Resealing Windows and Doors Costs

The average cost of window seal replacement in the UK is £110 to £150 per window, including labour and materials. For double glazed windows, resealing is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home's energy efficiency and stop draughts.

The total cost to reseal windows depends on several factors, including the number of units that need work, their size, and your location. Additional windows resealed in the same visit typically cost £25 to £70 each, making it worth addressing multiple windows at once.

This guide covers everything you need to know about window seal replacement costs in the UK, including a full pricing breakdown, the signs that your window seals need replacing, and how to find a window specialist in your local area.

How Much Does It Cost to Reseal Windows and Doors?

Window and door resealing prices start from £80 to £100 for the first window or door, with lower rates per additional window resealed in the same visit.

The overall cost depends on several factors, including the number of units that need work, their size, and the location of your property. When windows and doors aren't sealed properly, cold air enters and warm air escapes, which can lead to higher energy bills over time. Addressing faulty seals promptly is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home's energy efficiency.

Window and Door Resealing Prices

Can You Reseal uPVC Windows?

Yes, uPVC windows can be resealed, and it's one of the most common window seal replacement jobs in the UK. uPVC window frames are durable and low-maintenance, but the silicone sealant around the frame can degrade over time, leading to draughts, air leaks, and condensation.

The process involves removing the old sealant from around the window frame, cleaning the surface thoroughly, and applying a new silicone bead using a caulk gun. It's important to remove all traces of the old sealant before applying the new one — sealing over existing sealant can result in an uneven finish and a weaker airtight seal.

As well as the exterior silicone sealant, uPVC windows also have rubber seal strips running around the inside of the frame. These can degrade over time and may need replacing separately. A window specialist can inspect both and advise on what needs to be replaced.

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Labour Costs and Timescales

Labour costs for window seal replacement typically range from £75 to £120 per window or door, depending on the size of the unit and the location of your property. A small window costs around £75 to £100 for labour, a large window costs around £85 to £110, and a standard-sized door costs around £90 to £120.

The more windows and doors that need resealing, the longer the job will take and the more you can expect to pay overall. Due to minimum call-out charges, additional windows usually cost less when resealed within the same visit.

Cost Factors of Resealing Windows and Doors

Some cost factors may affect the cost of having your windows or doors resealed. These can include factors such as the number of doors or windows that need to be resealed, the size of the windows or doors, and the location of your property.

Below is a list of the main things that affect the resealing doors cost and resealing windows cost.

Number of Doors or Windows

The number of doors or windows that need to be resealed can make a big difference in the total cost of the job. The more windows and doors that need to be resealed, the longer the job is going to take in total and therefore, the more you can expect to pay in labour.

Material costs for each window are around £5 to £12 on average, and £12 to £40 for each door. The more windows or doors that need resealing, the more you can expect to spend on materials.

Size of Doors or Windows

The size of the doors or windows that you are resealing can affect the overall cost of the job. The larger the windows or doors, the more you can expect to pay. You will need more materials for larger windows or doors, and the job will also take longer, so this will result in higher costs.

Location of Property

The location of your property can also affect the cost of having your windows resealed. Those located in the London area can expect to pay around 20% more for the cost of labour per window or door than those located in the north or other areas of the UK.

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Signs Your Window Seals Need Replacing

It's not always easy to tell when your window seals need replacing, but there are a number of things to look out for. Common signs include:

• Draughts or cold air coming in around the window frame when the window is closed.
• Condensation forming on the interior surface of the glass.
• Condensation or fogging between the panes of a double glazed window.
• Visible cracks, gaps, or breaks in the sealant around the frame.
• Mould appearing on or around the window seals.
• Rising energy bills that can't be explained by other factors.
• It has been more than 5 years since the windows were last resealed.

If you notice any of these signs, it's worth getting a window specialist to take a look. In most cases, a straightforward window seal replacement will resolve the problem. However, if condensation has appeared between the panes of a double glazed window, the glass unit itself may need replacing rather than just the seal.

Blown Double Glazed Windows vs. Resealing

Before booking a window specialist, it's important to understand whether your double glazed windows need resealing or replacing. If the airtight seal between the two panes of glass has failed — known as a blown window — resealing the exterior frame won't fix the problem. In this case, the glass unit itself will need to be replaced.

The most common sign of a blown double glazed window is condensation or fogging between the panes of glass. If condensation only appears on the interior or exterior surface of the glass, window seal replacement is likely all that's needed. Catching faulty seals early can help you avoid the higher cost of a full unit replacement.

What's Involved in Resealing Windows and Doors?

To replace the silicone seal around your windows, your contractor will need to find the right sealant for the job at hand.

A silicone sealant is the best type as it is watertight and resistant to temperature changes due to its elasticity. This makes it an incredibly durable material.

