Signs your aluminium window needs a repair
Aluminium window frames rarely fail, but the hinges, stays, handles and seals that make a window open, close and seal do wear out. Common problems include:
- The window will not stay open, or swings shut in the wind
- The sash drops, binds or has to be forced closed
- The handle is loose or broken, or the window will not lock
- A sliding window is stiff or jumps out of its track
- Draughts, whistling or water coming in around the sash
- A cracked or broken pane of glass
Repairs by window type
Side hung windows
Side hung windows open like a door on friction hinges. As the hinges wear, the sash no longer holds its position, sags or does not close evenly against the seals. Worn hinges and broken handles are replaced, and the sash is re-set so it closes and locks properly.
Top hung windows
Top hung windows open outwards from the top, and the friction stays carry the weight of the sash. Worn stays let a window drift shut or slam in the wind. Replacing the stays restores a window that stays where you leave it.
Horizontal sliding windows
Horizontal sliding windows run on rollers or guides in a track. Grit, worn rollers or a damaged track make them stiff or let them lift out. Catches that no longer line up are adjusted or replaced.
Glass and seals
Cracked or broken panes are replaced. Where a window is low to the floor or close to a door, safety glass may be required under SANS 10400 Part N, and we will tell you if that applies. Hardened rubber seals and brush strips are replaced to stop draughts and leaks.
How a repair call-out works
Tell us what the window is doing, which suburb the property is in and, if you can, send a photo or a short video of the problem with your quote request. We come out, find the cause and quote for the repair before any work starts.
Quotations are free. A call-out fee of R200 applies only if you do not accept the quote.
Replacement parts carry their suppliers’ warranties. On older or discontinued aluminium systems an exact matching part is not always available. If that is the case, we will explain the options before you decide.
Repair or replace?
Most window faults are in the hardware and can be repaired. If a frame is badly corroded or distorted, or you would like a different style of window, replacement may be the better option, and we will quote for both if it is. See aluminium windows and our guide to choosing an aluminium window style.
For sliding doors, folding doors and shop fronts, see all aluminium door and window repairs.
Window repair questions
Why won’t my window stay open?
On side hung and top hung windows, the friction hinges or stays hold the sash in position. When they wear, the window drifts or swings shut. Replacing them fixes the problem.
Can you replace a broken pane?
Yes. Tell us the size of the window and, if you can, send a photo with your quote request.
My window won’t lock. Can it be fixed?
Usually, yes. Often the sash has dropped or moved and the lock no longer meets its keep, which can be adjusted. A broken handle or lock is replaced.
Is there a call-out fee?
Quotations are free. A call-out fee of R200 applies only if you do not accept the quote.
Which areas do you cover?
The same Cape Town suburbs as our installations. See the full list of suburbs.