Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed window isn't closed, it creates draughts and allows valuable heat to escape. It also weakens your home security barriers and puts you at risk of burglary.
Double-glazed window seals, hinges and handles can break down over time. If this is the case, it could affect the way your windows function and invalidate any warranty you have.
Locks that aren't working
Many people put anti-burglar systems on their main doors and gates However, they tend to overlook that windows are the most frequent targets for burglars. Incorrect locks could cause drafts to enter the home, which can allow valuable heat to escape and also weaken your home's security barriers.
If you find that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there's an excellent chance that the lock mechanism is jammed. This usually occurs due to a split in the gearbox component. This could cause the handle to not open, but instead to turn 360 degrees. This is a common problem with uPVC casement windows, but it can also be found in tilt and turn windows, and even sliding sash windows.
If this happens, release the lock by pressing the lever handle. This can allow you to free the gear box and restore the window's opening. If this doesn't work, you may have to replace the window lock mechanism completely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are an internal locking system that secures the window by employing locking cams shaped like mushrooms that are inserted into the frame keeps. The handle activates the gearbox, which then activates the cams for either upward or down movement. A common fault with these is when the spindle on the lock has broken and the handle is unable to turn freely but not 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 because the rods in the centre, also referred to as crocodile teeth fixings in the gearbox snap off. If this is the case, Misty Glaze can supply and install replacement rods to restore the functionality of your window.
It is important not to force a broken lock or a stuck one. This could cause the lock to break or snap - especially with a uPVC window as it expands and contracts as it warms and cools. It is best to contact a professional locksmith who can identify the issue and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Windows and doors that stick are a major source of irritation however, they could also indicate more serious structural issues. It is essential to seek assistance from a professional if you are having trouble closing or opening a door or window. This could result from various factors that include foundation settlement as well as impaired crawl space support.
Doors and windows often stick because of humidity or an issue with the frame itself. When exposed to moisture, wood frames can warp. Even if the hardware appears good, this can make it difficult to open and close your frames. In this case, the wood swells and presses against the hinges, causing friction.
If your window or door gets stuck in the summer and you are unable to get it to close, try using bar soap to lessen the friction. This will help it shrink and can resolve the issue temporarily. This method will need to be repeated frequently during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to create a smooth surface is a more durable fix. This can be done by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also stain and sand or paint your window or door frame to make it appear new again.
If soaping or sanding doesn't aid, the issue could be caused by foundation settlement or a compromised crawlspace. The first thing to look for cracks around the affected area. It's time to contact an expert in foundations when you spot any of these indications. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven flooring and sloping interior walls, which in turn causes sticking windows and doors. It is important to take care of these issues as soon as possible to avoid more costly and dangerous repairs in the future. These issues can escalate until your home is unstable and structurally unsound if not addressed. Contact the Southeast's most renowned foundation repair experts today to set up an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing starts to degrade, it can cause cracks to form. This can be an unsightly sight, and can also allow all the heat in your home to escape. This can also pose a safety threat to your family as the sharp glass pieces could cause injury when they break. It is better to repair any double-glazing windows with cracks before they get any worse. This can increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are vital for keeping air in between the window panes and also for stopping drafts from entering your home. However, over time, they will deteriorate or shrink due to changes in weather conditions. double glazing repair near me , it can cause condensation, moisture and draughts inside your home.
This issue is typically solved by a professional. They can 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 could also try lubricating the hinges and handles on your doors and windows. This will enable them to move more smoothly and will allow the lock to perform as it was intended. Put some lubricating oil on a lint-free cloth and rub it into the handles and hinges, as well as the areas that they pass through the frame (for example, sash windows). It is also beneficial to remove the handles from the frames and wash them with warm water to rid them of any dirt or grit that may have been stuck to them.
It is important to contact an expert if you find that your uPVC doors and windows aren't functioning as they should. They can pinpoint the issue quickly, and 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'll also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and safe.