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Repairs and maintenance

Stall riser repairs

A stall riser is the low wall or panel below a shop window, between the pavement and the glass. Stall riser repairs replace cracked tiles, blown render, rotten timber, dented panels or damp brickwork, so the base of the frontage is sound, weathertight and presentable again.

Green glazed tile stall riser under a shop window

How do you know you need this?

You need this if tiles are loose or missing, render sounds hollow when tapped, timber has gone soft, panels are dented or there is damp at the pavement line. Impact from trolleys, bins and vehicles is a common cause, as are salt and water splashing up from the pavement. A neglected riser lets water into the base of the frame, so the fault can spread upwards.

What do we fix?

Cracked or missing tilesDamaged tiles are lifted and replaced with the closest match, then bedded and grouted with exterior materials.
Blown renderHollow render is cut back to sound material, patched and painted, or the whole riser is re-rendered.
Rotten timber panelsSoft timber is cut out and new joinery is spliced in, keeping the original mouldings where we can.
Dented or loose panelsMetal and composite panels are refixed or replaced, and the joints are resealed.
Damp at pavement levelWe look at splash, seals and the detail under the frame to find where water is getting in.
New facing over a tired riserA sound base can take a fresh finish, subject to planning and lease terms.

How much does it cost to repair a stall riser?

Repairing a stall riser costs £295 to £1,295 ex VAT per frontage. The finish matters most: patching render costs less than sourcing matching tiles or making new timber panels. Damp or hidden damage behind the finish can add work that photos may not show. In that case, a charged diagnostic visit, from £125 ex VAT, is booked, and the amount is agreed with you beforehand.

Guide prices exclude VAT. Your repair price, including any visit charge, is confirmed before work starts.

What is the specification?

Common finishesGlazed tile, render, brick, stone, timber panel, aluminium composite panel and stainless steel
Exterior materialsFrost-resistant tile and adhesive, and exterior-grade render and sealants
Low-level glazing, EnglandGlass below 800 mm above floor level is a critical location under Approved Document K
Planning, EnglandLike-for-like repair usually needs no planning permission; removing a riser may
Listed buildingsWork to historic tiles or joinery may need listed building consent

How does the job run?

  1. Show us the damage

    Send a close-up of the finish and a photo of the whole frontage.

  2. Find the water route

    We check for damp, salts and hidden damage before suggesting a finish.

  3. Repair the base

    Failed material is cut back to sound substrate, and the base is prepared for the new finish.

  4. Finish and seal

    Tiles, render, joinery or panels go on, and the junction with the frame is sealed.

Common questions

Can you match old shop tiles?

Sometimes. New tiles in a similar colour and size are often available, but handmade or period tiles may be discontinued. Spare tiles from a hidden area can sometimes be reused. We show you what is available before any tiles are removed.

Do stall riser repairs need planning permission?

Usually not, if the repair is like for like in England. Changing the material or removing the riser can materially alter the frontage and may need it. A listed building may need listed building consent, and rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Why is the base of my shopfront always damp?

Damp at pavement level usually comes from splash, a failed seal under the frame, a raised pavement or missing damp protection. Paint or tile over the top will not solve it. We look for the water route before recommending a finish.

Can a stall riser be changed to a different finish?

Yes, subject to planning and your lease. Render, tile, timber and aluminium composite panels are all options, each suited to different streets. Check with the council in a conservation area, as shopfront guides often set out preferred materials.

Can I claim for trolley or vehicle damage to a stall riser?

You may be able to, depending on your policy and who caused the damage. We can provide photos and an itemised invoice for your insurer, but we cannot promise a claim will be paid. Take photos and note the date before anything is cleared.

Which materials go with this?

Book a repair visit

Tell us what has gone wrong. Send photos when we reply and we can often price it without a visit.

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Talk to us about stall riser repairs

Written quote, one contract, 10-year workmanship guarantee.

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