Pop hole repair in Ottery St Mary
Looking for professional pop hole repair help in Ottery St Mary? Hembury Contracting provides reliable rural services across Ottery St Mary and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
30-60 mins
Location
Ottery St Mary
Pop hole doors repaired - sticking doors freed up, broken runners replaced, mechanisms working smoothly again. Your chickens can get in and out without drama.
### A Wonky Pop Hole Is More Than Annoying
If your pop hole **sticks, won't close properly, or has fallen off its runners**, it's not just inconvenient - it's a security risk. Chickens need to get in at dusk, and the door needs to close properly to keep foxes out overnight.
> 💡 **Pro tip:** Pop holes take a beating from weather and chickens pushing through. Quick repairs when things start sticking saves bigger problems later. Don't wait until the door falls apart.
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### Common Pop Hole Problems
| Problem | Likely Cause | Typical Fix | |---------|--------------|-------------| | **Sticking or binding** | Swollen wood, dirty tracks | Clean runners, plane door edges | | **Fallen off track** | Loose runners, warped door | Refit runners, straighten door | | **Won't stay closed** | Catch broken, frame shifted | Replace catch, realign frame | | **Rotten wood** | Weather damage | Replace affected timber | | **Auto door failed** | Battery, sensor, or mechanism | Repair or replace opener unit |
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### What You Get
**🔧 Typical Repairs**
| Type | What's Done | |------|-------------| | **Sliding door** | Clean tracks, lubricate, plane swollen wood | | **Runners** | Tighten loose ones, replace damaged tracks | | **Door itself** | Straighten warped door or replace if rotten | | **Catches** | Fix or replace latches and locks | | **Auto mechanisms** | Repair faulty openers or install new ones |
**📦 You're Left With** - Door that slides smoothly - Closes properly for security - No more fighting with it twice daily - Chickens safely shut in at night
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### Pricing Guide
| Repair Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay | |-------------|----------------|------------| | Clean and adjust, minor fixes | 30-45 mins | **£60** | | Replace runners or door | 45-60 mins | **£60-£85** | | Fit auto opener to existing door | 1-1.5 hrs | **£85** |
*Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Add materials if supplying new runners, door, or automatic opener unit.*
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### Worth Fixing If...
✅ **Frame is sound** - just door or mechanisms need attention
✅ **Simple problem** - sticking, loose runners, broken catch
✅ **Coop otherwise good** - not worth new pop hole if whole coop is failing
Why Choose Us for Pop hole repair in Ottery St Mary?
Door slides smooth again
Runners and tracks repaired or replaced
Auto door mechanisms fixed
Weatherproofing restored
What to Expect
### Step 1: Check What's Wrong I'll look at how the door's sticking or what's broken. Sometimes it's obvious (door fell off), sometimes you need to watch it opening and closing to see the problem. Quick diagnosis usually. ### Step 2: Source Parts If Needed If you need new runners, a replacement door, or an auto opener, I'll advise what fits your setup. Most pop holes are fairly standard sizes but custom coops can be awkward. ### Step 3: Fix It Clean and lubricate runners, plane down swollen door edges, replace broken bits, get everything running smoothly. Test it several times to make sure it's working properly before I leave.
Our Ottery St Mary Service Coverage
We cover Ottery St Mary and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Ottery St Mary or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
> 🐔 **Automatic openers:** If you're constantly forgetting to shut chickens in or not getting home before dusk, auto pop hole doors are worth every penny. Light-sensor ones are better than timers - they adapt to changing daylight hours automatically. **Weather swelling:** Wooden pop hole doors swell and shrink with humidity. They might work perfectly in summer and stick badly in wet winter. A bit of clearance and regular planing helps. **Fox-proof:** Make sure repaired doors actually close properly and latch securely. Foxes can push open doors that don't latch tight. Test the catch under pressure. **Regular maintenance:** A quick clean and lubricate every few months stops most pop hole problems before they start. Takes two minutes. **Upgrade option:** If your pop hole is constantly causing problems, consider replacing with a better quality one or fitting an automatic opener. Sometimes ongoing hassle costs more than fixing it properly once.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pop hole repair in Ottery St Mary
My pop hole door is sticking badly - what's usually wrong?
Usually the runners are dirty, damaged, or the door has swollen from weather. Sometimes the whole frame has shifted. I'll clean tracks, plane down swollen edges, or replace damaged runners. Most sticky doors can be fixed in under an hour.
Can you fit an automatic pop hole door?
Yes - either retrofit an auto opener to your existing door or fit a whole new automatic pop hole kit. Auto doors are brilliant - timed or light-sensor closing means your chickens are shut in safely before dusk even if you're not home.
The pop hole door fell off its track - is it fixable?
Usually yes. Either the runners have come loose or the door's warped and jumped the track. Refit the runners properly, straighten or replace the door if it's twisted, make sure everything runs true. Should be a straightforward fix.
Should I replace the whole pop hole or just repair it?
Depends on the damage. If it's just the door or runners that need fixing, repair is much cheaper and quicker. If the whole frame is rotten or the opening is the wrong size, replacement might make more sense. I'll be straight about what's worth doing.
How long do pop hole repairs take?
Most repairs are 30-60 minutes. Cleaning and adjusting runners, planing a swollen door, or replacing simple hardware is quick work. Fitting an automatic opener or dealing with rotten framework takes longer.
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01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Ottery St Mary
* Same rates for all locations in our service area
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Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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