Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed windows will not close, it causes drafts that allow heat to escape. double glazing repair reduces the security of your home and puts you at a higher chance of being burglarized.
Over time, double glazed window hinges handles, seals and handles can become damaged. If this is the case, it could affect how your windows function and void any warranty you may have.
Locks that aren't working
While many take great care in installing anti-burglar security systems for their gates as well as main doors It is often forgotten that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. Faulty locks can cause draughts, let valuable heat escape and weaken the security of your home.
If you notice that your uPVC window locks are not working, there is a good chance that the mechanism for locking has become blocked. This usually happens due to the gearbox breaking in one component. This can cause the handle to not open, but instead to rotate 360 degrees. This is a frequent issue with uPVC casement windows, but it can also be present in tilt and turn windows and even sliding sash windows.
If this happens you can release the lock by applying pressure on the lever handle. This will unlock the gearbox and reopen the window's opening. If this method does not work, you may have to replace the window lock mechanism entirely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are an internal locking system that secures the window by utilising mushroom-like locking cams that are inserted into the frame keeps. The handle turns on the gearbox, which then activates the cams for either up or down movement. The spindle of the lock may break, causing the handle not to move, but the window to either open or close.
A damaged gearbox may cause your window to appear to be locked, but isn't actually. This could happen if the rods in the centre (sometimes called crocodile tooth fixings) within the gearbox have snapped off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods if this happens.
It is important not to force a broken lock or stuck lock. This could cause the lock to snap or break, especially with a uPVC window that expands and shrinks as it warms up and cools. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will determine the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
The problem of windows and doors sticking is a serious annoyance however, they could be a sign of more serious structural issues. If you're having difficulty to open or close a door or window it is crucial to seek out professional assistance as soon as possible. This could be a result of various factors, including foundation settlement and weak crawl space support.
Humidity or frame problems can cause doors and windows to stick. When exposed to moisture, wooden frames can begin to warp. This could make opening and closing them a challenge, even if the hardware in good shape. The wood expands as it expands and pushes against the hinges, causing friction.
If your door or window is sagging in summer, try rubbing it with bar soap to reduce the friction. This will help it shrink and may resolve the problem temporarily. This method will need to be repeated frequently during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth finish is a more permanent fix. This can be done by hand or with an electric tool. A professional can also stain and sand or paint your window or door frame to make it look like new.
If Sanding and soap aren't working it's likely that the issue is due to foundation settlement or a weak crawl space. The first thing to look for cracks in the area. It's time to contact an expert in foundations if you see any of these signs. Foundation damage can cause uneven floors, misaligned walls and stuck windows and doors. To avoid costly and risky repairs, it's important to address these issues as soon as possible. If not addressed these issues can escalate to the point where your entire home's structure is unstable. Contact the Southeast's leading foundation repair specialists today to schedule an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
Cracks can form when double glazing starts to degrade. This can be an unsightly sight and also allow all the heat in your home to escape. This could also pose a safety threat for your family members as the glass pieces can cause injury if they break. It is recommended to fix any double-glazing window that have a crack prior to them get worse. This will increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are vital to stop drafts from entering your home and keep air in between your window panes. However, over time these can become perished or shrink due to weather changes. Unchecked, it can result in condensation, moisture and draughts inside your home.
This issue is usually solved by an expert. They will be able to replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original condition. They can also recommend additional features that will reduce the chance of a stress crack forming in the future, such as trickle vents for better ventilation.
You can also lubricate the handles and hinges on your windows and door. This will enable them to move more easily and the lock to function as it should. Rub some lubricating oil on a lint free cloth and rub them into the hinges, handle mechanism and places where they go through frames (for instance, a sash window). You can also remove the handles and clean them in warm soapy water to remove any dirt or grit.
It is important to contact an expert when you find that your uPVC windows and doors aren't functioning as they should. They can find the issue quickly and then resolve it in a short space of time. It's much less expensive and more secure than trying to do it yourself and potentially harming the mechanism. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and safe.