Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed window doesn't close, it creates drafts and allows valuable heat to escape. It also reduces the security of your home and exposes you to burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges, and handles can become damaged over time. If this is the case it can impact the performance of your windows and cancel any warranties you might have.
Faulty locks
While a lot of people take great care when installing anti-burglar security systems for their gates and main doors but they often forget that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. Incorrect locks can lead to draughts in the home, which can allow valuable heat to escape and also weaken your home's security barriers.
If you find that your uPVC window locks are not working, there is a good chance that the mechanism for locking is jammed. This is typically due to a split in the gearbox component. This could cause the handle to not open, but instead to turn 360 degrees. This is a problem that is common to uPVC windows, but it can also occur in tilt-and turn windows and sliding sash windows.
If this happens, release the lock by pressing the lever handle. This will unblock the gearbox and then restore the window's opening. If this method does not work, you may have to replace the window lock mechanism completely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are internal locking systems that secure the window with mushroom-shaped locking cams in the frame keep. The handle controls the gearbox which then activates the cams to move upwards or downwards. The spindle of the lock could break, causing the handle not to move but the window to close or open.
A damaged gearbox may cause your window to appear locked but not actually be. This could happen when the rods in the centre, also referred to as crocodile tooth fixings in the gearbox are snapped off. If this is the situation, Misty Glaze can supply and install replacement rods to restore the operation of your window.
It is important to not force a stuck or broken 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. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to seek out a professional locksmith to determine the problem and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It is annoying to have windows and doors that are stuck and sag, but they can also indicate more serious structural issues. If you're having difficulty to open or close a window or door it is crucial to seek professional help whenever you can. This issue can be caused by a number of causes, including foundation settlement or an absence of support for the crawl space.
Windows and doors can are stuck due to humidity or the frame itself. If your frames are wood, for instance, they could become brittle when exposed to moisture. This makes opening and closing them difficult even if the hardware in good condition. If this happens the wood expands and pushes against the hinges, causing friction.
Rub the window or door with soap to reduce friction if it sticks in summer. This will shrink it and may temporarily solve the issue. This method may need to be repeated periodically during times of high moisture.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to create a smooth surface is a more permanent fix. You can do this by hand or using the power tool. A professional can also sand and paint or stain your door or frame to make it look new and fresh.
If soaping or sanding don't help, your problem may be caused by foundation settlement or a compromised crawlspace. Check for cracks in the area. If you spot these signs, it's time to call a professional in foundation repair. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven flooring and sloping interior walls and, in turn, stuck doors and windows. It's important to tackle these issues as early as you can to avoid costly and dangerous repairs in the future. These issues can get worse until your home is unsafe to live in if it is not taken care of. Contact the Southeast's top experts in foundation repair to schedule an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
Cracks can form when double glazing starts to degrade. This could be a disconcerting appearance and let all the heat from your home to escape. This can also pose danger to your family as the glass pieces can cause injury when they break. It is recommended to fix any double glazing windows that show cracks before they get worse, as this will increase the cost of replacing the windows.
Window seals are crucial to stop drafts from entering the home and keep air between the window panes. As time passes, these seals can shrink or be destroyed because of changes in weather. If left unchecked it can cause condensation in the home condensation, draughts and condensation.
A professional can usually solve this problem. They can replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original state. They can also recommend additional features that will reduce the likelihood of a stress crack occurring in the future, like trickle vents to improve ventilation.
You can also try lubricating the hinges and handles on your doors and windows. This will help them move more easily and allow the lock to work as intended. Apply lubricating oil to 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, for windows with sash). You can also take off the handles and wash them with soapy water to get rid of any dirt or grit.
It is essential to speak with an expert if you find that your uPVC windows and doors are not working as they should. They will be able to identify the problem quickly and fix it in a short space of time. It's much less expensive and more secure than trying to do it yourself and possibly damaging the mechanisms. double glazing repairs Letchworth gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.