Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed window will not close, it causes drafts that allow valuable heat to escape. It also reduces your security measures for your home and exposes you to burglary.
Double-glazed window seals, hinges, and handles can break down over time. If this happens it could affect the performance of your windows and invalidate any warranties you might have.
The locks are not working properly
Many people put anti-burglar systems on their main doors and gates However, they tend to forget that windows are prime targets for burglars. Faulty locks can cause draughts, let valuable heat escape and weaken the security of your house.
If you notice that your uPVC window locks are not working, there's a good chance that the mechanism for locking is jammed. This is typically caused by an issue with a gearbox component. This could cause the handle to not open, but to rotate 360 degrees. This is a common problem with uPVC casement windows, but can also be present in tilt and turn windows, and even sliding sash windows.
If this happens, it is possible to release the lock by applying pressure to the lever handle. This can be used to unlock the gearbox and reopen the window's opening. If this doesn't work then you might need to replace the entire mechanism for locking windows.
double glazing repairs Potters Bar use espagnolette locks. They are an internal locking system that secures the window by utilising mushroom-like locking cams that are inserted into the frame. The handle controls the gearbox that then triggers the cams to move upwards or downwards. The spindle of the lock could break and cause the handle to move but the window to open or close.
A faulty transmission can also cause your window to appear locked however it's not. This can happen when the centre rods (sometimes known as crocodile teeth fixings) within the gearbox have broken off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods in the event that this happens.
It is essential not to try to force a stuck or broken lock. This could cause the lock to break or snap - especially with a uPVC window that expands and contracts as it warms and cools. It is best to contact a professional locksmith to diagnose the problem and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Windows and doors that stick are a serious annoyance, but they can also be a sign of more serious structural issues. It is essential to seek professional help if you have trouble opening or closing the door or window. The issue could be a result of many things, including foundation settlement and impaired crawl space support.
Doors and windows often get stuck due to humidity or the frame itself. If your frames are wood, for instance, they could be prone to warping when exposed to moisture. Even if the hardware appears nice, it can make it difficult to open and close your frames. If this happens, the wood swells and pushes against the hinges, creating friction.
If your door or window gets stuck in the summer, try rubbing it with bar soap to decrease the friction. It will shrink and could temporarily resolve the problem. This procedure may have to be repeated periodically during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth finish is a more permanent solution. This can be done by hand or using a power tool. A professional can also stain and sand or paint your window or door frame to make it appear new again.
If sanding and soap aren't helping, it's likely that your issue is caused by foundation settlement or a compromised crawl space. Examine for cracks in your area. If you spot these indications, you need to call in a foundation repair specialist. Foundation damage can lead to uneven floors and misaligned interior walls, which in turn causes sticking doors and windows. It is important to address these issues as early as possible in order to avoid costly and dangerous repairs in the future. If not addressed the issues could get worse to the point that your entire home is structurally unstable. Call the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists to schedule an inspection now!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
Cracks can form when double glazing starts to degrade. This could be a disconcerting sight, and can also allow the heat inside your home to escape. It could also pose dangerous for your family, as the glass pieces that are sharp could cause injuries if they are shattered. It is better to fix any double-glazing window with cracks before they get any worse. This can increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are vital to prevent drafts from entering your home and to keep air between your window panes. However, over time these will deteriorate or shrink due to weather changes. If not checked, it can result in condensation, moisture and draughts inside your home.
A professional is usually able to resolve this issue. They can replace the window seal in order to restore your windows to their original condition. They can also suggest options to reduce the chance of future stress cracks, such as trickle ventilation for better ventilation.
You can also grease the handles and hinges of your windows and door. This will enable them to move more easily and the lock to function as it was intended. Rub some lubricating oil on a lint free cloth and rub them into the hinges and handle mechanism as well as in places where they go through frames (for example for sash window). You can also remove the handles and wash them in warm soapy water to remove any dirt or dirt.
It is crucial to contact a professional if you find that your uPVC doors and windows aren't working as they should. They can identify the problem quickly and fix it in a short time. It's much safer and cheaper than trying to fix it yourself, and potentially damaging the mechanism. You will also have peace of mind knowing your home is secure and safe.