The first few weeks after installation are when sealants cure and hardware beds in. A little care during this period pays off for years afterwards.
Handover is not quite the end of the process. New sealant needs time to cure fully, hardware often needs a small adjustment once it has settled, and there are a few simple habits worth adopting early that make long-term maintenance easier.
None of this requires special skill or tools. It is mostly a matter of knowing what is normal in the first few weeks, and what would be worth a call back to your installer.
It is normal for a small number of minor items to need attention after the main installation is complete, particularly on larger projects. A follow-up visit, usually within one to two weeks, addresses these directly.
| Common snag | Typical cause |
|---|---|
| Stiff handle or lock | Hardware settling in before final adjustment |
| Small gap in internal trim | Timber or plaster movement as the room dries out |
| Slight draught at one corner | Seal needing final compression adjustment |
| Paint touch-up needed | Minor disturbance to surrounding decoration during fitting |
New windows and doors often feel noticeably different from what they replaced: quieter, draught-free, and sometimes stiffer to operate than older, worn hardware. This is normal and typically eases slightly as mechanisms bed in over the first month.
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