Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed windows will not shut, it creates drafts that allow valuable heat to escape. It also weakens your home security barriers and puts you at risk of burglary.
Over time, double glazed window hinges handles, seals and handles can become damaged. If this is the case, it could affect how your windows function and invalidate any warranty you may have.
Locks that aren't working
Many people put anti-burglar devices on their main gates and doors, but they often forget that windows are also the most frequent targets for burglars. Insecure locks can lead to draughts, let valuable heat escape, and reduce the security of your home.
If double glazing repairs find that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there is a good chance that the lock mechanism is blocked. This usually occurs because of a crack in the gearbox component. This could cause the handle to not open, but instead to rotate 360 degrees. This is a problem that is typical of uPVC windows, however it can also happen in tilt-and-turn windows and sliding sash window.
In this situation you can release the lock by applying pressure to the lever handle. This can be used to unblock the gearbox and restore the window's opening. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the window lock mechanism entirely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. They are a locking system inside the window that secures the window employing locking cams shaped like mushrooms that are built into the frame. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox, which causes the cams to move up or down. A common issue is when the spindle on the lock has broken and the handle is unable to move freely but not to 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 centre rods, also known as crocodile tooth fixings, in the gearbox snap off. Misty Glaze will supply and replace the rods if this happens.
It is essential not to force a stuck or broken lock. This could cause a lock to break or snap particularly if you have windows made of uPVC that expand and contracts when temperatures change. To avoid this, it is best to seek out a professional locksmith to determine the problem and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Sticking doors and windows are an extremely annoying problem however, they could be a sign of more serious structural problems. If you find it difficult to open or close a door or window it is important to seek professional help whenever you can. These problems can be caused by a number of reasons, including foundation settlement or the lack of support for the crawl space.
Frame problems or humidity can cause doors and windows to become stuck. If your frames are made of wood, for instance, they could become brittle when exposed to moisture. Even if the hardware looks great, this could make it difficult to open and close your frames. In this case the wood expands and presses against the hinges, creating friction.
Rub the window or door with soap to decrease friction, especially if it is stuck in summer. This will help it shrink and could solve the issue temporarily. This procedure may have to be repeated regularly during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the door or window to a smooth surface is a more durable fix. It can be done by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also sand down and stain or paint your door or window frame to make it look fresh and new.
If the sanding and soap don't help it's likely your issue is caused by foundation settlement or a damaged crawl space. The first thing you should look for cracks in the area. If you spot these indications, you need to call in an expert in foundation repair. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors and misaligned interior walls which can lead to sticking doors and windows. To avoid the need for expensive and dangerous repairs, it's essential to deal with these problems as soon as they can be addressed. These issues can escalate until your home becomes unstable and structurally unsound if not addressed. Call the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists to schedule an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
Cracks can develop when double glazing starts to degrade. This can be a snazzy sight, and can also allow all the heat in your home to escape. This can also pose an injury risk for your family members as the sharp glass pieces could cause injury when they break. 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 crucial to stop drafts from entering the home and keep air in between the window panes. Over time, these seals will shrink or eventually get damaged because of changes in weather. If left unchecked it can cause moisture in the home, condensation and draughts.
A professional is usually able to resolve this problem. They can repair the window seal in order to restore your windows back to their original state of repair. They may also suggest additional features that will decrease the possibility of a stress fracture occurring in the future, like trickle vents for improved ventilation.
You could also try lubricating the hinges and handles on your windows and doors. This will allow them to move more easily and allow the lock to function as it was intended. Rub lubricating oils onto a lint-free cloth and rub them into the hinges, handle mechanism and places where they pass through frames (for example for sash window). You can also take off the handles and wash them in warm soapy water to get rid of any dirt or grit.
It is essential to speak with an expert when your uPVC doors and windows aren't working as they should. They can identify the problem quickly and resolve the issue in a short period of time. It is a lot cheaper and more secure than trying do it yourself and possibly harming the mechanism. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.