Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed window will not close, it causes draughts that allow valuable heat to escape. This can also compromise the security of your home and puts you at greater chance of being burglarized.
Over time, double-glazed window hinges as well as seals, handles and handles may be damaged. If this happens, it can affect how your windows work and could invalidate any warranty you have.
Faulty Locks
While many take great care when installing anti-burglar security systems for their gates and main doors, it is often overlooked that windows are among the top targets for burglars. A poor lock could cause drafts to enter the home, allowing valuable heat to escape and also weaken the security of your home.
If you find that your uPVC windows locks do not function, it is most likely that the mechanism of the lock is jammed. This is typically due to a slit in the gearbox component. This can cause the handle to turn 360 degrees, but not open. This is a common 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 unlock the lock by pressing the lever handle. This will allow you to open the gear box and 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. These are an internal locking system that secures the window using locking cams that resemble mushrooms that are inserted into the frame keeps. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox which then activates the cams, causing them to move up or down. The spindle of the lock can break and cause the handle to move but the door to either open or close.
A faulty transmission can also make your window appear to be locked but it's not. This can happen when the centre rods (sometimes known as crocodile teeth fixings) within the gearbox have snapped off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods if this occurs.
It is important not to force the lock to break or get stuck one. This could 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 call a locksmith professional to determine the problem and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It is annoying to find doors and windows that stick and sag, but they can also be indicative of more serious structural problems. If you are unable to open or close a window or door it is crucial to seek professional help as soon as possible. This could be a result of a variety of things such as foundation settlement and weak crawl space support.
Windows and doors can get stuck due to humidity or the frame itself. If your frames are made of wood for instance, they could warp when exposed to moisture. Even if the hardware looks great, this could make it difficult to open and close your frames. The wood swells when this happens, and it is pushed up against the hinges, creating friction.
Rub the window or door with soap to decrease friction if it gets stuck in summer. It will shrink and may temporarily solve the issue. This procedure may have to be repeated regularly during times of high moisture.
Sanding the frame of the door or window to a smooth surface is a more permanent fix. You can do this either by hand or with a power tool. A professional can also sand down and stain or paint your door or window frame to make it look like new.
If soaping or sanding doesn't aid, the issue could be due to foundation settlement or a damaged crawlspace. The first thing you should do is look for cracks in the affected area. It's time to call a foundation specialist If you notice any of these signs. Foundation damage can cause uneven floors, walls that are not aligned and doors that are stuck. It's important to address these issues as early as possible in order to avoid costly and dangerous repairs in the future. If left unattended the issues could get worse to the point that your entire home's structure is unstable. Contact double glazing repairs 's most reputable foundation repair experts to schedule an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing starts to degrade, it can cause cracks to appear. This can be unsightly and also allow all the heat that's build up within your home to escape. It also poses a safety threat to your family, as the glass pieces can cause injuries if they break. It is recommended to repair any double-glazed windows that have cracks before they get worse, as this may increase the cost of replacing the windows.
Window seals are crucial to keep air between your window panes and they also stop drafts from entering your home. However, as time passes, these can become perished or shrink due to weather changes. If not taken care of, it could cause condensation, moisture, and draughts in your home.
This issue is typically resolved by an expert. They can replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original condition. They can also recommend additional features that can reduce the likelihood of a stress crack forming in the future, such as trickle vents for better ventilation.
You can also try lubricating hinges and handles on your doors and windows. 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 and handle mechanism as well as in places where they pass through frames (for instance, a sash window). It can also be helpful to remove handles from their frames and wash them by using warm water to rid them of any dirt or grit that has been stuck to them.
If your uPVC windows and doors are not functioning as they should, it's important to call in an expert to fix them. They will be able to identify the issue quickly, and then repair it in a brief time. It's a lot less expensive and more secure than trying do it yourself and possibly harming the mechanism. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.