Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window isn't closed, it creates drafts and allows valuable heat to escape. This also reduces the security of your home and puts you at a greater risk of being a victim of burglary.
Double-glazed window seals, hinges, and handles may break down over time. If this is the situation, it can affect your windows' functionality and invalidate any warranties you might have.
Locks that aren't working
Many people put anti-burglar systems on their main gates and doors however, they forget that windows are prime targets for burglars. Incorrect locks can lead to draughts in the home, which can allow valuable heat to escape and weaken your home's security barriers.
If you notice that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there is likely that the lock mechanism has become stuck. This is typically due to a split in the gearbox component. This can cause the handle to rotate 360 degrees, but not open. This issue is typical of uPVC windows, however it is also a problem in tilt-and turn windows and sliding sash window.
In this situation it is possible to release the lock by applying pressure to the lever handle. This can allow you to free the gear box and allow the opening of the window. If this does nothing it is possible to replace the entire mechanism for locking windows.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are internal locking systems that secure the window with mushroom-shaped locking cams inserted into the frame keep. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox which then activates the cams to either move up or down. The spindle of the lock can break which causes the handle to move but the door to either open or close.
A damaged gearbox may cause your window to appear to be locked, but it is not. This can occur when the centre rods, also known as crocodile tooth fixings, in the gearbox are 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 not advisable to force an unbreakable lock or stuck lock. This could cause a lock to break or snap in particular if you are using a uPVC windows that expands and contracts with temperature changes. To avoid this, it is best to call a locksmith professional to diagnose the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It's annoying to have windows and doors that are stuck however, they could be a sign of more serious structural problems. If you're having difficulty to open or close a door or window it is crucial to seek help from a professional immediately. The problem could result from a variety of causes like foundation settlement or a lack of support for the crawl space.
double glazing window repairs or humidity can cause windows and doors to become stuck. If your frames are made of wood, for instance, they may become brittle when exposed to humidity. Even if the hardware looks great, this could make it difficult to open and close your frames. The wood swells when this happens, and it pushes up against the hinges creating friction.
Rub the door or window with soap to lessen friction, especially if it is stuck in summer. It will shrink and may temporarily solve the issue. This method may need to be repeated periodically during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth surface is a more permanent fix. You can do this either by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also stain and sand or paint your window or door frame to get it looking fresh and new.
If Sanding and soap aren't working it's likely that your issue is caused by foundation settlement or a weak crawl space. The first thing you need to do is look for cracks in the area. If you notice these indications, you need to call an expert in foundation repair. Foundation damage can cause uneven floors and a misaligned interior wall, which in turn causes sticking windows and doors. It is important to take care of these issues as soon as possible in order to avoid costly and risky repairs in the future. These issues can escalate until your home is structurally unstable if left unattended. Contact the Southeast's most renowned foundation repair experts today to schedule an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to form. This can be an unsightly sight and also let all the heat from your home to escape. It could also pose an hazard for your family, since the sharp pieces of glass could injure them if they are shattered. It is better to fix any double-glazing window with a crack before they get worse. This will increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are crucial to stop drafts from entering the home and to keep air between the window panes. However, over time these may become damaged or shrink due to weather changes. If not checked, it can cause condensation, moisture and draughts inside your home.
This issue is usually solved by an expert. They can replace the window seal and restore your windows back to their original condition. They may also suggest additional features that will reduce the chance of a stress crack occurring in the future, such as trickle vents to improve ventilation.
It is also possible to lubricate the hinges and handles of your doors and windows. This will allow them to move more easily and allow the lock to function as intended. Put some lubricating oil on a cloth that is free of lint and rub it into the handles and hinges, as well as the areas where they go through the frame (for example, sash windows). You can also remove the handles and wash them in warm soapy water to wash away any dirt or grit.
It is essential to speak with an expert when you find that your uPVC doors and windows are not working as they should. They will be able to find the issue quickly and fix it within a short amount of time. It's much safer and cheaper than attempting to fix it yourself, and could cause damage to the mechanism. You'll also have peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.