Window repair in Exeter

Professional window repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.

Price Guide

£60-£160

Typical Duration

1-3 hrs

Location

Exeter, Devon

Windows repaired properly so they actually work - sash cords replaced, catches fixed, frames patched, draughts sealed. Older Exeter homes need this stuff doing right.

Keep Your Original Windows Working

Here's the thing about old windows: they're repairable.

Modern throw-away culture says replace them. But traditional timber windows were built to last centuries - they just need maintaining. Sash cords wear out. Catches break. Frames get a bit of rot. All fixable.

💡 Pro tip: Original sash windows in period Exeter properties add serious value. Repair them properly and they'll outlast most modern replacements while keeping the character that makes your house special.

Common Window Repairs

Problem	Fix	Typical Time
Sash won't stay up	Replace sash cords	2-3 hrs per window - £110-£160
Broken catch/fastener	Replace catch	30 mins - £60
Loose or broken stay	Replace stay	30-60 mins - £60
Draughty gaps	Draught-proof system	1-2 hrs per window - £60-£110
Minor frame rot	Cut out rot, fill/splice repair	1-2 hrs - £60-£110
Glazing putty failing	Re-putty panes	1-2 hrs per window - £60-£110

Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.

Why Repair Rather Than Replace?

Character - original windows are part of your house's charm

Cost - repairs cost a fraction of replacement

Environment - keeping timber windows is far greener than UPVC

Value - original features add value to period properties

Planning - listed buildings often require you to keep original windows

Sash Window Repairs

Sash windows are brilliant when they work and frustrating when they don't.

Common issues I fix:

Broken sash cords (window won't stay up)
Painted shut (can't open at all)
Draughty (gaps everywhere, rattles in wind)
Catches broken or missing
Bottom rail rot (where water sits)

Most are fixable in an afternoon per window.

Perfect For Your Project If...

✅ Sash won't stay up - needs sash cord replacement

✅ Catch is broken - window won't fasten properly

✅ Draughts everywhere - gaps need sealing, brush seals fitting

✅ Period house - keeping original features properly maintained

Why Choose Us for Window repair in Exeter?

Windows opening and closing smoothly

Broken parts replaced properly

Draughts reduced or eliminated

Original features kept where possible

What to Expect

Step 1: Assessment

I'll look at what's wrong, test the operation, check for rot or damage. Often it's obvious (broken cord, missing catch), sometimes needs investigation.

Step 2: Repair Work

Parts replaced or repaired on-site where possible. Sash cord replacement means partly dismantling the window to access the weight pockets - takes time but it's the only proper way.

Step 3: Test & Finish

Window tested for smooth operation, catches adjusted, any final tweaks done. You'll see it working as it should before I leave.

🔧 DIY Tips

Some window repairs are doable yourself:

🔧 Easy DIY jobs:

Replacing catches (2 screws usually)
Replacing stays (few screws, straightforward)
Re-puttying loose panes (messy but simple)
Oiling hinges and mechanisms

🔧 Advanced DIY (proceed with caution):

Sash cord replacement (fiddly, needs patience)
Frame rot repair (needs wood skills)
Draught-proofing systems (precision matters)

📐 Replacing a window catch

Remove old catch (usually 2 screws)
Clean the area
Position new catch to line up with keep
Screw in place (not too tight on old frames)
Test operation, adjust if needed

⚠️ Common DIY mistakes

Overtightening screws in old timber (splits the wood)
Using modern gloss paint on sash windows (glues them shut)
Not replacing both sash cords (the other one breaks next week)
Forcing stuck windows (breaks the glass or frame)

💡 Pro trick: When freeing painted-shut windows, use a window zip or blunt knife to cut the paint seal all round first. Don't just force them open or something will break.

Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.

Good to Know

🏛️ Period properties: Victorian and Edwardian houses in Exeter were built with quality timber windows designed to last. Keep them maintained and they'll outlast you.

Multiple windows? Book them together. Setup time on sash cord replacement is significant - doing several windows in one visit makes economic sense.

Conservation areas? Some Exeter areas have restrictions on window replacement. Repairing originals is usually fine (and cheaper anyway).

Draught-proofing? If I'm doing other window repairs, it's a good time to add brush seals and draught-proofing systems. Makes a massive difference to heat loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you actually repair on old windows?

Sash cords, catches, stays, hinges, frames, seals, glazing putty - basically anything except the glass itself. Most traditional windows are designed to be repaired rather than replaced.

My sash window won't stay up - is that fixable?

Yes - that's usually broken sash cords. I replace both cords (even if only one has snapped - the other's not far behind). Window will work like new, staying wherever you put it.

Can you repair wooden frames or just replace them?

Most wooden frame rot can be repaired with wood filler or spliced-in new timber. Full replacement is rarely needed unless the rot is extensive. Repair is almost always cheaper.

Will repaired windows be as good as new ones?

For operation and function, yes. Properly repaired sash windows work beautifully. For energy efficiency, old single-glazed windows will never match modern double glazing - but draught-proofing helps massively.

How long do window repairs take?

Depends what's wrong. Replacing a catch or stay is 30 minutes. Sash cord replacement is 2-3 hours per window because you have to partly dismantle it. I'll estimate once I've seen it.

Window repair Also Available In:

ExeterExmouth Crediton Tiverton Dawlish Teignmouth Newton Abbot Sidmouth Honiton Ottery St Mary

Get a Free Quote in Exeter

Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your window repair job in Exeter.

01392 964094 Request Online Quote

Our Rates

Minimum charge£60

Includes callout + first hour

Additional time£50/hr

This Job£60-£160

Got multiple jobs?

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!

Why Trust Us

Fully Insured

Local Exeter Business

30 Mile Coverage

No Hidden Costs

Need Window repair in Exeter?

Get a free quote for your window repair job in Exeter today.

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