We repair double glazing and doors in Widnes, WA8, in the borough of Halton. Homes here are largely terraces and post-war and later estates, many with uPVC windows and doors that have been in place for years. Rather than replacing whole windows, we replace failed glass units in the existing frames and repair locks, hinges, handles and seals, with a written quote after we have looked.
Repair or replace – which makes sense?
When a window or door starts to fail, it is easy to assume it needs replacing. Often it does not. A uPVC frame that is square, uncracked and sitting firmly in the wall can usually be brought back with the right parts. The question we ask at every visit is simple: is the frame sound? If it is, these repairs are usually the better route:
- A new sealed unit for misted or cracked glass, made to measure for the existing frame.
- New friction-stay hinges where a sash has dropped.
- A replacement gearbox or cylinder where a door lock is worn.
- Fresh gaskets and seals where draughts or leaks have started.
Replacing glazing only, without the frame, is not controlled under Building Regulations in England, whereas a full window replacement is. If a frame is genuinely beyond repair, we will tell you, but we do not fit new windows ourselves.
Doors that drop, stick and stop locking
On terraced streets the front door opens straight onto the pavement and sees heavy use. Over time uPVC doors drop on their hinges, keeps move and the multipoint lock has to be forced. That is when gearboxes break. We realign the door, adjust or replace hinges and keeps, and replace worn locking parts. Our uPVC door repair page explains this in more detail.
Landlords, tenants and sellers
Widnes has a good share of rented homes and steady sales, and we often hear from landlords who want misted units, sticking locks and broken handles dealt with before a tenancy changes or a property goes on the market. We can look at several windows and doors in one visit and quote for each item, so you can choose what to do now. A stiff or snapped handle is usually a quick swap – see window handle replacement.
Whether a repair satisfies an agent, surveyor or insurer is their decision. If you are a tenant, check your tenancy agreement and speak to your landlord or agent before arranging repairs.
Broken glass
Accidents happen. If a pane cracks or shatters, keep people away and leave loose shards in place. We can make the window safe with boarding or temporary glazing and then fit the replacement once it is made. If the broken pane is in a door or low down, the new unit must be toughened or laminated safety glass. More on our broken window glass replacement page.
Steps from call to finished repair
- Phone call: what is wrong, which window or door, frame material and age.
- Photos if helpful, especially of lock cylinders or marks on the spacer bar.
- Visit to inspect and measure, followed by a written quote.
- Repair: hardware often on the first visit, glass units at a second visit once made.
- Final check that everything opens, closes and locks properly.
Around Widnes
We also work in Halewood and Speke on the Liverpool side, and north to St Helens. Visit our homepage for window and door repairs in Liverpool and beyond.
Get your Widnes windows and doors working again
Call 07777 659786 and describe the problem, or send your details through the form. We will call back and arrange a time to visit. Find out more about our repairs to existing double glazing.
Frequently asked questions
Do you cover Widnes even though it is in Halton, not Merseyside?
Yes. Widnes, WA8, is part of our regular area alongside the Merseyside boroughs. Give us a call with your address and a short description of the problem, and we will arrange a visit.
Can you sort out windows and doors before a rental inspection?
We can look at misted units, faulty locks, broken handles and draughty seals and quote to repair them. We cannot say whether the work will satisfy a particular inspection – that is for the inspector or agent – and responsibilities between landlord and tenant depend on the tenancy agreement.
Is it cheaper to repair a window than replace it?
A single new glass unit or a set of hinges is usually far less work than a whole new window, and glass-only replacement does not need Building Regulations approval. We cannot give prices without seeing the window, but our cost guide lists national guide figures for common repairs.
A window pane has cracked. What should I do first?
Keep people and pets away from the glass and do not pull loose pieces out of the frame. If the window cannot be secured, call us – we can make it safe with boarding or temporary glazing, then fit a made-to-measure replacement unit once it is ready.
Can a stiff window handle be replaced on its own?
Often, yes. Many uPVC window handles are a standard fitting and can be changed without touching the locking gear. If the handle is stiff because the espagnolette mechanism is worn or the sash has dropped, we fix that at the same time.