Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double glazing window isn't closed, it causes draughts and allows valuable heat to escape. It also reduces your security measures for your home and exposes you to burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges, and handles may break down over time. If this is the case, it can affect the functionality of your windows and void any warranties you might have.
Faulty Locks
Many people put anti-burglar systems on their main doors and gates However, they tend to overlook that windows are prime targets for burglars. Having faulty locks can cause drafts inside the home, allowing valuable heat to escape and also weaken your home's security barriers.
If you find that your uPVC windows locks don't work, it's likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. This usually occurs due to a split in the gearbox component. This can cause the handle not to open, but instead to rotate 360 degrees. This issue is common with uPVC windows, but it is also a problem in tilt-and turn windows and sliding sash windows.
If this happens, it is possible to unlock the lock by applying pressure to the lever handle. This can help to unblock the gear box and allow the opening of the window. If this does nothing, 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 employing locking cams shaped like mushrooms which are inserted into frame keeps. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox, which causes the cams to move upwards or downwards. A common issue is when the spindle on the lock is damaged which causes the handle to rotate freely, but not to move the window open or close.
A faulty gearbox can also cause your window to appear to be locked, but isn't actually. This is usually the case when the centre rods (sometimes called crocodile tooth fixings) within the gearbox have been 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 could cause a lock to break or snap particularly if you have windows made of uPVC that expand and contracts with temperature changes. To prevent this from happening problem, it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith to diagnose the issue and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
The problem of windows and doors sticking is a serious annoyance, but they can also be a sign of more serious structural problems. It is essential to seek professional help if you have difficulties closing or opening a door or window. This could be a result of many things, including foundation settlement and weak crawl space support.
Windows and doors can stick because of humidity or the frame itself. When exposed to moisture, wooden frames can begin to warp. This could make opening and closing them a challenge, even if the hardware in good condition. The wood swells as it expands and pushes against the hinges creating friction.
Rub the door or window with soap to decrease friction if it sticks in the summer. This will make it less swollen and could solve the issue temporarily. This method may need to be repeated regularly during periods of high moisture.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth surface is a more permanent solution. This can be done by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also stain, sand and paint your window or door frame to make it appear new again.
If the sanding and soap don't help it's likely the issue is due to foundation settlement or a compromised crawl space. The first thing to do is look for cracks around the affected area. If you see these signs, it's time to call in a foundation repair specialist. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors, misaligned walls and stuck windows and doors. It is important to take care of these issues as soon as you can to avoid costly and risky repairs in the future. If not addressed the issues could get worse to the point where your entire house is structurally unstable. Contact the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists to schedule an inspection now!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to wear down, it could cause cracks to appear. This can be unsightly and allows all the heat that's stored within your home to escape. This can also pose danger to your family as the sharp glass pieces could cause injury in the event of a break. It is best to repair any double-glazing windows with a crack before they become worse. This will increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are crucial to stop drafts from entering your home and keep air in between your window panes. As time passes, these seals can shrink or become perished due to changes in weather. If not taken care of, it could lead to moisture, condensation and draughts within your home.
This issue can usually be solved by an expert. They can replace the seal on your window and bring your windows back to their original condition. They will also suggest options to reduce the chance of future stress cracks, for example trickle ventilation to improve ventilation.
double glazing repairs near me could also try lubricating the hinges as well as handles on your doors and windows. This will allow them to move more easily and allow the lock to function as it should. Rub some lubricating oils on a lint-free cloth and then rub them into 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 with soapy water to wash away any dirt or dust.
It is essential to speak with an expert when you find that your uPVC windows and doors aren't functioning as they should. They can determine the issue quickly and then resolve it in a short period of time. It's safer and less expensive than trying to fix it yourself and possibly damaging the mechanisms. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.