Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double glazing window doesn't close, it causes draughts and allows heat to escape. It also reduces your security measures for your home and exposes you to burglary.
Over time, double glazed window hinges handles, seals and handles can be damaged. If this is the case it can impact the functionality of your windows and invalidate any warranties you may have.
Locks with a problem
While many people are careful when installing anti-burglar devices for their gates as well as main doors, it is often overlooked that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. A poor lock could cause drafts to enter the house, allow valuable heat to escape and weaken the security of your home.
If your uPVC windows locks don't work, it's likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. This usually happens due to the gearbox breaking in one component. This could cause the handle to turn 360 degrees, but not fully open. This is a problem that is common with uPVC windows, but it can also occur in tilt-and-turn windows and sliding sash windows.
If this happens you can unlock the lock by applying pressure on the lever handle. This will unlock the gearbox and reopen the window's opening. If this doesn't work, you may have to replace the window lock mechanism entirely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are internal locking systems that secure the window using locks that look like mushrooms and are that are inserted into the frame keep. The handle controls the gearbox, which causes the cams to move upwards or downwards. A common issue is when the spindle on the lock has been damaged and the handle is unable to turn freely but not to move the window open or close.
A faulty gearbox can also cause your window to appear locked, but it is not. This is usually the case when the centre rods (sometimes called crocodile tooth fixings) within the gearbox have snapped off. If this is the situation, Misty Glaze can supply and install replacement rods to restore the operation of your window.
It is essential not to force a stuck or broken lock. This could cause a lock to snap or break in particular if you are using windows made of uPVC that expand and contracts when temperatures change. It is best to call an expert locksmith who will diagnose the problem and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It's annoying to have windows and doors that stick and sag, but they can be a sign of more serious structural problems. If you find it difficult to open or close a window or door, it's important to seek out professional assistance as soon as possible. The issue could be a result of various factors such as foundation settlement and inadequate support for crawl spaces.
Windows and doors can stick because of humidity or the frame itself. If your frames are wood, for instance, they may become brittle when exposed to moisture. This makes opening and closing them difficult even if the hardware in good condition. In this case, the wood swells and presses against the hinges, creating friction.
Rub the window or door with soap to decrease friction if it sticks in the summer. This will help it shrink and may resolve the problem temporarily. This method may need to be repeated frequently during periods of high humidity.
A more permanent solution involves sanding the window or door frame to give it a smooth finish. It can be done by hand or using a power tool. A professional can also sand, paint or stain your door or frame to make it appear new again.
If sanding and soap aren't helping it's likely your issue is caused by foundation settlement or a weak crawl space. The first thing you should do is look for cracks around the affected area. If you notice these indications, you need to call a foundation repair specialist. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors, a misaligned wall and doors that are stuck. It is crucial to address these issues as early as possible to avoid more costly and dangerous repairs in the future. If not addressed, double glazing repairs could escalate to the point that your entire home is structurally unstable. Contact the Southeast's most renowned foundation repair experts today to set up an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing starts to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to form. This could be a disconcerting appearance and allow all the heat in your home to escape. It also poses an hazard for your family members, as the sharp pieces of glass can cause injury in the event that they break. It is best to fix double-glazing windows that have a crack prior to them get worse. This will increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are vital for keeping air in between the window panes and also for stopping drafts from entering your home. As time passes, these seals may shrink or even become perished due to changes in the weather. Unchecked, it can result in condensation, moisture and draughts inside your home.
This issue can usually be solved by an expert. They can replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original state. They will also suggest features that will reduce future stress cracks, for example trickle ventilation to improve ventilation.
It is also possible to lubricate the handles and hinges on your doors and windows. This will allow them to move more easily and the lock to function as it should. Rub some lubricating oil on a lint free cloth and then rub them into the hinges or handle mechanism, as well as areas where they pass through frames (for instance, a sash window). You can also remove the handles and clean them in warm soapy water to wash away any dirt or grit.
It is essential to speak with an expert if you find that your uPVC windows and doors are not working as they should. They will be able to identify the issue quickly, and repair it in a brief time. It's a lot less expensive and more secure than trying to do it yourself and potentially harming the mechanism. You'll also be able to rest in peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and secure.