Berkshire Bespoke Carpentry
Window Repairs: Glass, Hardware and Timber Frames
We repair and re-glaze existing timber windows — misted sealed units, stiff handles, worn hinges, locks and cylinders, and timber frame repairs — across Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.
- Local to Berkshire & South Bucks
- Experienced carpenter
- Fully insured
- 24-hour emergency line, 7 days a week
Our Approach
Repairing the Window You Have
Most window problems are not frame problems. A window that has misted over, a handle that has gone stiff, a hinge that has dropped — these are hardware and glass issues, and they are usually fixable without touching the frame at all. That distinction matters, because it is the difference between a repair that takes a day and a replacement that takes weeks and costs considerably more.
A misted sealed unit is a failed unit, not a failed frame. The double-glazed pane has lost its seal and let moisture between the layers of glass. The timber frame around it is very often in good condition. We measure the opening, order a matched replacement sealed unit — supplied through a specialist glazing partner — and re-glaze the existing frame. The frame stays, only the glass changes.
The same logic applies to hardware. Espagnolette handles, friction hinges, keeps and cylinders wear out long before the timber around them does. We carry and fit replacement hardware, matching the existing finish and mechanism type where we can, and recommending a close equivalent where the original is no longer made.
Where the timber itself has genuinely failed — a cill gone soft, a joint split by years of water ingress — we repair it with a timber splice, cutting out the damaged section and fitting new, matched timber rather than defaulting to a full frame swap. We are honest about where that line sits. If a frame is too far gone for a sensible repair, we say so and point you toward a FENSA-registered installer rather than attempting something that will not hold.
Every repair starts with photos or a site visit, so we can tell you whether you are looking at a glass problem, a hardware problem, or a timber problem — and price accordingly.
What We Repair
Window Repairs We Carry Out
Misted Sealed Units
Condensation trapped between the panes means the seal has failed — the glass unit, not the frame. We measure the opening precisely, order a replacement sealed unit through a specialist glazing partner to match the existing size and glass specification, then remove the failed unit and fit the new one into the existing frame. No frame removal, no new joinery.
Handles
Stiff, loose or snapped espagnolette and casement handles are one of the most common calls we get. We remove the worn handle, check the spindle and mechanism underneath, and fit a replacement — matching the existing finish and fixing pattern where possible, or a close equivalent where the original is discontinued.
Hinges
A window that drops, will not stay open, or binds against the frame usually has a worn friction stay or hinge rather than a warped sash. We adjust or replace the hinge and stay, re-align the sash where needed, and check the window opens and closes cleanly before we leave.
Locks & Cylinders
Espagnolette locks, multipoint mechanisms, euro cylinders and window keeps are all within scope. We can fit new locks to existing windows, replace worn cylinders, and set up keyed-alike cylinders across several windows if that is useful for the household.
Frame Timber Repair
Localised rot or a split in a cill or jamb does not always mean the whole frame needs replacing. Where the surrounding timber is sound, we cut out the damaged section, splice in new matched timber, and prime and finish it so the repair is not visible once painted. We advise honestly when a splice repair is not realistic.
Draught-Proofing
Brush and compression seals fitted around the sash or casement cut draughts and noise without altering the frame itself. This is often paired with a hardware repair, since a window that is not closing properly is rarely draught-proof either — we check both at the same visit.
What This Work Looks Like
Window Repairs in Practice
Scope
What We Leave to Other Specialists: Whole-Window Replacement
We repair and re-glaze existing window frames. We do not remove and replace whole windows — that is, taking out the entire frame and fitting a new one. Whole-window replacement is notifiable building work and sits with FENSA or Certass registered installers, who operate under the relevant competent person self-certification schemes for that work.
If your assessment visit shows that the frame itself has failed beyond a sensible splice repair — widespread rot, structural movement, or a frame that is simply at the end of its life — we will tell you plainly, and we will recommend you speak to a FENSA-registered installer for a full replacement. We would rather send you to the right trade than attempt a repair that will not last.
Everything short of that — glass, hardware, locks, draught-proofing, and timber repairs to an otherwise sound frame — is work we do carry out, in-house.
How It Works
From Photos to Finished Repair
Send Photos or Call
Send photos of the window and a short description using the form below, or call us directly. This lets us get an early sense of whether it is a glass, hardware or frame issue.
Assessment Visit
We visit to measure and diagnose properly — checking the glass, the hardware, and the condition of the surrounding timber, so the quote reflects exactly what is needed.
Fixed-Price Quote
A written quote covering the repair itself and, where glass is involved, the expected lead time for the replacement sealed unit from our glazing partner.
Repair Visit
We carry out the agreed repair — re-glazing, hardware replacement, timber splice or draught-proofing — and clean up fully before we leave.
Check and Sign-Off
We open, close and lock the window to confirm everything operates properly before we consider the job finished. Snags are corrected on the day.
Standards & Regulations
Standards and Regulations Worth Knowing
Window repair sits in a specific corner of building regulations, and it is worth understanding roughly where the lines fall — though for anything borderline, your local building control team is the definitive source.
Glass-only replacement in an existing frame — such as swapping a misted sealed unit — is generally not notifiable building work. The frame is untouched; only the glass changes.
Whole-window replacement — removing and fitting an entirely new frame — is generally notifiable work, and typically falls under the FENSA or Certass competent person self-certification schemes. We are not registered with either scheme and do not carry out whole-window replacement; where that is what a property needs, we recommend a FENSA-registered installer.
Safety glass in critical locations — low-level glazing, glazing near doors, and other locations identified in Approved Document K — is generally expected to meet toughened safety glass standards such as BS EN 12150. Where a replacement unit is going into a critical location, we specify an appropriate safety glass specification through our glazing partner; final responsibility for compliance in notifiable work rests with the registered installer and building control, as applicable.
