Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window isn't closed, it causes draughts and allows valuable heat to escape. It also reduces your security measures for your home and puts you at risk of burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges and handles can become damaged over time. If this is the situation, it can affect the performance of your windows and invalidate any warranties you might have.
Faulty locks
Many people put anti-burglar devices on their main doors and gates however, they forget that windows are the most frequent targets for burglars. Incorrect locks could cause drafts to enter the home, allowing valuable heat to escape, and weaken your home's security barriers.
If you find that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there's likely that the mechanism for locking is stuck. This is typically due to a slit in the gearbox component. This could cause the handle to turn 360 degrees, but not fully open. This is a problem that is typical of uPVC windows, however it can also occur in tilt-and-turn windows and sliding sash windows.
If this happens, you'll be able to release the lock by pressing the lever handle. This will unlock the gearbox and reopen the window's opening. If this does nothing then you might need 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 that are inserted into the frame. The handle is the trigger for the gearbox, which triggers the cams for either upward or down movement. A common fault with these is when the spindle on the lock has been damaged, causing the handle to turn freely but not allowing the window to move open or close.
A broken gearbox could cause your window to appear locked, but it is not. This is usually the case when the centre rods (sometimes known as crocodile teeth fixings) within the gearbox have snapped off. Misty Glaze will supply and replace the rods if this occurs.
It is crucial not to force an unbreakable lock or stuck lock. This can cause the lock to snap or break, especially with a uPVC window that expands and shrinks as it warms up and cools. It is best to call an expert locksmith who will determine the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Windows and doors that stick are a major source of irritation but they can also indicate more serious structural issues. It's important to get professional help if you have difficulty opening or closing the door or window. These issues can be a result of many things, including foundation settlement and weak crawl space support.
Frame or humidity issues can cause doors and windows to become stuck. If your frames are wood for instance, they can be prone to warping when exposed to humidity. This can make opening and closing them difficult, even if the hardware in good condition. The wood swells as it expands and pushes against the hinges, creating friction.
Rub the window or door with soap to lessen friction if it sticks in summer. This will make it less swollen and may resolve the problem temporarily. This method will need to be repeated frequently during times of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the door or window to a smooth finish is a more permanent solution. It can be done either by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also stain, sand and paint your window or door frame to get it looking fresh and new.
If sanding and soap aren't helping it's likely the issue is due to foundation settlement or a damaged crawl space. Check for cracks in the area. It's time to call an expert in foundations If you notice any of these indications. Foundation damage can lead to uneven floors, a misaligned wall and doors that are stuck. It's important to take care of these issues as soon as possible in order to avoid costly and risky repairs in the future. If not addressed the issues could get worse to the point that your entire home's structure is unstable. Contact the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists today to arrange an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to form. It can be unappealing and also allow all the heat that has been built up in your home to escape. This could also pose a safety threat for your family members as the sharp glass pieces could cause injury if they break. It is recommended to fix any double glazing windows that show a crack before it gets worse, since this could increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are essential to stop drafts from entering your home and keep air between your window panes. However, over time, they can become perished or shrink due to weather changes. If not taken care of this could lead to moisture in the home as well as condensation and draughts.
A professional can usually solve this problem. They can repair the window seal in order to restore your windows back to their original state of repair. They will also suggest other features that can reduce the possibility of a stress crack occurring in the future, for example trickle vents for better ventilation.
double glazing Burnham can also lubricate the hinges and handles of your doors and windows. This will enable them to move more smoothly and allow the lock to work as intended. Rub some lubricating oils on a lint free cloth and then rub them into the hinges and handle mechanism as well as in places where they go through frames (for instance, a sash window). It can also be helpful to remove handles from their frames and wash them with warm water to rid them of any dirt or grit that has been stuck to them.
It is important to contact a professional if your uPVC windows and doors are not working as they should. They can identify the problem quickly, and solve it in a short time. It's a lot less expensive and safer than trying to fix it yourself and risk damaging the mechanisms. You'll also be able to rest in peace of mind knowing your home is secure and safe.