisture from the UK climate causes expansion. You need to strip things back, expose the original wood, allow it to dry, and then re-paint with a microporous paint that lets the wood breathe.
Looking for a maintenance-free timber look?
We supply Stormproof timber windows from George Barnsdale. Or, consider Residence 9, a composite material that looks exactly like 19th-century timber but requires zero painting.
4. Window hinges have dropped
In newer energy-efficient uPVC windows and doors, dropped hinges tend to happen due to “settling” or the weight of the glass. The opening window sash catches on the bottom of the frame as you try to close it.
The Fix: This usually requires “Toe and Heeling”—a professional technique involving adjusting the glass packers inside the frame to brace the sash correctly. While you can adjust the hinge screws slightly with an Allen key, significant drops require a service engineer.
If your PVC or aluminium windows are catching, the cause is often lack of maintenance! Be careful not to over-lubricate, as this can attract dirt that grinds the mechanism.
5. How to fix gaps around a window frame
Gaps around a frame lead to draughts and moisture ingress. If gaps around windows are 10mm or less, remove any loose debris and cut away failed sealant. Re-apply new exterior-grade mastic using a cartridge gun.
Not sure if you have a gap? Close your window on a piece of paper. If you can pull the paper out easily without it tearing, your seal is not tight enough and the hinges may need replacing.
6. How to fix a window that’s misted on the inside
We get regular call-outs to misted double-glazed windows in Andover. If your insulated glazed units are misted, it means the thermal seal has failed and the Argon gas has escaped.
The Reality: Even if you “repair” the seal, the thermal efficiency is gone. More heat will escape from your home. It is much better in the long run to simply replace the glass unit with a new A-rated energy-efficient unit. You keep your existing frames, making it a cost-effective upgrade.
Need Professional Help in Hampshire?
In addition to supply, we provide a remedial repair and maintenance service with dedicated technicians on the road throughout Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Surrey.
📚 Related Guides
7. Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, we can replace just the glass unit (the double glazing) without removing the frame. This is much cheaper and faster than a full replacement. However, if the frame itself is rotten (timber) or warped beyond adjustment, a full replacement might be necessary.
Yes. Our remedial repair service covers most window and door systems, regardless of who originally installed them. We operate throughout Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Surrey.
This is usually due to door “drop” (the door sash has become misaligned with the frame) or a lack of lubrication in the locking mechanism. A service engineer can usually adjust the hinges to realign the door and get it working smoothly again.
Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
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