Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed window isn't closed, it creates drafts and allows valuable heat to escape. This also weakens the security of your home and puts you at a greater risk of burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges and handles can break down over time. If this is the situation it could affect the performance of your windows and void any warranties you may have.
Locks with a problem
Many people put anti-burglar devices on their main doors and gates however, they forget that windows are also prime targets for burglars. Faulty locks can cause draughts, let valuable heat escape and weaken the security of your house.
If you notice that your uPVC window locks are not functioning, there is likely that the lock mechanism has become blocked. This usually occurs due to a split in the gearbox component. This could cause the handle not to open, but instead to turn 360 degrees. This is a problem that is typical of uPVC windows, but it can also occur in tilt-and-turn windows as well as sliding sash windows.
If this happens, it is possible to release the lock by applying pressure to 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 for locking windows.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. They are a locking system inside the window that secures the window utilising mushroom-like locking cams which are inserted into frame keeps. The handle turns on the gearbox, which triggers the cams for either upward or down movement. The spindle of the lock could break which causes the handle to move but the door to open or close.
A damaged gearbox may cause your window to appear to be locked, but it is not. This could happen if the rods in the centre (sometimes called crocodile tooth fixings) in the gearbox have been snapped off. Misty Glaze will supply and replace the rods if this occurs.
It is essential not to force a broken or stuck lock. This can cause the lock to snap or break, especially if you have windows made of uPVC that expand and contracts when temperatures change. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith who can diagnose the problem and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It is annoying to find doors and windows that stick and sag, but they can be a sign of more serious structural issues. It is essential to seek professional help if you have difficulties closing or opening the door or window. These problems can be caused by a number of reasons, including foundation settlement or a lack of support for the crawl space.
Frame problems or humidity can cause windows and doors to become stuck. If your frames are made of wood, for instance, they can become brittle when exposed to humidity. Even if the hardware looks great, this could make it difficult to open and close your frames. In this case the wood expands and pushes against the hinges, creating friction.
Rub the window or door with soap to lessen friction, especially if it is stuck in the summer. This will make it smaller and may help temporarily solve the issue. This solution will need to be repeated frequently during periods of high humidity.
A more permanent solution is sanding the door or window frame to create an even finish. This can be done by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also sand and paint or stain your frame or door to make it look new and fresh.
If sanding or soaping doesn't aid, the issue could be due to foundation settlement or a compromised crawlspace. The first thing to do is look for cracks in the area. If you see these signs, it's time to call in a professional in foundation repair. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors, misaligned walls and doors that are stuck. To avoid costly and risky repairs, it's essential to deal with these issues as soon as you can. If ignored the issues could get worse to the point that your entire home's structure is unstable. Contact the Southeast's most renowned foundation repair specialists today to schedule an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to degrade, it can cause cracks to appear. This can be a snazzy sight, and can also allow the heat inside your home to escape. double glazing repair near me poses dangerous for your family, since the sharp pieces of glass can cause injury when they break. It is best to repair any double glazing windows that have cracks prior to it getting worse, since this could increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are vital to keep air out between your window panes and they also stop drafts from entering your home. However, as time passes, these can become perished or shrink due to changes in weather conditions. If not checked, it can cause condensation, moisture and draughts within your home.
A professional will usually be able to solve this problem. They will be able to replace the seal on your window and bring your windows back to their original state. They will also suggest other features that can reduce the likelihood of a stress crack occurring in the future, for example trickle vents to improve ventilation.
It is also possible to try lubricating hinges and handles on your windows and doors. This will allow them to move more easily and allow the lock to function as it should. Put some lubricating oil on a cloth that is free of lint and rub it into the hinges and handle mechanism as well as the areas that they pass through the frame (for example, for sash windows). You can also remove the handles and wash them in warm soapy water to get rid of any dirt or dust.
It is important to contact an expert when your uPVC doors and windows aren't working as they should. They can determine the issue quickly and then resolve it within a short amount of time. It is a lot cheaper and more secure than trying to do it yourself and possibly damaging the mechanisms. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.