Doors & Windows Guides

37 step-by-step guides for UK homeowners.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 45 min

How to Insulate a Loft Hatch

A loft hatch with no insulation is a major cold spot. Adding a cover and seals makes a big difference.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 30 min

How to Seal the Gap Under Skirting Boards

Cold air enters from under suspended floors through the gap between the skirting board and floor.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 15 min

How to Seal Gaps Around External Pipes

Gaps around pipes that pass through external walls let in cold air, moisture, and pests.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 10 min

How to Draught Proof a Letterbox

A letterbox without a draught excluder lets a powerful cold blast into the hallway.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 20 min

How to Fit a Door Threshold Strip

A threshold strip seals the gap under a door, stopping cold air flowing in along the floor.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 45 min

How to Draught Proof Sash and Casement Windows

Draughty windows account for up to 20% of heat lost in UK homes, sealing them is low-cost and effective.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 30 min

How to Draught Proof a Front Door

A draughty front door is one of the biggest sources of heat loss in a UK home.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Intermediate 30 min

How to Fit a Keypad Door Lock

Keypad locks eliminate the need for keys and provide code-based entry to your home.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 20 min

How to Replace a Window Lock

Faulty window locks compromise security. Replacement is simple with matching hardware.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 10 min

How to Fix a Key That Won't Turn

A key that won't turn could mean a worn key, dirty lock, or misaligned door and frame.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 5 min

How to Lubricate Door Locks

Regular lubrication keeps door locks operating smoothly and prevents jamming.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Intermediate 45 min

How to Fit a Deadbolt Lock

A deadbolt adds a second layer of security to an external door.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 15 min

How to Replace a Door Lock Cylinder

Replacing a euro cylinder lock is a quick upgrade that improves security.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 15 min

How to Fix a Stuck Door Lock

A door lock that is hard to turn usually needs cleaning and lubrication.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 20 min

How to Fit Draught Excluder to a Door

Draught excluder strips seal gaps around doors, reducing heat loss and energy bills.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Intermediate 30 min

How to Replace a Door Threshold

A worn or damaged door threshold lets in draughts and water. Replacement is simple.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 15 min

How to Fit a Door Knocker

A door knocker adds character to your front door and is simple to install.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 15 min

How to Replace Door Numbers

New house numbers or a nameplate can enhance kerb appeal. Fitting is simple.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 15 min

How to Fit a Door Chain

A door chain lets you open the door partially while maintaining security.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 10 min

How to Fit a Door Viewer

A door viewer lets you see who is at the door. Fitting takes 10 minutes.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Intermediate 45 min

How to Fit a Letterbox

Fitting a letterbox into a door requires cutting a slot, measure carefully.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 15 min

How to Clean and Lubricate Window Tracks

Dirty or corroded window tracks make windows stiff and difficult to open.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Intermediate 45 min

How to Fix a Broken Sash Window Cord

A broken sash cord makes the window difficult to open as the counterweight no longer balances it.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 30 min

How to Seal Around Window Frames

Gaps between the window frame and wall let in draughts and moisture.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 20 min

How to Fix a Broken Window Lock

A broken window lock compromises home security. Most can be replaced with standard fittings.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Intermediate 30 min

How to Replace Window Hinges

Worn window hinges cause the sash to drop, making the window hard to open and close.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 20 min

How to Fix a Window That Won't Open

A window stuck shut is usually caused by paint sealing the edges or a faulty stay mechanism.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Advanced 60 min

How to Replace a Broken Window Pane

Replacing a single pane in a wooden frame is manageable with the right safety precautions.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 30 min

How to Draught-Proof Windows

Draught-proofing reduces heat loss and energy bills. Self-adhesive foam tape is the easiest solution.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 10 min

How to Fit a Door Stop

A door stop prevents the handle from damaging the wall and stops the door opening too far.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 20 min

How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

A loose hinge usually has worn screw holes. Filling them with dowel and redrilling provides a solid fix.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Intermediate 30 min

How to Fix a Dragging Door

A door that drags on carpet or floor usually needs the bottom edge trimming.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Intermediate 60 min

How to Rehang a Door

Rehanging involves removing the door, adjusting fit, and refitting with properly aligned hinges.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 20 min

How to Fix a Door That Won't Latch

A door that won't stay closed usually has a misaligned latch and strike plate.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 15 min

How to Replace a Door Handle

Replacing a door handle is a quick upgrade that transforms the look of a room.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 30 min

How to Fix a Sticking Door

A door that sticks can often be fixed by tightening hinges or planing the edge.

Repair Guide
Doors & Windows Beginner 5 min

How to Fix a Squeaky Door

A squeaky door is caused by friction in the hinge pins. Lubricating the hinges stops the noise.