Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double glazing window doesn't close, it creates drafts and allows valuable heat to escape. It also reduces the security of your home and puts you at risk of burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges and handles may break down over time. If this happens, it can affect the performance of your windows and cancel any warranties you may have.
Locks that aren't working
While many take great care in installing anti-burglar systems for their gates and main doors, it is often overlooked that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. A poor lock can lead to draughts in the house, allow valuable heat to escape and weaken the security of your home.
If you notice that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there's an excellent chance that the lock mechanism has become stuck. This usually happens due to an issue with a gearbox component. This can cause the handle to not open, but instead to rotate 360 degrees. This is a problem that is typical of uPVC windows, but it is also a problem in tilt-and turn windows and sliding sash windows.
If this happens, you'll be able to unlock the lock by pressing the lever handle. This will unblock the gearbox and restore the window's opening. If this doesn't work, you may have to replace the entire mechanism of the window lock.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are locking systems inside the window that secure the window with the shape of a mushroom and locking cams that are that are inserted into the frame keep. The handle activates the gearbox, which then activates the cams for either upward or down movement. The spindle of the lock could break, causing the handle not to move but the window to either open or close.
A damaged transmission could make your window appear locked but it's not. This can happen when the centre rods (sometimes known as crocodile teeth fixings) in the gearbox have broken off. Misty Glaze will supply and replace the rods if this occurs.
double glazing repairs is important not to force an unbreakable lock or a stuck one. This can cause the lock to break or snap particularly if you have a uPVC windows that expands and contracts with temperature changes. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will identify the issue and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
The problem of windows and doors sticking is a serious annoyance, but they can also indicate more serious structural problems. If you find it difficult to open or close a door or window it is important to seek help from a professional as soon as possible. These issues can be a result of a variety of things that include foundation settlement as well as weak crawl space support.
Humidity or frame problems can cause windows and doors to become stuck. If your frames are wood for instance, they can be prone to warping when exposed to humidity. This can make opening and closing them a challenge even if the hardware is in good condition. The wood swells when this happens and pushes up against the hinges, causing friction.
Rub the door or window with soap to decrease friction if it sticks in the summer. This will make it smaller and may temporarily solve the issue. This solution will need to be repeated periodically during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth surface is a more durable fix. This can be done by hand or using an electric tool. A professional can also sand and paint or stain your frame or door to make it look new once more.
If sanding and soap aren't helping it's likely that your problem stems from foundation settlement or a weak crawl space. The first thing to do is check for cracks around the affected area. If you notice these signs, it's time to call in a foundation repair specialist. Damage to the foundation can cause 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. If not addressed these issues can escalate to the point that your entire home is structurally unstable. Call the Southeast's most reputable foundation repair experts to set up an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to appear. This can be an unsightly sight, and can also allow the heat inside your home to escape. It also poses a safety threat to your family, as the glass pieces can cause injury when they break. It is recommended to repair any double glazing windows that show a crack before it gets worse, since this could increase the cost of replacing the windows.
Window seals are crucial to prevent drafts from entering your home and to keep air between your window panes. However, as time passes, these may become damaged or shrink due to weather changes. If not checked, it can result in condensation, moisture and draughts within your home.
This issue can usually be solved by a professional. They will be able to replace the seal on your window and bring your windows back to their original condition. They can also suggest features that will reduce future stress cracks, like trickle ventilation to improve ventilation.
You can also lubricate the hinges and handles of your doors and windows. This will allow them to move more easily and the lock to function as it was intended. Rub some lubricating oil on a lint free cloth and then rub them into hinges or handle mechanism, as well as areas where they pass through frames (for instance, a window with sash). It is also beneficial to remove handles from their frames and clean them with warm water to get rid of any dirt or grit that may have become stuck to them.
If your uPVC doors and windows aren't working as they should, it's essential to contact a professional to fix them. They can identify the problem quickly, and fix it in a short time. It is a lot cheaper and safer than trying to do it yourself and possibly harming the mechanism. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.