A UPVC window that won't close is more than an inconvenience — it's a security risk and can lead to water damage if it rains. In most cases, the fault is with a specific component that can be repaired or replaced without touching the frame. Here's what to check.
Friction Stay (Hinge Stay) Failure
The most common reason a casement UPVC window won't close is a failed friction stay — the arm-shaped hinge that controls how far the window opens and holds it in position. Friction stays can seize, lose their friction, or snap, leaving the window unable to return to the closed position. Replacement friction stays are usually inexpensive and the job is typically completed in under an hour.
Window Fallen Off the Restrictor
Many UPVC windows have a child safety restrictor that limits opening to around 100mm. If the window has been forced open beyond this limit, the sash can come off the friction stay and won't close normally. In this case, the window needs to be carefully re-engaged onto the hinge before being tested through its full range of movement.
Swollen or Warped Sash
Although UPVC doesn't swell like timber, a sash can warp slightly if the window has been left open in intense heat. More commonly, movement in the frame — perhaps due to building settlement — can cause the sash to bind against the frame rather than sitting flush. A hinge adjustment or re-alignment of the friction stay usually resolves this.
Broken Window Handle
In some cases, the window appears to be stuck open because the handle mechanism has broken and the locking points can't engage. The window closes but won't lock, which feels like being stuck. Replacing the handle and checking the mechanism will resolve this quickly. The Glass Guardian provides window repair services across Birmingham and the Black Country.
Need a UPVC Repair in Birmingham or the Black Country?
The Glass Guardian provides fast, affordable UPVC window and door repairs across Birmingham, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and the surrounding area. Call for a free quote.