Toe and Heel Service

If your uPVC windows are showing signs of a dropped sash or poor locking, our toe and heel service in Sutton could be the solution. This specialist window alignment and adjustment corrects the tilt and swing mechanism on friction stay hinges, ensuring smooth operation and secure closing. It’s a targeted fix for toe and heel windows where everyday wear causes misalignment.

Who This Is For

Our toe and heel service suits homeowners and landlords in Sutton with standard uPVC casement windows fitted with friction stays. You’re likely the right candidate if your window sashes have dropped at the bottom, making them hard to close or lock properly.

This service is ideal for double glazing repairs on properties over 10 years old, where hinges have loosened over time. It’s not for excluded types like sash, sliding, tilt-and-turn, or inward-opening windows.

Related Symptoms

• Window won’t fully close: See our guide.
• Stiff or uneven operation pointing to hinge wear.

Common Causes

Toe and heel adjustment issues often stem from gradual settlement in the building structure, causing frames to shift slightly. Repeated use wears down the pivot points on friction stays, leading to dropped sash correction needs.

Poor initial installation can exacerbate this, with uneven fixings allowing sashes to droop. Weather exposure in Sutton accelerates corrosion on unprotected metal components.

• Loose screws on heel (top) and toe (bottom) plates.
• Frame distortion from thermal expansion.
• Overloading from heavy use without maintenance.

Likely Fixes & Options

We start with a thorough on-site inspection to assess if simple toe and heel adjustment will restore alignment. This involves tweaking the eccentric screws on the friction stays to lift the sash and realign it with the frame.

If adjustment alone isn’t enough, we consider window mechanism repair options like lubrication or minor part tweaks.

Related Parts

For advanced wear, hinge replacement may be needed: Friction stay replacement.

Our repairs page covers the full range of uPVC window repairs we handle.

How We Identify The Right Parts

Diagnosis begins with a visual check and manual test of the window’s movement. Our technicians, with 10+ years’ experience and DBS/CRB checked, measure the sash drop and test locking points.

We note the hinge brand—common ones like Maco, Roto, or Avocet—using specialist tools for precise compatibility. This ensures we source exact matches without guesswork.

Public liability insurance covers all work, giving you peace of mind during the process.

Parts & Compatibility

Toe and heel service uses standard components compatible with most uPVC casement windows from major UK manufacturers. Friction stays come in lengths from 350mm to 500mm, with left or right-hand configurations.

We stock or rapidly source parts for systems like:

• Maco Guard or Euroglide stays.
• Roto or Winkhaus equivalents.
• Avocet or Millenco mechanisms.

Compatibility checks rule out exclusions like wooden or non-standard frames. Aftercare includes advice on lubrication to extend part life.

Pricing Guide

Costs for toe and heel service start from our pricing page, typically £80-£150 for adjustment alone, depending on access and sash size. Adding new friction stays bumps this to £120-£250 per window, parts inclusive.

Multiple windows qualify for discounts, with full quotes provided upfront after inspection. VAT is included where applicable; no hidden fees.

Factors influencing price:

• Number of sashes (top/bottom or side).
• Accessibility (ground vs upper floor).
• Urgency outside standard hours.

FAQs

What exactly is toe and heel adjustment?
It fine-tunes the bottom (toe) and top (heel) pivot points on friction stays to correct sash alignment, improving closing and locking.

How long does the service take?
Most jobs complete in 30-60 minutes per window, with minimal disruption.

Will it fix my draughty windows?
If misalignment causes gaps, yes—but severe frame issues may need further draught proofing.

Do you cover Sutton and nearby?
As a local Sutton firm, we prioritise nearby postcodes for efficient service.

What if parts aren’t compatible?
We’ll advise alternatives transparently, linking to our full window hinge options.

When Repair May Not Be Suitable

Toe and heel service isn’t always viable. If the frame is warped beyond adjustment—due to structural movement or water damage—replacement may be more practical.

Severe corrosion or non-standard exclusions like sliding windows rule this out. In such cases, we recommend full sash or frame overhaul, which our team can assess.

Honesty upfront saves time: our insured technicians will tell you if it’s unsuitable during inspection, avoiding wasted visits.

Call To Action

Ready to fix your dropped sash or window alignment issues? Contact Window Repairs Sutton today for a no-obligation quote.

Call 020 8138 0796 or email info@window-repairs-sutton.co.uk. Visit our /contact/ page to book.

We’re local, reliable, and committed to practical double glazing repairs.