We do not hold FENSA, Certass, or any other installer certification, and we do not claim to. Our work is limited to repair and re-glazing of existing frames, which is where our experience and remit sit.
Pricing
What Does Window Repair Cost in Berkshire?
A single misted sealed unit typically costs £180–£350 supplied and fitted, with hardware repairs usually well under £150 per window. These are indicative, all-in ranges based on recent work — your exact price depends on window size, glass specification and access, and is confirmed in writing after the assessment visit.
| Window Repair | Typical Range (all-in) |
|---|---|
| Misted sealed unit replacement, per unit (standard size) | £180 – £350 |
| Additional units, same visit (each) | £120 – £250 |
| Handle replacement (each) | £45 – £90 |
| Hinge replacement or adjustment (each) | £60 – £120 |
| Lock or cylinder replacement (per window) | £70 – £150 |
| Frame timber splice repair (localised) | £180 – £450 |
| Draught-proofing (per window) | £60 – £120 |
The biggest cost driver for glass is unit size and specification — toughened safety glass or specific energy ratings cost more than a standard replacement. For timber repairs, the extent of the rot or damage determines whether it is a quick splice or a more involved repair. Quotations are free, with no obligation.
Get Started
Send Us Your Window Photos
Photos of the problem — the misted pane, the stiff handle, the dropped sash — let us give you a faster, more accurate idea of what is involved before we visit.
Common Questions
Window Repairs — Frequently Asked Questions
Do you replace whole windows?
No. We repair and re-glaze existing timber window frames — handles, hinges, locks, sealed units and timber repairs. A full window replacement, where the frame itself is swapped out, is notifiable work that sits with FENSA or Certass registered installers. We are happy to point you to one if that is what your window needs.
My window has gone misty between the panes — can it be fixed without a new window?
Almost always, yes. A misted sealed unit is a failed unit, not a failed frame. The seal between the two panes of glass has broken down and let moisture in. We measure the existing opening, order a replacement sealed unit through a specialist glazing partner, and re-glaze the existing frame — the frame itself is untouched.
Who supplies the replacement glass?
Sealed units and glass are supplied through a specialist glazing partner, to the specification the opening requires. We handle the measuring, ordering, removal of the failed unit and fitting of the new one. You deal with us throughout; we manage the glazing supply in the background.
Can you fit new locks or handles to my existing windows?
Yes — this is core to what we do. Espagnolette locks, multipoint mechanisms, euro cylinders, handles and keeps are all within scope. We can usually match an existing finish or recommend a close equivalent where the original is discontinued.
Do I need FENSA sign-off for a glass-only repair?
Generally, no. Replacing glass within an existing frame — including a misted sealed unit — is not notifiable building work. FENSA and Certass self-certification schemes apply to whole-window and whole-door replacements, not to re-glazing an existing frame. If you are ever unsure, your local building control team can confirm.
How long does a misted unit replacement take to arrange?
The fitting itself is usually a half-day job per window. The lead time is in the glazing order — typically one to two weeks from measuring to the unit arriving, depending on size and specification. We will give you a specific timeline once we have measured the opening.
Can you repair a timber window frame that has gone soft or rotten?
In many cases, yes, provided the surrounding structure is sound. We cut out the affected section and splice in new, matched timber, then prime and finish it to match. Where the rot is too extensive for a sensible repair, we will say so and talk through the options, including referring you to a FENSA-registered installer for a full replacement.
Do you work on UPVC windows as well as timber?
Our main focus is timber windows, which is where repair rather than replacement makes the most sense. We can sometimes help with handles, hinges or locks on UPVC casements, but frame and seal repairs on UPVC are better handled by a specialist in that material — we will tell you honestly if that applies.
How much does a misted unit replacement cost?
A single standard sealed unit typically runs £180–£350 supplied and fitted, with additional units in the same visit usually costing less each. Size, glass specification (e.g. toughened safety glass) and access all affect the final price. We confirm an exact figure after measuring.
Can you match period or heritage window hardware?
Often, yes. We work with reproduction espagnolette handles, stays and keeps in finishes such as antique brass and black iron, alongside standard modern hardware. Bring us a photo of the existing ironmongery at the assessment visit and we will advise on the closest match available.
Do you offer an emergency window repair service?
If a window has been broken or forced and the property is no longer secure, our 24-hour emergency line is there to arrange boarding and make the opening weathertight — see our emergency boarding page. The permanent window repair is then scheduled as a separate, planned visit.
How do I get a quote for window repairs?
Send us photos of the problem using the form on this page, with a short description of what you are seeing — misted glass, a stiff handle, a dropped hinge. We review photos and usually respond within one working day with next steps and an indicative price.
Related Services
Often Needed Alongside Window Repairs
Emergency Boarding
If a window is broken or forced and the property is no longer secure, our 24-hour emergency line arranges boarding to make it weathertight before the permanent repair.
Burglary Damage Repairs
Where a window or door has been forced, we repair the surrounding timber frame as well as the glass and hardware, restoring it discreetly.
Home Security Upgrades
Beyond repairing existing locks, we fit upgraded window locks and multipoint mechanisms to improve security across a property.
Insurance & Reinstatement Estimates
A written, itemised estimate for window damage as part of an insurance claim — a separate, formal service from our ordinary free quotations.
Get a Free Quote for Window Repairs
Send photos or call and we'll arrange an assessment visit across Berkshire, Surrey and South Buckinghamshire. Fixed-price written quote, free of charge.
We carry out window repairs across Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire: