Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window doesn't close, it creates draughts and allows valuable heat to escape. It also weakens your home security barriers and exposes you to burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges and handles can become damaged over time. If this is the case it can affect how your windows function and invalidate any warranty you have.
Locks with a problem
While many people are careful when installing anti-burglar devices for their gates and main doors, it is often overlooked that the windows are prime targets for burglars. Poorly secured locks can cause drafts, let heat escape, and reduce the security of your house.
If you're uPVC windows locks do not work, it's likely that the mechanism of the lock is jammed. This usually happens due to the gearbox breaking in one component. This can cause the handle to not open, but instead to rotate 360 degrees. This is a common issue with uPVC casement windows, but it can also be found in tilt and turn windows and even sliding sash windows.
When this happens it is possible to unlock the lock by applying pressure to the lever handle. This can be used to unblock the gearbox and restore the window's opening. If this doesn't work, you may have to replace the window lock mechanism entirely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are internal locking systems that secure the window using the shape of a mushroom and locking cams that are that are inserted into the frame keep. The handle controls the gearbox which then activates the cams to either move upwards or downwards. The spindle of the lock can break and cause the handle to move but the door to close or open.
A damaged transmission could make your window appear to be locked, but it is not. double glazing repairs near me is usually the case when the rods in the centre (sometimes called crocodile tooth fixings) within the gearbox have broken 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 the lock to break or get a stuck one. This could cause the lock to break or snap - particularly with a window made of uPVC as it expands and expands as it warms and cools. To prevent this from happening, it is best to seek out a professional locksmith to identify the problem and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Sticking doors and windows are a serious annoyance but they can also be a sign of more significant structural problems. If you find it difficult to open or close a door or window it is important to seek help from a professional as soon as possible. This issue can result from a variety 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. When exposed to moisture, wooden frames can warp. This could make opening and closing them a challenge even if the hardware is in good shape. The wood swells when this happens and is pushed up against the hinges, causing friction.
If your window or door sticks in the summer you can try rubbing it with bar soap to decrease the friction. This will make it less swollen and could solve the issue temporarily. This method may need to be repeated frequently during periods of high moisture.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth finish is a more durable fix. This can be done by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also sand and paint or stain your frame or door to make it look new and fresh.
If sanding or soaping doesn't help, your problem may be due to foundation settlement or a compromised crawlspace. Look for cracks in the area. If you spot these signs, it's time to call in a foundation repair specialist. Foundation damage can cause uneven flooring and sloping interior walls which can lead to stuck doors and windows. It is crucial to tackle these issues as early as possible to avoid more expensive and dangerous repairs in the future. If left unattended these issues can escalate to the point that your entire home is structurally unstable. Contact the Southeast's leading foundation repair specialists today to schedule an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to degrade, it can cause cracks to develop. This can be ugly and it also allows all the heat that has been stored within your home to escape. It also poses dangerous for your family members, as the glass's sharp edges could cause injuries when they break. It is recommended to fix any double glazing windows that have a crack before it gets worse, as this may increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are crucial to keep air between your window panes and also for stopping drafts from entering your home. However, over time, they will deteriorate or shrink due to weather changes. If not taken care of, it could cause condensation, moisture and draughts inside your home.
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, such as trickle vents for better ventilation.
You can also grease the hinges and handles of your doors and windows. This will enable them to move more easily and allow the lock to function as intended. Put some lubricating oils on a cloth that is free of lint and rub it into the handles and hinges, as well as places where they go through the frame (for instance, sash windows). It may also be beneficial to remove handles from the frames and clean them by using warm water to rid them of any dirt or grit which has been sunk into them.
It is crucial to contact a professional if your uPVC windows and doors aren't working as they should. They can identify the problem quickly and fix it within a short amount of time. It's a lot less expensive and safer than trying to do it yourself and possibly damaging the mechanisms. You'll also be able to rest in peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.