uPVC Window Won't Close or Lock Properly? Here's Why
A uPVC window that drops when you open it, catches on the frame, won't stay open, or needs a push before the handle will lock is almost always down to one of two parts: the friction hinges or the locking mechanism. Both wear out over the years, and both can be replaced without replacing the window.
Friction hinges: the most common culprit
Most opening uPVC windows hang on friction hinges, also called friction stays. These are the metal arms at the top and bottom of the opening part that let it swing out and hold it in position. They're steel, they're outdoors, and they take the window's full weight every time it opens. Eventually they rust, wear or bend.
Signs your hinges are going:
The window has dropped and catches on the frame at the bottom when you close it.
It's stiff or grinding to open, or feels loose and floppy.
It won't stay open and swings in the wind, or slams shut.
It's out of line and you have to lift or push it to get the handle to lock.
Visible rust, or a bent or cracked arm.
Don't ignore a badly worn hinge. If it fails completely, the window can come loose from the frame. That's a real risk on an upstairs window.
The locking mechanism
When you turn the handle, a metal strip along the edge of the window moves small cams or bolts into keeps on the frame. If the handle is stiff, spins without locking, or won't turn at all, the mechanism or the handle has worn or broken. If the window has also dropped, the cams may be missing their keeps, which is a hinge problem showing up as a lock problem.
Perished seals
If the window is draughty, rattles in the wind or lets water in even when locked, the rubber seals (gaskets) may have shrunk, cracked or come loose. These can be replaced with seals that match your window's profile.
What you can do yourself
Clean and lubricate the hinge tracks and locking strip with a light PTFE spray, not standard WD-40. Our lock lubrication guide explains why.
Tighten loose screws on the hinges and keeps.
Don't force the handle. If it's tight, find out why first.
The fix
Replacement hinges come in different lengths and heights, so they're matched to your window. Fitting new ones usually brings the window back into line, so it opens smoothly, closes flush and locks easily. Where a window has escape (egress) hinges, for example in an upstairs bedroom, we replace them like for like so it still opens wide enough to get out in an emergency. Locking mechanisms, handles and seals are replaced the same way, keeping your existing frame and glass.
Read more about our window repairs.
Get a free quote
Send a photo or short video of the window on WhatsApp and we'll tell you what it needs and give you an estimate. We repair windows across Bridgwater, Taunton, Highbridge, Weston-super-Mare and the rest of Somerset. Or request a free quote.
A uPVC window that drops when you open it, catches on the frame, won't stay open, or needs a push before the handle will lock is almost always down to one of two parts: the friction hinges or the locking mechanism. Both wear out over the years, and both can be replaced without replacing the window.
Friction hinges: the most common culprit
Most opening uPVC windows hang on friction hinges, also called friction stays. These are the metal arms at the top and bottom of the opening part that let it swing out and hold it in position. They're steel, they're outdoors, and they take the window's full weight every time it opens. Eventually they rust, wear or bend.
Signs your hinges are going:
The window has dropped and catches on the frame at the bottom when you close it.
It's stiff or grinding to open, or feels loose and floppy.
It won't stay open and swings in the wind, or slams shut.
It's out of line and you have to lift or push it to get the handle to lock.
Visible rust, or a bent or cracked arm.
Don't ignore a badly worn hinge. If it fails completely, the window can come loose from the frame. That's a real risk on an upstairs window.
The locking mechanism
When you turn the handle, a metal strip along the edge of the window moves small cams or bolts into keeps on the frame. If the handle is stiff, spins without locking, or won't turn at all, the mechanism or the handle has worn or broken. If the window has also dropped, the cams may be missing their keeps, which is a hinge problem showing up as a lock problem.
Perished seals
If the window is draughty, rattles in the wind or lets water in even when locked, the rubber seals (gaskets) may have shrunk, cracked or come loose. These can be replaced with seals that match your window's profile.
What you can do yourself
Clean and lubricate the hinge tracks and locking strip with a light PTFE spray, not standard WD-40. Our lock lubrication guide explains why.
Tighten loose screws on the hinges and keeps.
Don't force the handle. If it's tight, find out why first.
The fix
Replacement hinges come in different lengths and heights, so they're matched to your window. Fitting new ones usually brings the window back into line, so it opens smoothly, closes flush and locks easily. Where a window has escape (egress) hinges, for example in an upstairs bedroom, we replace them like for like so it still opens wide enough to get out in an emergency. Locking mechanisms, handles and seals are replaced the same way, keeping your existing frame and glass.
Read more about our window repairs.
Get a free quote
Send a photo or short video of the window on WhatsApp and we'll tell you what it needs and give you an estimate. We repair windows across Bridgwater, Taunton, Highbridge, Weston-super-Mare and the rest of Somerset. Or request a free quote.