Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window doesn't close, it creates drafts and allows heat to escape. It also weakens your home security barriers and exposes you to burglary.
Over time, double-glazed window hinges handles, seals and handles can become damaged. If this is the case, it could affect the way your windows work and could invalidate any warranty you may have.
Faulty Locks
While a lot of people take great care when installing anti-burglar security systems for their gates and doors, it is often overlooked that the windows are prime targets for burglars. A poor lock can lead to draughts in the home, allowing valuable heat to escape and weaken the security of your home.
If you find that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there is an excellent chance that the mechanism for locking is stuck. This is typically because of a crack in the gearbox component. This could cause the handle not to open, but instead to turn 360 degrees. This is a common issue with uPVC casement windows, but can also be present in tilt and turn windows and even sliding sash windows.
In this situation it is possible to release the lock by applying pressure to the lever handle. This will unlock the gearbox and reopen the window's opening. If this does nothing then you might need to replace the entire window lock mechanism.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are internal locking systems that secure the window with locks that look like mushrooms and are that are inserted into the frame keep. The handle activates the gearbox, which then activates the cams to allow either up or down movement. The spindle of the lock may break and cause the handle to move but the door to close or open.
A malfunctioning transmission may make your window appear locked, but it is not. This could happen when the rods in the centre, also referred to as crocodile tooth fixings in the gearbox are snapped off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods if this occurs.
It is not advisable to force a broken lock or stuck one. This can cause the lock to snap or break - especially with a uPVC window as it expands and shrinks as it warms up and cools. It is best to call a professional locksmith to determine the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Sticking doors and windows are an extremely annoying problem however, they could also indicate more significant structural problems. It is essential to seek professional assistance if you're having trouble opening or closing a door or window. These problems can result from a variety of factors such as foundation settlement or a lack of support for the crawl space.
Windows and doors can get stuck due to humidity or a problem with the frame itself. When exposed to moisture, wood frames may begin to warp. Even if the hardware looks nice, it can make it difficult to open and close your frames. When this happens the wood expands and presses against the hinges, causing friction.
If your window or door is sagging in summer and you are unable to get it to close, try using bar soap to reduce the friction. This will make it smaller and may help temporarily solve the problem. This method may need to be repeated regularly during times of high moisture.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to create a smooth surface is a more durable solution. This can be done by hand or with an electric tool. A professional can also stain, sand and paint your door or window frame to get it looking new again.
If sanding or soaping doesn't aid, the issue could be due to foundation settlement or a weak crawlspace. The first thing you should do is look for cracks in the area. It's time to call a foundation specialist when you spot any of these signs. Foundation damage can lead to uneven floors and misaligned interior walls and, in turn, sticking doors and windows. It is crucial to tackle these issues as early as you can to avoid costly and dangerous repairs in the future. These issues can escalate until your home is unstable and structurally unsound if not addressed. Contact the Southeast's top experts in foundation repair to schedule an inspection now!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing starts to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to form. double glazing window repairs can be unsightly and it also allows all the heat that's stored in your home to escape. This could also pose danger for your family members as the sharp glass pieces could cause injury in the event of a break. It is recommended to fix any double glazing windows that show cracks prior to it getting worse, as this will increase the cost of replacing the windows.
Window seals are essential for keeping air in between your window panes and they also stop drafts from entering your home. Over time, the seals can shrink or get damaged due to changes in weather. If not checked, it can lead to moisture, condensation, and draughts in your home.
This issue can usually be solved by an expert. They can repair the window seal in order to restore your windows back to their original condition. They can also recommend options to reduce the chance of future stress cracks, for example trickle ventilation for better ventilation.
You can also lubricate the handles and hinges on your doors and windows. This will allow them to move more easily, and the lock to function as it was intended. Put some lubricating oil on a clean cloth and rub it into the hinges and handle mechanism, as well as places where they go through the frame (for example, windows with sash). It can also be helpful to remove the handles from their frames and clean them with warm water to get rid of any dirt or grit that has been sunk into them.
If your uPVC doors and windows are not functioning in the way they should, it's important to call in a professional to fix them. They can identify the problem quickly and resolve the issue within a short amount of time. It's much less expensive and safer than trying to do it yourself and potentially harming the mechanism. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your home is secure and safe.