Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window won't close it creates draughts and allows valuable heat to escape. This also weakens the security of your home and puts you at a greater risk of burglary.
Over time, double-glazed window hinges, handles and seals can be damaged. If this is the situation, it can affect the performance of your windows and void any warranties you may have.
Locks with a problem
While a lot of people take great care in installing anti-burglar devices for their gates as well as main doors but they often forget that windows are among the top targets for burglars. Faulty locks can cause drafts, let heat escape and compromise the security of your home.
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 an issue with a gearbox component. This can cause the handle not to open, but instead to turn 360 degrees. This issue is common with uPVC windows, but it can also happen in tilt-and-turn windows and sliding sash windows.
If this happens, unlock 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 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 utilising mushroom-like locking cams that are inserted into the frame. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox, which causes the cams, causing them to move upwards or downwards. A common fault with these is when the spindle on the lock is damaged and the handle is unable to move freely but not move the window open or shut.
A broken gearbox could 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 snap off. If this is the case, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacement rods in order to restore the function of your window.
It is not advisable to force an unbreakable lock or stuck lock. This could cause a lock to break or snap in particular if you are using a uPVC windows that expands and contracts when temperatures change. To prevent this from happening issue, you should contact a professional locksmith to diagnose the issue and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Windows and doors that stick are a major source of irritation but they can be a sign of more significant structural problems. It is essential to seek assistance from a professional if you are having difficulties closing or opening windows or doors. This could result from many things, including foundation settlement and inadequate support for crawl spaces.
Frame or humidity issues can cause windows and doors to become stuck. If your frames are wood for instance, they may warp when exposed to moisture. This can make opening and closing them a challenge, even if the hardware is in good shape. The wood swells when this happens and is pushed up against the hinges, causing friction.
Rub the door or window with soap to reduce friction, especially if it is stuck in summer. This will make it less swollen and can resolve the issue temporarily. This solution will need to be repeated frequently during times of high humidity.
A more permanent solution involves sanding the door or window frame to give it an even finish. It can be done by hand or using a power tool. A professional can also stain and sand or paint your window or door frame to get it looking fresh and new.
If Sanding and soap aren't working it's likely that the issue is due to foundation settlement or a damaged crawl space. Examine for cracks in your area. It's time for you to consult an expert in foundation when you spot any of these indications. Foundation damage can lead to uneven floors and a misaligned interior wall, which in turn causes stuck doors and windows. It is crucial to take care of these issues as soon as possible to avoid more costly and dangerous repairs in the future. If not addressed, these issues could escalate to the point that your entire house is structurally unstable. Contact the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists today to set up an inspection and repair service!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to wear down, it could cause cracks to appear. This could be a disconcerting sight and also allow the heat inside your home to escape. It also poses a safety risk for your family members, as the glass's sharp edges can cause injury in the event that they break. It is recommended to fix any double glazing windows that show cracks before they get worse, as this may increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are essential to keep air between the window panes and they also stop drafts from entering your home. Over time, the seals will shrink or eventually get damaged due to changes in the weather. If unchecked this could lead to moisture in the home, condensation and draughts.
A professional is usually able to resolve this issue. They will be able to replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original state. They will also suggest other features that will reduce the likelihood of a stress crack forming in the future, such as trickle vents to improve ventilation.
It is also possible to try lubricating hinges and handles on your windows and doors. This will enable them to move more easily and the lock to function as it should. Rub lubricating oils onto a cloth that is free of lint and then rub them into the hinges, handle mechanism and places where they pass through frames (for instance, a sash window). You can also remove the handles and wash them with warm soapy water to get rid of any dirt or dirt.
If double glazing window repairs and windows are not functioning as they should, it is crucial to contact a professional to repair them. They will be able to identify the issue quickly, and then repair it in a brief time. It's safer and less expensive than trying to fix the issue yourself and potentially damaging the mechanism. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.