Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed window will not close, it creates drafts that allow heat to escape. This also reduces the security of your home and puts you at greater risk of being a victim of burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges, and handles may break down over time. If this is the case it can affect how your windows function and void any warranty you have.
Faulty locks
While many are careful when installing anti-burglar security systems for their gates and doors It is often forgotten that the windows are prime targets for burglars. Incorrect locks can lead to draughts in the home, allowing valuable heat to escape and weaken your home's security.
If your uPVC windows locks don't work, it is likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. This is typically due to a slit in the gearbox component. This could cause the handle to turn 360 degrees but not open. This issue is typical of uPVC windows, however it is also a problem in tilt-and-turn windows and sliding sash window.
In this situation you can release the lock by applying pressure on the lever handle. This can be used to unblock the gearbox and restore the window's opening. If this doesn't work it is possible to replace the entire window lock mechanism.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are a locking system inside the window that secures the window by employing locking cams shaped like mushrooms that are built into the frame. The handle controls the gearbox that then triggers the cams to move up or down. The spindle of the lock may break, causing the handle not to move, but the window to either open or close.
A faulty gearbox can also cause your window to appear to be locked, but isn't actually. This can happen when 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 operation of your window.
It is not advisable to force an unbreakable lock or stuck one. This could cause a lock to snap or break, especially if you have windows made of uPVC which expands and contracts when temperatures change. It is best to call a professional locksmith who can determine the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It is annoying to have doors and windows that are stuck and sag, but they can also indicate more serious structural problems. If double glazing repair near me find it difficult to open or close a door or window it is crucial to seek help from a professional whenever you can. These problems can result from a variety of reasons like foundation settlement or a lack of support for the crawl space.
Windows and doors often are stuck due to humidity or an issue with the frame itself. When exposed to moisture, wood frames may begin to warp. This could make opening and closing them difficult even if the hardware in good condition. The wood swells when this happens, and it pushes against the hinges, causing friction.
If your door or window is sagging in summer and you are unable to get it to close, try using bar soap to decrease the friction. It will shrink and may temporarily solve the issue. This solution may need to be repeated regularly during times of high moisture.
A more permanent solution is sanding the door or window frame down to a smooth finish. You can do this either by hand or with an electric tool. A professional can also sand and paint or stain your door or frame to make it look new once more.
If the sanding and soap don't help it's likely your problem stems from foundation settlement or a damaged crawl space. The first thing to do is look for cracks in the affected area. It's time for you to consult an expert in foundation when you spot any of these signs. Damage to the foundation can cause uneven floors, walls that are not aligned and stuck windows and doors. It is crucial to address these issues as early as possible in order to avoid costly and risky repairs in the future. If not addressed, these issues could escalate to the point where your entire home's structure is unstable. Contact the Southeast's leading foundation repair experts today to arrange an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to appear. This could be a disconcerting sight and also allow all the heat in your home to escape. This can also pose an injury risk to your family, as the glass pieces can cause injuries in the event of a break. It is better to repair any double-glazing windows that have a crack prior to them get any worse. This can increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are essential to keep air between your window panes and they also stop drafts from entering your home. However, as time passes, these may become damaged or shrink due to weather changes. Unchecked, it can cause condensation, moisture and draughts inside your home.
This issue can usually be resolved by an expert. They will be able to replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original state. They can also suggest features that can reduce the risk of stress cracks, like trickle ventilation for better air circulation.
You can also lubricate the handles and hinges of your doors and windows. This will allow them move more easily and allow the lock to work as intended. Rub lubricating oils onto a lint free cloth and then rub them into the hinges, handle mechanism and areas where they pass through frames (for example for sash window). It is also beneficial to remove handles from the frames and clean them by using warm water to rid them of any dirt or grit that has been sunk into them.
It is important to contact an expert when your uPVC doors and windows aren't functioning as they should. They can identify the problem quickly, and then solve it in a short time. It's much less expensive and more secure than trying do it yourself and possibly harming the mechanism. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.