The Problem

Is Your Window Stuck, Stiff or Not Closing Properly?

A window that won't open or close properly is more than an inconvenience. It's a ventilation problem, a potential fire escape issue and in winter a source of heat loss and draughts.

The causes vary widely — seized hinges, dropped sashes, paint bridging the frame, swollen gaskets or a failed friction stay. Getting the diagnosis right is everything. Force the wrong thing and you risk cracking the glass or damaging the frame.

We always diagnose before we fix. You get a clear explanation of the problem and a firm price before we start any work.

Diagnosis

Common Causes We Diagnose & Fix

Seized or Stiff Friction Stay

The hinge arm on a casement window controls how far it opens and holds it in position. Over time the friction mechanism seizes — the window becomes impossible to open or slams shut on its own. Often resolved with lubrication and adjustment, sometimes needs replacing.

Dropped Sash

When a hinge fails or works loose the sash drops — the opening part of the window sits lower than it should, preventing it from closing and locking properly. Usually a hinge replacement or adjustment.

Paint or Filler Bridging the Frame

Very common on older properties where windows have been painted over repeatedly. The gap between sash and frame becomes sealed. We score the paint line and free the window without damage.

Swollen or Damaged Gasket

The rubber seal around the sash can swell, harden or deform over time — causing the window to bind in the frame. We replace the affected gasket section.

Misaligned Multipoint Lock

If the shoot bolts don't align with the keeps in the frame the window won't lock even if it closes. Often caused by a dropped sash — fix the sash, fix the lock.

Frame Distortion

In some cases the uPVC frame itself has moved slightly — common in older properties or where structural movement has occurred. We assess honestly and advise on the best solution.

Don't Force It

The single most common mistake with a stuck window is forcing it — levering the frame, hitting it with a mallet or repeatedly yanking the handle. This risks cracking the glass, snapping the handle, marking the frame or making a straightforward repair significantly more complicated and expensive. If your window is stuck, leave it alone and call us. Nine times out of ten it's a simple fix when approached correctly.

The Process

How We Fix Your Stuck Window

1

Send Us a Photo & Description

WhatsApp us a photo and tell us what it's doing — won't open, won't close, feels loose, letting in a draught. The more detail the better. We'll come back with an initial assessment and estimated price.

2

We Come and Diagnose

We visit and properly diagnose the fault before touching anything. We'll explain exactly what's causing the problem and confirm the price to fix it.

3

Fixed Properly

We fix the root cause — not just the symptom. If the window needs a new friction stay we fit one. If it needs alignment we adjust it. If it needs a new gasket we replace it.

4

Tested and Guaranteed

We test the window through its full range before we leave — opens, closes, locks. All work is guaranteed for 10 years.

Pricing

Typical Prices for Stuck Window Repairs

Job Type Typical Price
Free stuck window — no parts needed £75 – £120
Friction stay replacement £90 – £130
Sash alignment and adjustment £75 – £110
Gasket replacement per window £55 – £80
Full hinge and alignment overhaul £120 – £160

All prices confirmed before work starts. No hidden charges.

Landlords

Fire Safety & Ventilation

Compliance matters for rental properties

Building regulations require that habitable rooms have openable windows for ventilation and emergency escape. A window that cannot be opened is not just inconvenient — in a rental property it can represent a compliance issue. If you're a landlord or letting agent with windows that tenants have reported as stuck or difficult to open, get in touch. We can assess and report across an entire portfolio quickly and efficiently.

Talk to Us About Your Portfolio

FAQs

Common Questions

Usually yes. Long term stuck windows often just have seized hinges or paint bridging — both straightforward to address when approached correctly.
Not usually. Most stuck window repairs are hardware or frame issues that don't require the glass to come out.
Usually a dropped sash causing the shoot bolts to miss the keeps. Fix the sash alignment and the lock usually follows. We diagnose both together.
For seized hinges, paint bridging and minor alignment issues yes — no parts needed. For friction stay replacements we may need to order the correct stay but turnaround is fast.
The friction on the stay has gone. It either needs adjustment or replacement. A common and straightforward fix.

Tested Before We Leave, Guaranteed for 10 Years

We test every window through its full range of movement before we pack up — opens, closes, locks, holds position. Parts supplied and fitted carry a 1 year guarantee. Any glass units we supply carry a 10 year guarantee. If anything fails within the relevant period we'll return and fix it at no charge.

Coverage

Stuck Window Repairs Across Sussex & Surrey

We fix stuck and stiff windows across the whole of our coverage area including:

Worthing Brighton Hove Shoreham Lancing Littlehampton Chichester Bognor Regis Crawley Horsham Burgess Hill Haywards Heath Guildford Dorking Reigate

Not sure if we cover your area? Just ask.