UPVC windows are the standard for energy efficiency and security in most UK homes. However, even the most durable frames eventually suffer from worn hinges, per...
Repairing your windows is significantly more cost-effective than a full replacement. Addressing issues like draughts and stiff handles early prevents heat loss and ensures your home remains secure against intruders.
What Does the Work Involve?
- Full Inspection: Assessing the frame, sash, and hardware to identify the root cause of draughts, leaks, or sticking.
- Hardware Replacement: Removing and replacing worn friction stays (hinges), handles, and "espag" locking bars.
- Seal Restoration: Stripping out perished rubber gaskets and installing new, weather-tight seals.
- Glass Unit Replacement: Swapping out "misted" or cracked double-glazed units without removing the entire frame.
- Toe and Heeling: Re-aligning the glass unit within the sash to prevent the window from "dropping" and catching on the frame.
- Lubrication and Cleaning: Clearing debris from drainage channels and lubricating all moving parts with silicone-based sprays.
Typical Costs
Most window repair costs are driven by labour and the specific type of hardware required. Prices in 2025/26 include VAT and reflect standard UK rates.
| Item | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call-out / Initial Assessment | £60 | £100 | Often deducted from the final bill if work proceeds. |
| Replacement Window Hinge (Pair) | £80 | £130 | Includes parts and labour for one window. |
| Replacement Handle | £45 | £85 | Price varies by security rating and finish. |
| Misted Glass Unit (Small/Medium) | £110 | £220 | Price depends on size and toughened glass requirements. |
| Locking Mechanism (Espag) | £90 | £160 | Full replacement of the internal gearbox and rods. |
| Full Window Reseal | £50 | £90 | Per window; includes internal and external gaskets. |
Several factors influence the final price, including the height of the window (scaffolding or ladders may be needed), the age of the UPVC profile, and your location in the UK, with London and the SE typically seeing 20% higher labour rates.
How Long Does It Take?
- Handle or Lock Replacement: 30 to 45 minutes per window.
- Hinge (Friction Stay) Replacement: 1 hour per sash, usually requiring two people for larger windows.
- Misted Glass Replacement: 45 minutes, though the unit must be measured and ordered 3-5 days in advance.
- Full House Service: 4 to 6 hours to lubricate, adjust, and reseal all windows in a standard 3-bedroom semi.
DIY or Professional?
While a confident DIYer can replace a simple window handle, most UPVC repairs require professional intervention. Replacing hinges or glass units involves handling heavy, fragile materials at height, which poses a significant safety risk.
Furthermore, incorrect "toe and heeling" of a glass unit can cause the frame to warp or the lock to jam permanently. Professionals ensure the window meets Part L of the UK Building Regulations regarding thermal efficiency and maintain any existing warranties on the frames.
Pro Tip: Never use WD-40 on UPVC window tracks or locks; it attracts grit and can degrade the plastic. Use a dedicated silicone lubricant or "3-in-1" oil instead.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
- Check Accreditations: Look for installers or repairers registered with FENSA, CERTASS, or the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation).
- Check Reviews: Specifically look for feedback regarding "repair" work rather than just "installations," as the skill sets differ.
- Red Flags: Be wary of tradespeople who insist a whole new window is needed for a simple misted pane or a broken hinge.
Questions to ask your window specialist:
- Do you offer a guarantee on the replacement glass units (standard is usually 5-10 years)?
- Are the replacement hinges fire-escape (egress) compliant?
- Is the replacement hardware "Secured by Design" accredited?
- Does the quote include the disposal of old glass and metal parts?
UK Regulations
- Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power): Replacement glass units should ideally match or exceed the thermal performance of the original unit.
- Part B (Fire Safety): If replacing hinges on a habitable room, they must often be "Egress" hinges to allow for emergency exit.
- Part K (Protection from Falling): Any glass replaced below 800mm from floor level (or 1500mm in doors) must be safety toughened glass.
Common Problems
- Misted Double Glazing: Caused by a breach in the unit's perimeter seal. The only fix is a new glass unit; "drilling and drying" is rarely a permanent solution.
- Dropped Sashes: The window catches on the bottom frame. This is usually fixed by adjusting the internal "packers" (toe and heeling) rather than the hinges.
- Whistling Draughts: Often caused by "flattened" gaskets or hinges that have pulled away from the frame. New hinges or thicker gaskets usually resolve this.
- Stiff Handles: Usually a sign that the internal gearbox is failing. Forcing the handle can snap the mechanism, locking the window shut permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix a misted window without replacing the glass?
No. Once the seal has blown and moisture is inside the unit, the desiccant is saturated. While some companies offer "moisture removal," the thermal efficiency is lost, and the fogging will eventually return. Replacing the glass unit is the only long-term fix.
Why is my UPVC window leaking when it rains?
This is usually caused by blocked drainage holes in the bottom of the frame. Open the window and look for the small slots in the track; if these are clogged with dirt, water will back up and leak into the house.
How do I know if my window hinges need replacing?
If there is a visible gap on the hinge side when the window is closed, or if you feel a draught despite the window being locked, the friction stays are likely bent or worn and require replacement.
Can I change my window handles to a different colour?
Yes. Most UPVC handles use a standard "spindle" size and fixing centres (usually 43mm). You can easily upgrade white handles to chrome, black, or gold to modernise the look of your home.
Is it worth repairing 20-year-old UPVC windows?
If the frames are structurally sound and not brittle or badly discoloured, repairing hardware and glass can add another 10 years of life. However, if the frames are warping, a full replacement is more cost-effective in the long run.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
