Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed window will not close, it causes drafts that allow valuable heat to escape. It also reduces the security of your home and puts you at risk of burglary.
Double-glazed window seals, hinges, and handles may break down over time. If this is the case, it could affect how your windows function and invalidate any warranty you may have.
The locks are not working properly
While many people take great care in installing anti-burglar security systems for their gates and doors, it is often overlooked that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. Insecure locks can lead to drafts, let heat escape, and reduce the security of your home.
If your uPVC windows locks do not function, it is most likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. This usually happens due to a split in a gearbox component. This could cause the handle not to open, but instead to rotate 360 degrees. This is a problem that is common with uPVC windows, but it can also occur in tilt-and-turn windows as well as sliding sash windows.
If this happens, you can unlock the lock by pressing the lever handle. This will unblock the gearbox and then restore the window's opening. If this does nothing then you might need to replace the entire mechanism for locking windows.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are locking systems inside the window that secure the window using locks that look like mushrooms and are that are inserted into the frame keep. double glazing repair is the trigger for the gearbox, which triggers the cams for either up or down movement. A common issue is when the spindle on the lock has been damaged which causes the handle to rotate freely, but not move the window open or shut.
A damaged gearbox may cause your window to appear locked, but isn't actually. This can happen when the central rods (sometimes called crocodile tooth fixings) in the gearbox have been snapped off. If this is the situation, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacement rods in order to restore the function of your window.
It is essential not to force a broken or stuck lock. This could cause a lock to break or snap particularly if you have windows made of uPVC which expands and contracts as temperatures change. It is best to contact a professional locksmith who can determine the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
The problem of windows and doors sticking is a serious annoyance but they can be a sign of more serious structural problems. It is important to seek professional help if you have difficulty closing or opening a door or window. The issue could be the result of many things such as foundation settlement and weak crawl space support.
Humidity or frame problems could cause windows and doors to stick. If your frames are 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. If this happens the wood expands and pushes against the hinges, creating friction.
If your door or window gets stuck in the summer, try rubbing it with bar soap to decrease the friction. This will allow it to shrink and could solve the issue temporarily. This procedure will have to be repeated sporadically during times of high humidity.
A more permanent solution is sanding the window or door frame to give it an even finish. This can be done by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also sand down and stain or paint your window or door frame to get it looking like new.
If the sanding and soap don't help it's likely the issue is due to foundation settlement or a damaged crawl space. The first thing to do is look for cracks in the affected area. It's time to call an expert in foundations when you spot any of these indications. Foundation damage can lead to uneven flooring and sloping interior walls, which in turn causes sticking windows and doors. To avoid expensive and dangerous repairs, it's crucial to deal with these issues as soon as you can. These issues can get worse until your home becomes structurally unstable if left unattended. Call the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists to schedule an inspection now!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
Cracks can develop when double glazing begins to break down. It can be unappealing and also allow all the heat that has been built up within your home to escape. This could also pose an injury risk to your family, as the glass pieces can cause injuries when they break. It is recommended to fix any double glazing windows that show a crack before it gets worse, as this will increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are essential to prevent drafts from entering your home and to keep air between your window panes. However, as time passes, these will deteriorate or shrink due to weather changes. If left unchecked this could lead to humidity in the home as well as condensation and draughts.
This issue is typically solved by an expert. They can replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original state. They will also suggest other features that will decrease the possibility of a stress crack occurring in the future, such as trickle vents to improve ventilation.
You can also lubricate the handles and hinges on your windows and door. This will enable them to move more easily and the lock to function as it was intended. Rub lubricating oils onto a cloth that is free of lint and then rub them into hinges, handle mechanism and places where they go through frames (for instance, a window with sash). You can also take off the handles and clean them in warm soapy water to remove any dirt or dust.
It is essential to speak with a professional if your uPVC windows and doors are not working as they should. They can identify the problem quickly and then resolve it in a short period of time. It's much safer and cheaper than trying to fix the issue yourself and could cause damage to the mechanism. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.