FAULTNEST DOORS & WINDOWS
Door & Window Repair Guides
Fix common problems involving sticking doors, loose hinges, locks, handles, draughts, seals, window mechanisms and glazing.
Treat damaged glazing and security faults carefully
Cracked glass, failed security locks, heavy doors and overhead garage mechanisms can cause injury. Support heavy components and use a specialist where required.
Read FaultNest safety guidance →BROWSE GUIDES
Choose the problem
Open the section that matches the fault, then choose the individual troubleshooting guide.
Door alignment and movement Sticking, dragging, rattling and closing faults.
Door Won’t Close Properly
Check hinges, swelling, frame movement and latch alignment.
Door Sticking
Find rubbing points and seasonal movement.
Door Dragging on Floor
Adjust hinges or trim safely.
Door Keeps Opening by Itself
Check frame level and hinge alignment.
Door Keeps Closing by Itself
Correct hinge and frame alignment.
Door Rattles When Closed
Adjust the strike plate and seals.
Uneven Gap Around Door
Check hinge screws and frame shape.
Swollen Wooden Door
Dry, adjust and protect the timber.
Locks and handles Stiff locks, loose handles and latch faults.
Door Handle Loose
Tighten fixings and inspect spindle wear.
Door Handle Not Springing Back
Check spring cassette and latch.
Door Lock Stiff
Clean, align and lubricate correctly.
Key Won’t Turn in Lock
Check key wear, alignment and cylinder faults.
Door Latch Not Catching
Adjust the strike plate and hinges.
uPVC Door Won’t Lock
Check alignment, keeps and multipoint mechanism.
uPVC Door Handle Loose
Inspect screws, spindle and gearbox.
Lock Cylinder Spinning
Recognise failed cam or retaining screw.
Window opening faults Stuck windows, loose handles and failed hinges.
Window Won’t Open
Check locks, paint, swelling and mechanisms.
Window Won’t Close
Inspect hinges, alignment and locking points.
uPVC Window Handle Not Working
Check spindle and gearbox.
Window Hinge Dropped
Assess friction hinges and alignment.
Window Stuck Shut
Release safely without damaging the frame.
Window Keeps Falling Open
Check stays, hinges and balances.
Sash Window Won’t Stay Open
Inspect cords, balances and weights.
Window Lock Broken
Identify mechanism and replacement options.
Draughts and seals Cold air, failed gaskets and poor compression.
Draught Around a Door
Find gaps and improve seals.
Draught Around a Window
Check gaskets, hinges and frame seals.
uPVC Window Not Sealing
Adjust keeps and replace gaskets.
Door Seal Coming Off
Clean and refit or replace the seal.
Window Rubber Seal Shrunk
Assess gasket replacement.
Cold Air Through Keyhole
Fit a cover without affecting lock use.
Gap Under Door
Choose threshold, brush or drop seal.
Water Coming Under Door
Check threshold, drainage and external levels.
Glass and sealed units Condensation, cracks and failed double glazing.
Condensation Between Window Panes
Recognise a failed sealed unit.
Double Glazing Misted
Understand replacement options.
Window Glass Cracked
Make safe and assess urgency.
Window Pane Rattling
Check beads, packers and putty.
Draught From Double Glazing
Inspect seals, hinges and frame fitting.
Water Inside Window Frame
Check drainage slots and seals.
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