Coal bunker repair in Exeter
Professional coal bunker repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Coal and solid fuel bunkers repaired across rural Devon. Lids fixed, hinges replaced, walls sealed. Keep your winter fuel dry and ready to use.
Don't Store Wet Fuel
Wet coal or logs are worse than useless - they won't burn properly, create more smoke, and you've wasted money on fuel you can't use. A working bunker lid makes all the difference.
💡 Pro tip: If your bunker lid keeps blowing off in wind, add a proper catch or bolt. Easier than chasing it across the yard every time there's a storm.
What Makes a Good Fuel Bunker?
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Watertight lid that seals | Lid rotten or missing |
| Working hinges and catches | Hinges rusted, won't stay closed |
| Solid walls, no cracks | Rain getting in through gaps |
| Raised or drained floor | Fuel sitting in water |
What You Get
🔧 Bunker Restoration
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assess | Check lid, hinges, structure, drainage |
| Repair | Fix or replace damaged parts |
| Seal | Make it watertight |
| Test | Make sure lid closes and stays shut |
📦 You're Left With
- Dry fuel storage
- Working lid and catches
- Weather-tight structure
- Years more use
Pricing Guide
| Work Required | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lid repair or hinge replacement | 1 hr | £60 |
| Lid replacement + repairs | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Structural repairs + lid | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Materials additional.
Perfect For Your Rural Property If...
✅ Broken lid - rotten, split, or missing
✅ Rusty hinges - won't open/close properly
✅ Leaking walls - rain getting in
✅ Blown off - lid won't stay shut in wind
Why Choose Us for Coal bunker repair in Exeter?
Lids repaired or replaced
Hinges and fastenings fixed
Walls and floors sealed
Fuel stays dry and usable
What to Expect
Step 1: Check What's Needed
I'll assess the lid, hinges, structure, and drainage. Work out what needs repairing versus replacing.
Step 2: Repair or Replace
Fit new hinges, repair or replace lid, seal any cracks. Use exterior-grade materials that'll handle the weather.
Step 3: Test & Adjust
Make sure the lid opens easily, closes properly, and stays shut. Should be watertight when closed.
🔧 DIY Tips
Planning to fix your own coal bunker? Here's how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill and bits
- Saw (for timber lids)
- Screwdriver and spanners
- Exterior wood treatment or paint
- Galvanised hinges and fixings
🪛 Common repairs
Replacing hinges:
- Support lid before removing old hinges
- Clean mounting area
- Fit new galvanised hinges (not indoor ones)
- Check lid opens and closes smoothly
- Add catch or bolt to keep it shut
Repairing timber lid:
- Sand down rotten areas
- Treat bare wood with preservative
- Replace badly rotted sections
- Paint with exterior paint or oil
- Check it still sits flat when closed
Sealing cracks:
- Clean out loose material
- Fill with exterior-grade filler or mortar
- Seal with waterproof sealant
- Paint if needed for UV protection
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Using indoor hinges that rust immediately
- Not treating cut timber ends
- Skimping on sealant around the lid edge
- Forgetting to add a catch (lid blows open)
- Using untreated timber for repairs
💡 Pro trick: If your lid is beyond repair, marine plywood makes a great replacement. It's waterproof, strong, and much cheaper than buying a new bunker. Cut to size, treat the edges, hinge it properly, and it'll last years.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🪵 Storing logs too? If you're using the bunker for logs rather than coal, make sure it's got ventilation. Logs need air circulation to season - completely sealed isn't what you want.
Plastic vs timber vs block - Block-built bunkers last longest but crack over time. Timber needs treatment but is easy to repair. Plastic is maintenance-free until it cracks, then you're replacing it.
Position matters - If your bunker is under trees, it'll get more moisture and algae. Not much you can do about position now, but clean it annually and treat timber more often.
Alternative use - If you've stopped burning solid fuel, a repaired bunker makes excellent storage for garden tools, kindling, or general outdoor stuff. Worth fixing even if you don't need it for fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually goes wrong with coal bunkers?
Lids rot or blow off, hinges rust through, and walls crack letting rain in. If you're storing coal or logs, wet fuel is useless fuel. Most bunkers are 20-30 years old and showing their age - fixable though.
Can you repair plastic coal bunkers?
Depends what's wrong. Cracked plastic is hard to fix permanently - usually better to replace. But if it's just hinges, catches, or the lid, those can be sorted easily enough.
Is it worth repairing an old coal bunker?
Usually yes, especially block-built or timber ones. A new lid and some repairs costs far less than a new bunker. If the structure's sound, it's worth fixing.
Do I need to empty the bunker first?
Depends on the repair. Fixing a lid or hinges, no. Repairing the base or walls, yes - you'll need to shift the fuel temporarily. I'll let you know what needs doing.
How long will the repair last?
Using proper exterior materials and galvanised fixings, repairs should last 10+ years. The key is keeping water out - that's what damages everything in the end.
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