There are many different colours of sealant, so it's easy for professionals to find one that matches up with your front door and windows. Your contractor will also need to use a sealant or caulk gun to apply the sealant.

Firstly, your tradesperson will need to clear the old sealant away from the edges of the windows and doors. Sealing over an old seal will make the new seal more prone to damage quicker than usual, and it will leave the newly sealed edges looking uneven.

After your contractor has cleared away the old sealant, they'll be sure to clean the edges so that there is no dust or debris present.

Once they have completed this, it's then time for your professional to start applying the new sealant using the caulk gun.

Your contractor will make sure to apply the sealant in single long strokes. They'll avoid stop-starting too much in the process as this can leave the sealant susceptible to tearing. A professional technique to smooth out the sealant is to dip a finger in a little bit of water and then run it all the way along the groove to smooth it out.

Can I Reseal Windows and Doors Myself?

Resealing windows or doors is quite a simple job, especially if you are only replacing the seal around the frame. However, if there is a lot of damage to the seal or the frame, then you should definitely call in a window specialist to take a look at the job at hand.

You may also want to avoid taking on this job yourself if you have double glazed windows and the damaged seal has compromised the gap that exists between those two panes of glass. This allows moisture to enter and build up inside your double glazing. Any repairs like this should be left to the professionals.

Types of Sealer

There are a number of different sealant types available to buy, but which one is best for you? Below is a list of the different sealant types and the pros and cons of each of these different types.

Silicone

Silicone is the most commonly used sealant because it is so adaptable and durable.

Pros

• ✔ Durable
• ✔ Withstands temperature changes
• ✔ Waterproof

Cons

• ✖ Can be difficult to apply
• ✖ Can have a bad smell

Latex

Latex sealant can last an extremely long time and can be painted so works well no matter what the designs of your windows and doors.

Pros

• ✔ Can be painted
• ✔ Lasts a long time
• ✔ Can be used to fill in small gaps

Cons

• ✖ Does not withstand temperature changes well

Butyl Rubber

Butyl rubber sealant is perfect for filling in larger gaps and cracks.

Pros

• ✔ Perfect for using outside
• ✔ Can fill in large cracks

Cons

• ✖ May be bulky for indoor use

Oil-Based Asphalt

Oil-based asphalt is the most heavy-duty sealant available.

Pros

• ✔ Very durable
• ✔ Can be used for large jobs

Cons

• ✖ Very thick
• ✖ Dries very quickly

Cost of Removing Window and Door Sealant

If you'd prefer to hire a contractor to remove your old sealant before resealing, this typically costs £60 to £100 depending on the number of windows and doors involved. A single window usually takes under an hour. In most straightforward cases, sealant removal can also be done as a DIY job by pulling the old sealant away from the edges of the frame.

How Often Should You Reseal Windows and Doors?

Windows should be resealed whenever you start noticing problems such as draughts, condensation, or visible damage to the sealant. It's also worth checking your window and door seals periodically, even if there are no obvious issues.

As a general rule, it's recommended to reseal windows every 5 to 10 years. Keeping on top of this can help to prevent more costly repairs down the line and keep your energy bills down.

Benefits of Resealing Windows and Doors

Keeping on top of your window and door seals has several practical benefits for your home:

Energy Efficiency

Resealing your windows and doors increases the energy efficiency of your home. This means that your energy bills will be lower, and this could save you a lot of money in the long run. An energy-efficient home is also much better for the planet.

Stops Draughts

If you can feel a lot of draughts around the home, then it’s probably time to reseal your windows and doors. In doing so, you can create a new airtight seal which will fix those draughts.

Eliminates Condensation

Resealing your windows and doors eliminates condensation that forms as a result of the air passing through the gaps. If condensation is left untreated, it can leave homes feeling very cold and in extreme cases can eventually lead to damp and mould.

Hiring Someone to Reseal Windows and Doors Checklist

There are a number of things that you may need to consider when it comes to hiring someone to reseal your windows and doors. Below is a list of all of the things that you should think about before making a decision on the right person to take on the job:

• Be sure to get the quote in writing so that you know exactly what you can expect to pay once the sealant installation is complete
• Always obtain at least three separate quotes for the job so that you can ensure you’re getting a good price
• Ask for a breakdown of costs on the quotes so that you can be certain that you’re getting a good price for each different element of the job
• For any payments you make, always get a receipt
• Ask around for recommendations on good contractors in your local area
• Find out what materials the contractor will be using for their work – you don’t want to skimp out on quality to save a bit of money upfront. This may result in you having to spend more on repairs in the future, or you may end up having to get your sealant replaced much sooner than if you were to use high-quality materials
• Find out how much experience the contractor has in resealing windows and doors

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