UPVC Mechanism Repairs
When a UPVC door or window stops doing the simple things – opening, closing, locking and sealing – the culprit is usually the mechanism. Gearboxes wear. Multi-point lock strips slip out of alignment. Window espag mechanisms seize after a winter of condensation. None of that means you need a brand-new door or window. It just means the moving parts need expert attention. That’s where we come in.
At Repair UPVC, we specialise in UPVC mechanism repairs for doors, windows, patios and bi-folds across West Yorkshire, Harrogate and Wetherby. We fix first and replace only when it’s the right choice. Most faults can be put right quickly with the correct parts, careful adjustment and a proper test of operation and security. You get your door or window back working as it should – solid, smooth and secure – without the cost or disruption of a full replacement.
What we mean by “mechanisms”
UPVC assemblies use a collection of interlocking parts to lock and seal properly. Typical components we repair or replace include:
- Door multi-point locking strips and gearboxes
- Window espagnolette mechanisms (espags) and shootbolts
- Mushroom cams, keeps and strike plates
- Rollers and guides on sliding and bi-fold doors
- Handles, spindles and connecting rods
- Hinge adjustments where alignment affects locking and weather-seal
If it moves, latches, slides or locks, we deal with it.
Common faults we fix every day
You’ll recognise a few of these:
- Key turns but the door won’t lock, or it only locks if you lift the handle “just so”.
- Handle feels floppy or spins without engaging the lock.
- Door or window closes, but you can still feel a cold draught around the edges.
- Window handle turns yet nothing happens – the sash stays stubbornly shut.
- Patio door sticks on the track or feels heavy and grinds.
- Bi-fold doors refuse to line up, leaving gaps or fouling the adjacent panel.
- Lock works in warm weather and fails when the temperature drops.
These symptoms point to worn gearboxes, tired rollers, misaligned keeps, seized espags or simply a door that’s drifted on its hinges. All repairable.
Our approach: repair first, no fuss
- Diagnosis on arrival – We start with a simple, methodical check: handle travel, key engagement, lock strip movement, keep alignment and sash compression. For windows, we test espag travel and shootbolt projection.
- Clear explanation and price – We’ll show you what’s wrong, outline your options and agree a fixed price before work begins.
- On-the-spot repairs – Our vans carry a wide range of common gearboxes, cylinders, espag bars, keeps, rollers and fixings, so most jobs are completed in a single visit.
- Adjustment and weather-seal – Once the mechanism is sorted we fine-tune compression, adjust hinges and check gaskets for a proper seal.
- Test and tidy – We test with the door on the latch and on the lock, in and out of frame. Smooth, secure, no snags.
It’s straightforward, and it works.
Doors: multi-point lock and gearbox repairs
UPVC and composite doors rely on a centre gearbox that drives hooks, bolts and rollers along a full-length strip. When the gearbox wears, you’ll feel stiffness, resistance or no engagement at all. We can:
- Replace worn gearboxes like-for-like
- Upgrade to modern, more robust variants where suitable
- Realign keeps and adjust hinges to relieve strain on the new mechanism
- Replace worn handles and spindles that contribute to sloppy operation
- Fit anti-snap or high-security cylinders at the same time if you wish
You end up with a door that lifts and locks effortlessly, with positive engagement and a snug seal against weather.
Windows: espag and shootbolt fixes
Modern UPVC windows use espagnolette mechanisms – a compact gearbox that throws cams or shootbolts into keeps around the frame. Age, dried grease and lack of use cause them to seize. We can free them off, replace the espag where needed, and adjust or replace keeps and friction stays so the sash sits tight but still opens easily. Child-safe restrictors can also be fitted during the same visit if you’d like an extra layer of protection upstairs.
Sliding and bi-fold doors
Heavy panels magnify tiny imperfections. A few millimetres out on a bi-fold can stop the whole set from locking. We replace worn rollers, guides and pivot blocks, reset panels, set the correct compression and ensure the shootbolts engage cleanly. On sliding patios we renew rollers, clean or replace tracks and realign locks so the handle action is light and positive. The difference is immediate – quiet, smooth travel and a confident lock.
Why mechanism repairs matter
- Security – A properly set mechanism engages fully with the frame. It’s a bigger deterrent than any badge on the glass.
- Warmth and efficiency – When cams and keeps are aligned you get even compression on the seals, which means fewer draughts and better heat retention.
- Longevity – Correct adjustment stops you forcing handles and lifting drooping doors, which prevents premature wear.
- Cost-effective – Swapping a gearbox or espag is far cheaper than a new door or window.
Brands we work with every day
We service and replace mechanisms from Yale, ERA, GU, Winkhaus, FUHR, Maco, Roto, Avocet, Mila and many others. If a like-for-like part is obsolete, we source a compatible replacement and carry out any necessary conversions neatly and securely.
Areas we cover
We operate across all towns and cities in West Yorkshire, plus Harrogate and Wetherby – including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax, Pontefract, Castleford, Dewsbury, Batley, Morley, Horsforth, Yeadon, Guiseley, Otley, Pudsey, Shipley, Keighley, Brighouse, and surrounding villages. If you’re nearby, chances are we can get to you quickly.
What to expect on the day
Expect punctuality, clear communication and tidy workmanship. We wear overshoes where needed, protect floors and clean up as we go. Before we leave, we’ll show you the correct handle and key action, give simple care tips, and confirm any warranty details for parts and labour.
Ready to get your door or window working again?
If your UPVC is stiff, jammed, draughty or simply not locking the way it should, let’s fix it properly. Call Repair UPVC for expert UPVC mechanism repairs across West Yorkshire, Harrogate and Wetherby. Send a quick photo if you can – it helps us bring the right parts – and we’ll get you booked in. Smooth, secure and sorted.
