Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed window will not close, it creates draughts that allow valuable 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 can break down over time. If this happens, it could affect how your windows function and void any warranty you may have.
Faulty Locks
While a lot of people take great care when installing anti-burglar devices for their gates and doors, it is often overlooked 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're uPVC windows locks don't work, it's likely that the mechanism of the lock is jammed. This usually happens due to the gearbox breaking in one component. This could cause the handle not to open, but to rotate 360 degrees. This is a frequent issue with uPVC casement windows, but is also seen in tilt and turn windows, and even sliding sash windows.
If this happens, you'll be able to unlock the lock by pressing the lever handle. This can allow you to free the gear box and restore the opening of the window. If this doesn't 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 trigger for the gearbox, which then activates the cams for either up or down movement. The spindle of the lock may break which causes the handle to move but the door to open or close.
A faulty gearbox can also cause your window to appear to be locked, but isn't actually. This could happen if the central rods (sometimes called crocodile tooth fixings) in the gearbox have been snapped off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods in the event that this happens.
It is essential not to force a broken or stuck 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 prevent this from happening problem, it is recommended to seek out a professional locksmith to diagnose the issue and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It's annoying to have doors and windows that are stuck however, they could be a sign of more serious structural issues. It is important to seek professional help if you have difficulty closing or opening a door or window. The problem could be caused by a number of factors, including foundation settlement or a lack of support for the crawl space.
Frame or humidity issues could cause windows and doors to stick. If your frames are wood for instance, they can become brittle when exposed to humidity. This can make opening and closing them a challenge, even if the hardware in good condition. The wood swells when this happens and is pushed up against the hinges, creating friction.
Rub the door or window with soap to reduce friction if it sticks in summer. It will shrink and could temporarily resolve the problem. This method will need to be repeated frequently during periods of high humidity.
A more permanent fix involves sanding the window or door frame down to a smooth finish. It can be done either by hand or with an electric tool. A professional can also stain and sand or paint your door or window frame to make it appear like new.
If the sanding and soap don't help it's likely that your problem stems from foundation settlement or a compromised crawl space. Check for cracks in the area. If you notice these indications, you need to contact an expert in foundation repair. Foundation damage can lead to uneven floors and a misaligned interior wall which can lead to sticking doors and windows. It is important to take care of these issues as soon as possible to avoid more costly and risky repairs in the future. If ignored, these issues could escalate to the point where your entire house is structurally unstable. Contact the Southeast's most renowned foundation repair specialists today to arrange an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
Cracks can appear when double glazing starts to degrade. This can be an unsightly sight, and can also let all the heat from your home to escape. It can also be a safety risk for your family, since the glass's sharp edges can cause injury if they are shattered. It is recommended to fix any double-glazing window with a crack before they become worse. This can increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are essential to stop drafts from entering the home and to keep air between the window panes. However, as time passes, these will deteriorate or shrink due to changes in weather conditions. If not taken care of this could lead to humidity in the home condensation, draughts and condensation.
This issue is usually resolved by a professional. They can replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original state. They will also suggest options to reduce the chance of future stress cracks, for example trickle ventilation for better ventilation.
You could also try lubricating the hinges and handles on your doors and windows. window repair Hackney will allow them to move more smoothly and will allow the lock to perform as it was intended. Rub lubricating oils onto a lint-free cloth and then rub them into hinges or handle mechanism, as well as places where they pass through frames (for instance, a sash window). You can also take off the handles and clean them with soapy water to wash away any dirt or dust.
It is essential to speak with an expert when your uPVC windows and doors are not working as they should. They will be able to find the issue quickly and then resolve it in a short period of time. It's safer and less expensive than trying to fix it yourself and possibly damaging the mechanisms. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and safe.