Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window won't close it causes draughts and allows heat to escape. It also weakens your home security barriers and puts you at risk of burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges, and handles can break down over time. If this is the situation, it can affect the performance of your windows and invalidate any warranties you may have.
Locks that aren't working
Many people install anti-burglar devices on their main doors and gates however, they forget that windows are the most frequent targets for burglars. A poor lock can lead to draughts in the house, allow valuable heat to escape, and weaken your home's security.
If you find that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there's likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. This is usually caused by the gearbox breaking in one component. This can cause the handle to turn 360 degrees, but not 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.
If this happens you can unlock the lock by applying pressure on the lever handle. double glazing window repairs can allow you to free the gear box and allow the opening of the window. 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 an internal locking system that secures the window using locking cams that resemble mushrooms that are inserted into the frame. The handle turns on the gearbox, which activates the cams for either upward or down movement. A common fault with these is when the spindle on the lock is damaged and the handle is unable to turn freely but not move the window open or shut.
A faulty gearbox can also cause your window to appear to be locked, but it is not. This can occur when the rods in the centre, also referred to as crocodile tooth fixings in the gearbox are snapped off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods if this happens.
It is important to not force a broken or stuck lock. This can cause the lock to snap or break, especially with a uPVC window as it expands and expands as it warms and cools. It is recommended 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 issues. If you're having difficulty to open or close a window or door it is crucial to seek out professional assistance whenever you can. This issue can be caused by a number of factors such as foundation settlement or an absence of support in the crawl space.
Frame or humidity issues can cause doors and windows to stick. When exposed to moisture, wooden frames can begin to warp. Even if the hardware appears great, this could make it difficult to open and close your frames. The wood expands as it expands and is pushed up against the hinges, creating friction.
If your window or door sticks in the summer, try rubbing it with bar soap to reduce the friction. This will make it smaller and may temporarily solve the problem. This procedure will have to be repeated frequently during times of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to create a smooth surface is a more durable fix. This can be done by hand or using a power tool. A professional can also sand, paint or stain your frame or door to make it look brand new and fresh.
If Sanding and soap aren't working it's likely that the issue is due to foundation settlement or a weak crawl space. Look for cracks in the area. It's time to contact a foundation specialist when you spot any of these signs. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors and a misaligned interior wall, which in turn causes sticking doors and windows. It's important to tackle these issues as early as possible to avoid more costly and dangerous repairs in the future. If not addressed, these issues could escalate to the point where your entire house is structurally unstable. Contact the Southeast's top experts in foundation repair to schedule an inspection now!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
Cracks can form when double glazing starts to degrade. This can be an unsightly sight, and can also let all the heat from your home to escape. It could also pose a safety risk for your family, as the sharp pieces of glass could cause injuries if they are shattered. It is recommended to fix 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 essential to keep air between the window panes and also to stop drafts from entering your home. However, over time, they can become perished or shrink due to weather changes. If not taken care of, it could lead to moisture, condensation, and draughts in your home.
A professional can usually solve this issue. They can replace the window seal to restore your windows to their original condition. They will also suggest other features that will reduce the possibility of a stress crack forming in the future, for example trickle vents for improved ventilation.
You can also grease the handles and hinges of your doors and windows. This will allow them to move more easily and the lock to function as intended. Rub some lubricating oil on a cloth that is free of lint and rub them into the hinges, handle mechanism and areas where they pass through frames (for instance, a sash window). You can also remove the handles and clean them with warm soapy water to wash away any dirt or dirt.
If your uPVC windows and doors are not functioning in the way they should, it's essential to contact a professional to fix them. They can identify the problem quickly, and then fix it in a short time. It's much safer and cheaper than trying to fix it yourself and possibly damaging the mechanisms. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.