Simple Checks to Keep Doors and Windows Working

Why a Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Modern uPVC windows and doors are built to last, and most homeowners rightly expect decades of trouble-free service from them. What many people don't realise is that a handful of simple checks, carried out once or twice a year, can be the difference between smooth operation and a costly repair bill. The good news is that you don't need specialist tools or technical knowledge. A cloth, a can of silicone lubricant and ten minutes of your time are usually enough to keep everything moving as it should.

Doors and windows work hard. They face rain, wind, temperature swings and constant use, and small problems tend to develop quietly. A hinge that stiffens up, a drainage slot that clogs with debris or a handle that works loose will rarely announce itself until something stops working altogether. By then, water may have found its way inside, or a mechanism may have worn out completely. Catching these issues early is far cheaper and far less stressful than dealing with the consequences later.

Lubricate Hinges and Moving Parts

Hinges take the weight of every window and door in your home, so it's no surprise they are often the first components to complain. If a window feels stiff when you open it, or a door needs an extra shove to close, dry or worn hinges are usually to blame. The fix is refreshingly straightforward.

• Wipe away any dust, grit or old grease from the hinge with a damp cloth before you start.
• Apply a small amount of silicone spray or a light machine oil to the moving parts. Avoid heavy household grease, which attracts dirt.
• Open and close the window or door several times so the lubricant works its way into the mechanism.
• Wipe off any excess so it doesn't drip onto frames or flooring.

As a rule of thumb, lubricating hinges twice a year, perhaps in spring and autumn, keeps them working quietly and smoothly. If your home is close to the coast, where salt in the air speeds up corrosion, you may want to do this a little more often.

Tighten Handles and Check the Locking Mechanism

A wobbly handle is more than a minor annoyance. Left alone, it can work loose to the point where it no longer engages the locking points properly, which affects both security and weather sealing. Fortunately, it's one of the easiest jobs to put right.

Check every handle on your windows and doors by giving it a gentle wiggle. If there's movement, the fixing screws are usually the culprit. Tighten them with a screwdriver, taking care not to overtighten and strip the thread. If a screw keeps coming loose or the hole has worn, a slightly longer screw or a small amount of wood filler in the hole can restore a firm fixing.

While you're there, test the locking mechanism itself. Turn the key or handle and listen for the multipoint locks engaging. If a door or window has become difficult to lock, it often means the frame has shifted slightly or the hinges need adjusting rather than anything more serious. Addressing this early prevents the mechanism from wearing out, and it keeps your home properly secure.

Clear Drainage Slots and Weep Holes

uPVC windows and doors are designed to channel rainwater away from your home through small drainage slots, often called weep holes, at the bottom of the frame. When these become blocked with dirt, leaves or insects, water has nowhere to go. It can pool in the frame, seep inside, or eventually cause damp patches and staining on internal walls.

Take a moment to locate the slots, usually visible on the outside of the frame at the base. Use a small brush, a pipe cleaner or a cocktail stick to gently clear any debris. Then flush the slot through with water from a watering can or a low-pressure hose to confirm it drains freely. If water sits in the channel rather than running away, repeat the process until it flows properly.

This is particularly important before winter, when driving rain and falling leaves are most likely to cause blockages. It's a five-minute job that can save an expensive repair later.

Clean Tracks and Keep Rubber Seals Flexible

Sliding doors and patio doors rely on clean, unobstructed tracks. Grit and dust build up surprisingly quickly, causing the door to drag and the rollers to wear. Vacuum or brush out the track, then wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly. A light application of silicone spray on the track helps the door glide, but avoid oil, which collects dirt.

The rubber or brush seals around your windows and doors are what keep draughts and water out. Over time these can dry out, crack or become compressed. Wipe them clean with a mild soapy solution, then apply a silicone-based furniture polish or a dedicated rubber conditioner to keep them supple. If a seal is torn or permanently flattened, replacing it is inexpensive and restores the draught-proofing instantly.

Adjust the Fit Before Problems Worsen

Doors and windows can drop very slightly over the years, especially external doors that carry heavy traffic. If you notice a draught, difficulty closing, or visible gaps around the edge, the hinges can usually be adjusted to restore a snug fit. Most modern uPVC hinges have adjustment screws that allow you to move the sash or door up, down and sideways. Making small quarter-turn adjustments and testing as you go will soon have things sitting correctly again.

If a mechanism feels genuinely broken, or the adjustment screws won't budge, that's the point to call in a qualified fitter rather than force it. But in the vast majority of cases, a little lubrication, a tightened screw and a cleared drainage slot are all that's needed to keep your windows and doors working perfectly for years to come.