Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window does not close, it creates drafts that allow valuable heat to escape. It also reduces your security measures for your home and puts you at risk of burglary.
Over time, double glazed window hinges, handles and seals can be damaged. If this is the case, it can affect how your windows function and void any warranty you have.
Faulty locks
While many people are careful when installing anti-burglar devices for their gates as well as main doors It is often forgotten that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. Insecure locks can lead to drafts, let heat escape, and reduce the security of your home.
If you notice that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there's likely that the mechanism for locking has become blocked. This is usually due to a slit in the gearbox component. This can cause the handle to turn 360 degrees, but not fully open. This is a common problem 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 unlock the lock by applying pressure on the lever handle. This can be used to unblock the gearbox and then restore the window's opening. If this doesn't work then you might need to replace the entire mechanism for locking windows.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. They are an internal locking system that secures the window utilising mushroom-like locking cams that are built 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 could break, causing the handle not to move, but the window to close or open.
A broken gearbox could cause your window to appear locked, but isn't actually. This could happen if the rods in the centre (sometimes known as crocodile teeth fixings) within the gearbox have been snapped off. If this is the case, Misty Glaze can supply and install replacement rods to restore the functionality of your window.
It is important not to force the lock to break or get stuck one. This can cause the lock to break or snap in particular if you are using windows made of uPVC that expand and contracts with temperature changes. It is best to contact an expert locksmith who will determine the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It is annoying to have doors and windows that stick and sag, but they can be a sign of more serious structural issues. If you are unable to open or close a window or door it is crucial to seek professional help immediately. These issues can be the result of a variety of things that include foundation settlement as well as weak crawl space support.
Doors and windows often are stuck due to humidity or the frame itself. If your frames are made of wood, for instance, they may warp when exposed to humidity. Even if the hardware looks good, this can make it difficult to open and close your frames. The wood swells when this happens, and it pushes up against the hinges, creating friction.
Rub the window or door with soap to lessen friction if it sticks in summer. This will make it smaller and may temporarily solve the issue. This procedure will have to be repeated frequently during times of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the door or window 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 and sand or paint your door or window frame to make it look fresh and new.
If sanding and soap aren't helping it's likely that your problem stems from foundation settlement or a compromised crawl space. Check for cracks in the area. If you notice these indications, you need to call a professional in foundation repair. Foundation damage can cause uneven flooring and sloping interior walls and, in turn, sticking doors and windows. It is important to address these issues as early as possible in order to avoid costly and dangerous repairs in the future. These issues can get worse until your home becomes unstable and structurally unsound if not addressed. Contact the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists to set up an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to wear down, it could cause cracks to develop. This could be a disconcerting sight, and can also allow the heat inside your home to escape. This can also pose a safety threat to your family as the glass pieces can cause injury in the event of a break. It is best to fix any double-glazing window that have a crack prior to them become worse. This can increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are essential to prevent drafts from entering the home and to keep air between the window panes. However, as time passes, these may become damaged or shrink due to weather changes. Unchecked, it can result in condensation, moisture and draughts within your home.
A professional is usually able to resolve this issue. They will be able to replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original state. They can also recommend additional features that can reduce the possibility of a stress crack occurring in the future, such as trickle vents to improve ventilation.
You could also try lubricating hinges and handles on your windows and doors. This will help them move more easily and let the lock perform as it was intended. Put some lubricating oils on a clean cloth and rub it into the handles and hinges, as well as places where they pass through the frame (for example, for sash windows). You can also remove the handles and wash them in warm soapy water to get rid of any dirt or dust.
It is crucial to contact an expert when your uPVC doors and windows aren't working as they should. They can identify the problem quickly, and then repair it in a brief time. double glazing repair near me 's much safer and cheaper than trying to fix it yourself, and potentially damaging the mechanism. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and safe.