Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed window will not shut, it creates drafts that allow valuable heat to escape. It also weakens your home security barriers and puts you at risk of burglary.
Over time, double glazed window hinges, handles and seals can become damaged. If this happens, it could affect the way your windows work and could invalidate any warranty you have.
The locks are not working properly
While many people are careful when installing anti-burglar devices for their gates and doors, it is often overlooked that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. Insecure locks can lead to drafts, allow valuable heat escape, and reduce the security of your home.
If you're uPVC windows locks don't work, it's likely that the lock mechanism is jammed. This is usually due to a split in the gearbox component. This could cause the handle not to open, but to rotate 360 degrees. This is a problem that is common with uPVC windows, however it can also happen in tilt-and turn windows and sliding sash windows.
If this happens, you can unlock the lock by pressing the lever handle. This will unlock the gearbox and reopen the window's opening. If this method does not work, you may have to replace the window lock mechanism entirely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are an internal locking system that secures the window using locking cams that resemble mushrooms that are inserted into the frame. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox that then triggers the cams to either move up or down. The spindle of the lock can break which causes the handle to move, but the window to close or open.
A faulty transmission can also make your window appear to be locked however it's not. This is because the rods in the centre, also referred to as crocodile tooth fixings in the gearbox snap off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods if this happens.
It is crucial not to force a broken lock or a stuck one. This could cause the lock to snap or break, particularly with a window made of uPVC because it expands and shrinks as it warms up and cools. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to seek out a professional locksmith to diagnose the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
The problem of windows and doors sticking is a major source of irritation, but they can also indicate more serious structural issues. If you're having difficulty to open or close a window or door, it's important to seek out professional assistance immediately. These issues can be a result of various factors, including foundation settlement and inadequate support for crawl spaces.
Windows and doors can stick because of humidity or an issue with the frame itself. When exposed to moisture, wood frames can warp. This could make opening and closing them difficult even if the hardware in good shape. When this happens, the wood swells and presses against the hinges, causing friction.
If your door or window sticks in the summer you can try rubbing it with bar soap to reduce the friction. It will shrink and may temporarily solve the issue. This procedure will have to be repeated frequently during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth finish is a better and more lasting solution. This can be done by hand or with a power tool. A professional can also stain and sand or paint your door or window frame to make it appear new again.
If soaping or sanding doesn't solve the problem, it could be caused by foundation settlement or a damaged crawlspace. The first thing you need to do is look for cracks in the affected area. If you see these signs, it's time to call an expert in foundation repair. Foundation damage can lead to uneven flooring and sloping interior walls which can lead to stuck doors and windows. It is crucial to address these issues as early as possible in order to avoid costly and risky repairs in the future. These issues could escalate until your home is structurally unstable if left unattended. Contact the Southeast's most renowned foundation repair specialists today to set up an inspection and repair service!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing starts to degrade, it can cause cracks to appear. It can be unappealing and also allow all the heat that's stored in your home to escape. It also poses dangerous for your family, since the sharp pieces of glass could cause injuries when they break. It is recommended to fix any double-glazed windows that have a crack before it gets worse, as this may increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are crucial for keeping air in between your window panes, and they also stop drafts from entering your home. However, over time, they may become damaged or shrink due to weather changes. If not taken Swanley window repairs of, it could cause condensation, moisture and draughts inside your home.
A professional can usually solve this issue. They can replace the seal on your window and bring your windows back to their original state. They can also recommend additional features that can reduce the chance of a stress crack occurring in the future, like trickle vents to improve ventilation.
You can also grease the hinges and handles of your windows and door. This will allow them to move more easily and allow the lock to function as it should. Put some lubricating oils on a cloth that is free of lint and rub it into the hinges and handle mechanism, and also in the places where they pass through the frame (for example, sash windows). It may also be beneficial to remove handles from their frames and wash them by using warm water to get rid of any dirt or grit that may have been sunk into them.
It is crucial to contact an expert when your uPVC doors and windows aren't working as they should. They can identify the problem quickly and repair it in a brief time. It is a lot cheaper and more secure than trying to do it yourself and possibly harming the mechanism. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.