Why Does Cheap Hardware in New Apartments Wear Out Faster?
New apartment, three years old, and windows are already sticking — the reason is almost always the same.
Published: June 9, 2026
5 min read
It is a question we hear constantly: "The flat is new, three years old, and the windows are already sticking." The reason is almost always the same — the construction hardware that came with the apartment was never designed for long service life.
How construction hardware is selected
Building developers choose window hardware based on purchase price, not service life. This is understandable business logic: what matters is selling the flats as quickly as possible, not the condition of the windows seven years later.
Standard construction-grade hardware in new developments is typically rated for 30,000–50,000 operating cycles. In theory this sounds like a lot. But laboratory tests differ from real-world conditions.
Why cheap hardware wears out faster than the specification suggests
In practice, construction hardware ages faster for several reasons:
Installation quality — if the window is incorrectly installed (inaccurate levelling, frame deformation), the hardware operates under additional load with every opening.
Building settlement — during the first 3–5 years a new building settles. This changes the geometry of the frames and the hardware begins operating outside its normal position.
Poor tolerances — construction hardware is manufactured with wider tolerances. This "play" increases with every cycle until the component eventually fails to function.
Corrosion — the protective coating on cheap hardware is thinner. A damp climate or coastal conditions accelerate the deterioration process.
What can be done
Sticking hardware is not something you have to put up with — and you do not have to replace the entire window straight away.
Adjustment — if the window has only just started sticking and the hardware is not yet damaged, adjustment often resolves the problem for 3–5 years.
Hardware replacement — if adjustment does not help, or the component is already worn or broken, it is worth replacing the hardware with a higher-quality alternative. Quality hardware differs from construction grade: it is made from better materials, withstands more cycles and can be adjusted in three planes.
The building settlement period usually ends within 3–5 years. After that the hardware no longer receives additional load — and quality fittings can last another 15–20 years.
Early warning signs that should not be ignored
The window closes harder than it did a year ago.
The handle has worked loose or turns slightly without engaging.
A squeak is heard when opening.
An air flow can be felt through a closed window.
The sooner you act, the simpler and cheaper the solution. Hardware diagnosis and a technician visit are free of charge.
Register for a free diagnosis and window technician consultation and we will get in touch with you.
We provide window repair services across Lithuania – working in all major cities, their districts and surrounding towns. We perform plastic window repair, window fixing, window adjustment, window sealing and gasket replacement, ensuring tightness and long-lasting results.
👉 In about 99% of cases we solve the problem on the first visit, and the technician's call-out and full window diagnostics are free of charge.
We perform window repair in Vilnius throughout the city and Vilnius district – in Antakalnis, Fabijoniškės, Pašilaičiai, Pilaitė, the city centre and other Vilnius districts as well as surrounding towns. We solve sealing, adjustment and mechanical issues, carry out plastic window repair and glass unit replacement. We also provide window adjustment and window sealing.
👉 Most often we handle everything on the first visit, and the call-out and window inspection cost you nothing.
We perform window repair in Kaunas and Kaunas district – working in Šilainiai, Dainava, Eiguliai, Žaliakalnis, the city centre and other districts as well as surrounding towns. We fix leaking, stuck or misaligned windows, carry out plastic window repair and gasket replacement. We also provide window adjustment.
👉 In about 99% of cases we solve the problem on the first visit, and the technician's call-out is free of charge.
In Klaipėda we perform window repair throughout the city and Klaipėda district – both in the city itself and in Gargždai and other surrounding towns. Due to the coastal climate, window sealing and window adjustment are often needed, so we help restore window tightness, eliminate drafts and improve home comfort.
👉 We come out free of charge, assess the situation on site and most often solve the problem right away.
We provide window repair services in Šiauliai and Šiauliai district – working in Dainiai, Gytariai, Lieporiai, the city centre and other districts as well as surrounding towns. We carry out plastic window repair, window adjustment and window sealing, quickly resolving both minor and more complex faults.
👉 Most often we handle everything on the first visit, and the call-out and diagnostics are free of charge.
In Panevėžys we perform window repair throughout the city and Panevėžys district – working in Kniaudiškės, Rožynas, Pilėnai, the city centre and other districts as well as surrounding towns. We carry out plastic window repair, window adjustment and gasket replacement, ensuring quality and long-lasting results.
👉 We come out free of charge and most often solve the problem on the first visit.
Original window parts only from trusted manufacturers — that's why we can offer up to 5 years warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our window and door repair services
Quality hardware should last 15–20 years with periodic servicing. Construction-grade hardware installed by developers often starts showing faults within 4–7 years.
Yes — hardware replacement is a separate service. If the frame and glass are in good condition, replacing the hardware can extend the window's service life by a further 10–15 years, and costs several times less than a new window.
The most common signs of hardware failure are: the handle turns without engaging or feels loose, the window closes with difficulty, or squeaking is heard. A technician visits free of charge and identifies the exact cause.
Yes. During the first 3–5 years a new building settles and this changes the geometry of the frames. The hardware begins operating outside its intended position — which accelerates wear. Adjustment during this period is normal maintenance.
Yes, the initial inspection and our technician's visit to assess the work are completely free. No hidden fees and no obligations. If you decide to go ahead, the technician will prepare a clear quote on the spot, explain everything to you and, if you agree, can usually do the work right away during the same visit.
Of course. We provide a warranty both for the work carried out and for the materials used, in line with the laws of the Republic of Lithuania.
The price depends on the type of window, the issue, and the materials needed. When the technician arrives, they give you an exact quote on site with no hidden charges, and you decide yourself whether you want to proceed with the repair.
Yes, our window service operates all over Lithuania: in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Panevėžys, Šiauliai and other cities and towns.
Booking a free visit is very simple. Just give us a call or fill in the online booking form – in both cases it only takes a few minutes.
In most cases repair is enough: replacing seals or mechanisms, improving insulation, adjusting the fittings, cleaning and lubricating the hardware. This is usually much cheaper than installing brand new windows.
Repair is cheaper, because you don't have to buy new windows, remove the old ones, dispose of them or redo the interior finishes afterwards. Repair saves both time and money and is significantly more cost‑effective.
We work with all major brands: Rehau, Veka, KBE, Schüco, Salamander, Aluplast and many others. Our technicians are trained to work with the specific mechanisms used by each manufacturer.
Yes, you can pay by all major bank cards, by bank transfer or in cash. Payment is made after the work is completed.
Yes, we provide services all year round. In winter we use specific methods so that the room doesn't get cold during the work and your comfort is kept to a maximum.