Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window won't close it causes draughts and allows valuable heat to escape. This also reduces the security of your home and puts you at greater risk of burglary.
Over time, double-glazed window hinges, handles and seals can become damaged. If this is the situation it can impact the performance of your windows and cancel any warranties you might have.
Locks with a problem
While many people take great care in installing anti-burglar devices for their gates and main doors but they often forget that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. Incorrect locks can lead to draughts in the house, allow valuable heat to escape and weaken your home's security.
If you're uPVC windows locks don't work, it's likely that the mechanism of the lock is jammed. This is typically caused by the gearbox breaking in one component. This could cause the handle to turn 360 degrees, but not open. This is a common problem with uPVC casement windows, but is also present in tilt and turn windows, and even sliding sash windows.
If this happens, you can release the lock by pressing the lever handle. This will allow you to open the gear box and allow the opening of the window. If this doesn't work, you may have to replace the entire window lock mechanism.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are locking systems inside the window that secure the window using locks that look like mushrooms and are in the frame keep. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox which then activates the cams to either move up or down. The most frequent issue is when the spindle on the lock has broken and the handle is unable to turn freely but not allowing the window to move open or shut.
A broken gearbox could cause your window to appear to be locked but not actually be. This is usually the case when the centre rods (sometimes called crocodile tooth fixings) in the gearbox have snapped off. If this is the case, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacements for these rods to restore the operation of your window.
It is crucial not to force a stuck or broken lock. This could cause a lock to snap or break particularly if you have windows made of uPVC that expand and contracts when temperatures change. To avoid this, it is best to call a locksmith professional to diagnose the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It is annoying to have doors and windows that are stuck, but they may be a sign of more serious structural problems. It is important to seek professional help if you have trouble closing or opening windows or doors. This issue can result from a variety of factors, including foundation settlement or the lack of support in the crawl space.
Frame problems or humidity could cause windows and doors to become stuck. When exposed to moisture, wood frames may begin to warp. This makes opening and closing them a challenge even if the hardware in good shape. The wood expands when this happens, and it is pushed up against the hinges, creating friction.
If your door or window is sagging in summer, try rubbing it with bar soap to reduce the friction. This will allow it to shrink and may resolve the problem temporarily. This method may need to be repeated regularly during times of high moisture.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth finish is a more permanent fix. This can be done either by hand or with a power tool. A professional can also stain and sand or paint your window or door frame to make it appear new again.
If sanding or soaping doesn't solve the problem, it could be due to foundation settlement or a damaged crawlspace. Check for cracks in the area. It's time to call a foundation specialist if you see any of these signs. Foundation damage can cause uneven floors and misaligned interior walls and, in turn, stuck doors and windows. To avoid future expensive and dangerous repairs, it's essential to deal with these issues as soon as you can. These issues can get worse until your home is unstable and structurally unsound if not addressed. Contact the Southeast's top foundation repair experts today to schedule an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
Cracks can appear when double glazing begins to break down. This could be a disconcerting sight, and can also allow the heat inside your home to escape. It could also pose a safety risk for your family members, as the glass's sharp edges could injure them if they are shattered. It is better to fix double-glazing windows with a crack before they become worse. This can increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are crucial to stop drafts from entering the home and to keep air between the window panes. Over time, the seals may shrink or even get damaged because of changes in weather. If left unchecked, this can lead to condensation in the home, condensation and draughts.
This issue is typically solved by a professional. They can replace the window seal in order to restore your windows to their original condition. They can also recommend additional features that will decrease the likelihood of a stress fracture occurring in the future, for example trickle vents for improved ventilation.
double glazing repairs is also possible to lubricate the handles and hinges on your windows and door. This will allow them to move more easily and the lock to function as intended. Put some lubricating oils on a cloth that is free of lint and rub it into the hinges and handle mechanism, as well as places that they pass through the frame (for example, for sash windows). You can also remove the handles and clean them in warm soapy water to wash away any dirt or dust.
It is important to contact an expert if you find that your uPVC doors and windows aren't working as they should. They will be able to identify the issue quickly, and then solve it in a short time. It's a lot safer and more affordable than attempting to fix it yourself, and potentially damaging the mechanism. You will also have peace of mind knowing your home is secure and safe.