Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window does not close, it causes drafts that allow heat to escape. This also reduces the security of your home and puts you at greater risk of being a victim of burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges and handles can become damaged over time. If this happens it could affect your windows' functionality and invalidate any warranties you may have.
Locks that aren't working
Many people install anti-burglar devices on their main gates and doors However, they tend to overlook that windows are the most frequent targets for burglars. A poor lock can cause drafts inside the home, allowing valuable heat to escape and also weaken your home's security.
If you notice that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there is likely that the lock mechanism has become jammed. This usually happens due to the gearbox breaking in one component. This could cause the handle not to open, but instead to rotate 360 degrees. This is a frequent issue with uPVC casement windows, but is also seen in tilt and turn windows, and even sliding sash windows.
If this happens, it is possible to release the lock by applying pressure to the lever handle. This will allow you to open the gear box and restore the opening of the window. If this doesn't work it is possible to replace the entire mechanism of the window lock.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are internal locking systems that secure the window with mushroom-shaped locking cams inserted into the frame keep. The handle operates the gearbox, which causes the cams, causing them to move upwards or downwards. The spindle of the lock can break, causing the handle not to move but the door to open or close.
A malfunctioning transmission may make your window appear locked, but it is not. This can occur when the centre rods, also known as crocodile teeth fixings in the gearbox snap off. If this is the case, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacements for these rods to restore the operation of your window.
It is important to not try to force a stuck or broken lock. This can cause the lock to snap or break, particularly with a window made of uPVC that expands and shrinks as it warms up and cools. To avoid this issue, you should seek out a professional locksmith to diagnose the issue and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Windows and doors that stick are a serious annoyance, but they can also be a sign of more serious structural problems. If double glazing window repairs find it difficult to open or close a window or door it is important to seek help from a professional immediately. This could be a result of a variety of things, including foundation settlement and inadequate support for crawl spaces.
Frame problems or humidity could cause windows and doors to become stuck. If your frames are wood, for instance, they could be prone to warping when exposed to humidity. This makes opening and closing them difficult, even if the hardware is in good condition. When this happens the wood expands and pushes against the hinges, creating friction.
If your window or door is sagging in summer and you are unable to get it to close, try using bar soap to lessen the friction. This will make it smaller and may temporarily solve the problem. This method will need to be repeated frequently during times of high humidity.
A more permanent fix involves sanding the door or window frame to give it an even finish. It can be done by hand or with a power tool. A professional can also sand, paint or stain your frame or door to make it look brand new once more.
If soaping or sanding doesn't solve the problem, it could be caused by foundation settlement or a weak crawlspace. The first thing to do is check for cracks around the affected area. If you see these indications, you need to call a professional in foundation repair. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors, walls that are not aligned and stuck windows and doors. It's important to take care of these issues as soon as you can to avoid expensive and dangerous repairs in the future. These issues can escalate until your home becomes structurally unstable if left unattended. Call the Southeast's top experts in foundation repair to set up an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing starts to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to form. It can be unappealing and it also allows all the heat that's built up within your home to escape. This can also pose danger to your family, as the glass pieces can cause injury when they break. It is best to repair any double-glazing windows with a crack before they become worse. This will increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are crucial for keeping air in between your window panes and they also stop drafts from entering your home. As time passes, these seals will shrink or eventually be destroyed due to changes in weather. If unchecked, this can lead to moisture in the home, condensation and draughts.
A professional can usually solve this issue. They will be able to replace the seal on your window and bring your windows back to their original state. They may also suggest additional features that can reduce the likelihood of a stress crack occurring in the future, like trickle vents to improve ventilation.
You can also grease the handles and hinges on your doors and windows. This will enable them to move more easily, and the lock to function as it should. Apply lubricating oil to a clean cloth and rub it into the handles and hinges, as well as the areas where they pass through the frame (for example, for windows with sash). You can also remove the handles and clean them with soapy water to remove any dirt or dust.
If your uPVC windows and doors aren't working as they should, it is crucial to contact an expert to fix them. They will be able to find the issue quickly and then resolve it in a short period of time. It's a lot safer and more affordable than trying to fix it yourself, and could cause damage to the mechanism. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.