Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window does not close, it causes draughts that allow valuable heat to escape. It also reduces your security measures for your home and puts you at risk of burglary.
Over time, double glazed window hinges, handles and seals can become damaged. If this is the situation it can impact the performance of your windows and cancel any warranties you may have.
The locks are not working properly
Many people install anti-burglar devices on their main gates and doors However, they tend to forget that windows are the most frequent targets for burglars. Insecure locks can lead to draughts, let valuable heat escape, and reduce the security of your home.
If you find that your uPVC windows locks do not function, it is most likely that the mechanism of the lock is jammed. This is usually caused by the gearbox breaking in one component. This could cause the handle to turn 360 degrees, but not fully open. This issue is common to uPVC windows, however it is also a problem in tilt-and-turn windows and sliding sash window.
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 does nothing it is possible to replace the entire mechanism for locking windows.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. They are a locking system inside the window that secures the window by utilising mushroom-like locking cams that are inserted into the frame. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox, which causes the cams to move up or down. The spindle of the lock may break which causes the handle to move but the door to close or open.
A broken gearbox could cause your window to appear locked, but isn't actually. This can occur when the rods that are the center, also known as crocodile tooth fixings in the gearbox snap off. If this is the situation, Misty Glaze can supply and install replacement rods to restore the functionality of your window.
It is important to not force a stuck or broken lock. This could cause a lock to break or snap in particular if you are using windows made of uPVC that expand and contracts when temperatures change. To avoid this, it is best to call a locksmith professional to diagnose the issue and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It is annoying to have doors and windows that are stuck however, they could also be indicative of more serious structural problems. It is important to seek professional help if you have difficulty closing or opening a door or window. These problems can be caused by a variety of reasons such as foundation settlement or the lack of support for the crawl space.
Frame or humidity issues can cause doors and windows to become stuck. If your frames are made of wood for instance, they may become brittle when exposed to moisture. Even if your hardware appears nice, it can make it difficult to open and close your frames. The wood expands as it expands and pushes up against the hinges, causing friction.
If your window or door is sagging in summer, try rubbing it with bar soap to decrease the friction. This will shrink it and may help temporarily solve the issue. This procedure will have to be repeated frequently during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the door or window to a smooth surface is a better and more lasting solution. This can be done by hand or using the power tool. A professional can also sand and paint or stain your door or frame to make it appear new once more.
If the sanding and soap don't help it's likely that your problem stems from foundation settlement or a damaged crawl space. Look for cracks in the area. If you notice these indications, you need to call in a professional in foundation repair. Foundation damage can lead to uneven floors, walls that are not aligned and doors that are stuck. To avoid the need for costly and dangerous repairs, it's important to deal with these issues as soon as you can. If not addressed, these issues could escalate to the point where your entire house is structurally unstable. Contact the Southeast's top experts in foundation repair to set up an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing starts to degrade, it can cause cracks to appear. This could be a disconcerting appearance and allow all the heat in your home to escape. It could also pose dangerous for your family, since the glass pieces that are sharp can cause injury if they are shattered. It is recommended to repair any double-glazed windows that have cracks prior to it getting worse, as this may increase the cost of replacing the windows.
Window seals are essential to keep air out between your window panes, and also for stopping drafts from entering your home. Over time, the seals may shrink or even get damaged due to changes in the weather. If unchecked, this can lead to condensation in the home, condensation and draughts.
double glazing window repairs will usually be able to solve this issue. They can replace the seal on your window and bring your windows back to their original state. They will also suggest options to reduce the chance of future stress cracks, such as trickle ventilation for better air circulation.
You could also try lubricating hinges and handles on your doors and windows. This will enable them to move more easily, and the lock to function as it should. Rub lubricating oils onto a lint-free cloth and rub them into the hinges or handle mechanism, as well as areas where they pass through frames (for instance, a sash window). You can also take off the handles and wash them with warm soapy water to wash away any dirt or grit.
If your uPVC doors and windows are not functioning in the way they should, it's important to call in an expert to fix them. They will be able to identify the issue quickly and fix it in a short time. It's a lot safer and more affordable than trying to fix it yourself, and could cause damage to the mechanism. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.