Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed windows will not shut, it creates draughts that allow valuable heat to escape. It also weakens your home security barriers and puts you at risk of burglary.
Over time, double-glazed window hinges, handles and seals can become damaged. If this is the case it can affect how your windows work and could invalidate any warranty you may have.
Locks that aren't working
While a lot of people are careful when installing anti-burglar devices for their gates and doors but they often forget that the windows are prime targets for burglars. Incorrect locks can lead to draughts in the home, allowing valuable heat to escape and also weaken your home's security barriers.
If you find that your uPVC windows locks do not function, it is most likely that the lock mechanism is jammed. This is usually due to a slit in the gearbox component. This can cause the handle to rotate 360 degrees, but not open. This is a common issue with uPVC casement windows, but can also be seen in tilt and turn windows, and even sliding sash windows.
If this happens, release the lock by pressing the lever handle. This can be used to unblock the gearbox and then restore the window's opening. If this does not work, you may need to replace the window lock mechanism completely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are a locking system inside the window that secures the window utilising mushroom-like locking cams which are inserted into frame. The handle is the trigger for the gearbox, which then activates the cams to allow either up or down movement. The spindle of the lock could break and cause the handle to move but the window to either open or close.
A faulty gearbox can also cause your window to appear to be locked but not actually be. This could happen if the central rods (sometimes called crocodile tooth fixings) within the gearbox have snapped off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods if this happens.
It is not advisable to force a broken lock or a stuck one. This could cause the lock to snap or break - especially with a uPVC window as it expands and expands as it warms and cools. It is best to contact a professional locksmith to diagnose the problem and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It's a nuisance to have doors and windows that stick, but they may be a sign of more serious structural problems. It is essential to seek assistance from a professional if you are having difficulty opening or closing the door or window. The issue could result from a variety of things, including foundation settlement and weak crawl space support.
Frame problems or humidity can cause doors and windows to stick. When exposed to double glazing repairs near me , wooden frames may begin to warp. This makes opening and closing them difficult even if the hardware in good shape. The wood swells when this happens, and it pushes up against the hinges, creating friction.
If your window or door gets stuck in the summer you can try rubbing it with bar soap to reduce the friction. It will shrink and may temporarily solve the issue. This solution 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. It can be done either by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also sand and paint, or stain your frame or door to make it appear new once more.
If soaping or sanding doesn't help, your problem may be caused by foundation settlement or a compromised crawlspace. Examine for cracks in your area. If you see these indications, you need to contact an expert in foundation repair. Foundation damage can lead to uneven floors, walls that are not aligned and doors and windows that are stuck. It is important to take care of these issues as soon as possible to avoid more costly and dangerous repairs in the future. If not addressed these issues can escalate to the point that your entire home's structure is unstable. Contact the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists today to schedule an inspection and repair service!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing starts to degrade, it can cause cracks to appear. It can be unappealing and it also allows all the heat that has been stored within your home to escape. It can also be an hazard for your family, as the glass pieces that are sharp could injure them in the event that they break. It is best to repair 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 vital to prevent drafts from entering your home and to keep air between your window panes. As time passes, these seals may shrink or even be destroyed because of changes in weather. If not taken care of, it could result in condensation, moisture, and draughts in your home.
This issue can usually be resolved by an expert. They can replace the window seal and get 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.
It is also possible to lubricate the hinges and handles of your windows and door. This will allow them to move more easily and allow the lock to function as it was intended. Rub some lubricating oil on a cloth that is free of lint and rub them into the hinges and handle mechanism as well as in places where they go through frames (for instance, a sash window). You can also remove the handles and wash them in warm soapy water to get rid of any dirt or dirt.
If your uPVC doors and windows aren't working as they should, it is essential to contact an expert to fix them. They will be able to identify the problem quickly and fix it within a short amount of time. It's a lot safer and more affordable than trying to fix it yourself and potentially damaging the mechanism. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and safe.