Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window does not close, it creates drafts that allow 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 may break down over time. If this is the case, it can affect the functionality of your windows and invalidate any warranties you might have.
Locks that aren't working
Many people install anti-burglar devices on their main gates and doors However, they tend to overlook that windows are prime targets for burglars. Faulty locks can cause 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 blocked. This is typically due to a slit in the gearbox component. This can cause the handle to rotate 360 degrees but not open. This issue is typical of uPVC windows, but it can also occur in tilt-and turn windows and sliding sash window.
If this happens you can unlock the lock by applying pressure on the lever handle. This can help to unblock the gear box and restore the opening of the window. If this method does not work, you may have to replace the window lock mechanism entirely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. They are an internal locking system that secures the window employing locking cams shaped like mushrooms that are inserted into the frame keeps. The handle turns on the gearbox, which activates the cams for either up or down movement. A common fault with these is when the spindle on the lock is damaged which causes the handle to move freely but not allowing the
window repair to move open or close.
A faulty gearbox can also cause your window to appear locked, but it is not. This could happen when the centre rods, also known as crocodile tooth fixings within the gearbox break off. If this is the case, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacement rods in order to restore the function of your window.
It is crucial not to force a broken lock or stuck lock. This could cause a lock to snap or break, especially if you have a uPVC windows that expands and contracts as temperatures change. It is best to call a professional locksmith to identify the issue and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
The problem of windows and doors sticking is a major source of irritation but they can also be a sign of more serious structural problems. If you find it difficult to open or close a door or window, it's important to seek help from a professional as soon as possible. The problem could be caused by a variety of reasons, including foundation settlement or a lack of support for the crawl space.
Windows and doors can get stuck due to humidity or the frame itself. If your frames are wood, for instance, they can become brittle when exposed to humidity. This makes opening and closing them difficult, even if the hardware in good condition. In this case the wood expands and presses against the hinges, creating friction.
If your door or window is sagging in summer, try rubbing it with bar soap to decrease the friction. This will allow it to shrink and can resolve the issue temporarily. This procedure may have to be repeated periodically during times of high moisture.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth surface is a better and more lasting solution. This can be done by hand or using a power tool. A professional can also sand and paint, or stain your door or frame to make it look brand new once more.
If soaping or sanding doesn't aid, the issue could be due to foundation settlement or a damaged crawlspace. Look for cracks in the area. It's time to contact an expert in foundation when you spot any of these signs. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors and misaligned interior walls, which in turn causes sticking windows and doors. To avoid the need for costly and dangerous repairs, it's essential to address these issues as soon as possible. These issues can escalate until your home is structurally unstable if left unattended. Contact the Southeast's top foundation repair experts today to arrange an inspection and repair service!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to degrade, it can cause cracks to form. This can be a snazzy sight, and can also allow the heat inside your home to escape. It also poses dangerous for your family, since the glass's sharp edges could cause injuries if they are shattered. It is recommended to repair any double-glazed windows that have cracks before they get worse, as this may increase the cost of replacing the windows.
Window seals are essential to stop drafts from entering your home and to keep air between your window panes. However, over time, they may become damaged or
handle shrink due to changes in weather conditions. If unchecked, this can lead to humidity in the home as well as condensation and draughts.
This issue can usually be resolved by an expert. They can replace the window seal in order to restore your windows to their original state of repair. They may also suggest additional features that will decrease the chance of a stress crack forming in the future, for example trickle vents for improved ventilation.
You can also grease the hinges and handles of your windows and door. This will enable them to move more easily and allow the lock to function as it was intended. 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 go through the frame (for instance, windows with sash). It may also be beneficial to remove the handles from the frames and wash them with warm water to rid them of any dirt or grit which has become stuck to them.
If your uPVC doors and windows aren't working in the way they should, it's crucial to contact an expert to fix them. They can identify the problem quickly and then resolve it within a short amount of time. It's a lot safer and more affordable than trying to fix it yourself, and possibly damaging the mechanisms. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your home is secure and safe.