Guide · Repairs
Repair or replace? How to decide on doors and windows
If the frame and glass are sound and the fault is hardware or seals, repair usually wins on value. When the frame has corroded or the unit has failed, replacement makes more sense.
The quick rule of thumb
Most day-to-day faults, a dropped door, a spinning handle, a lock that misses, worn rollers, perished seals, a jammed tilt-and-turn, are hardware or alignment, and repairing them is far cheaper than replacement. Replacement earns its keep when the frame itself has failed (corroded, bent, badly leaking beyond seals) or the glass unit has blown and you want an upgrade at the same time.
Signs that point to repair
- The frame is straight and sound; only the hardware is worn.
- The problem is a single symptom, a drop, a stick, a leak at one seal.
- The door or window is otherwise the style and size you want.
Signs that point to replacement
- The frame is corroded, distorted or leaking through the frame itself.
- Multiple units are failing and you want better glass or a new look.
- You are renovating the space anyway and want to change size or style.
How we help you decide
We are straight about which case you are in, we would rather do a small honest repair than sell an unnecessary replacement. Run the repair-or-replace guide, or send photos via the repairs hub, and we will tell you which way it points before any visit.