Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window does not close, it causes drafts that allow heat to escape. This can also compromise the security of your home and puts you at a greater risk of being a victim of burglary.
Double-glazed window seals, hinges and handles may break down over time. If this is the case it could affect the way your windows function and invalidate any warranty you have.
Locks that aren't working
Many people install anti-burglar devices on their main doors and gates However, they tend to forget that windows are also the most frequent targets for burglars. Faulty locks can cause draughts, let valuable heat escape and weaken the security of your home.
If you notice that your uPVC window locks aren't functioning, there is a good chance that the mechanism for locking has become jammed. This is typically caused by the gearbox breaking in one component. This can cause the handle not to open, but instead 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 can release the lock by pressing the lever handle. This can allow you to free the gear box and 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 locking systems inside the window which secure the window by using mushroom-shaped locking cams inserted into the frame keep. The handle activates the gearbox, which then activates the cams to allow either up or down movement. The spindle of the lock can break which causes the handle to move, but the window to open or close.
A broken gearbox could cause your window to appear to be locked but not actually be. This can happen when the rods in the centre (sometimes called crocodile tooth fixings) within the gearbox have snapped off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods if this happens.
It is not advisable to force the lock to break or get stuck lock. This could cause the lock to break or snap - particularly with a window made of uPVC that expands and contracts as it warms and cools. To prevent this from happening problem, it is recommended to seek out a professional locksmith to diagnose the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Windows and doors that stick are an extremely annoying problem, but they can also be a sign of more serious structural problems. If you find it difficult to open or close a window or door it is important to seek help from a professional immediately. The problem could result from a variety of reasons like foundation settlement or the lack of support in the crawl space.
Frame or humidity issues can cause windows and doors to become stuck. When exposed to moisture, wood frames may begin to warp. This can make opening and closing them difficult, even if the hardware in good shape. The wood expands as it expands and pushes up against the hinges creating friction.
Rub the door or window with soap to decrease friction if it gets stuck in the summer. This will help it shrink and may resolve the problem temporarily. This procedure may have to be repeated frequently during periods of high moisture.
A more permanent fix involves sanding the window or door frame to create an even finish. It can be done by hand or using a power tool. A professional can also sand, paint or stain your frame or door to make it appear new and fresh.
If sanding and soap aren't helping it's likely that your problem stems from foundation settlement or a damaged crawl space. Examine for cracks in your area. If you see these signs, it's time to contact a professional in foundation repair. Foundation damage can lead to uneven floors, misaligned walls and doors that are stuck. It is important to address these issues as early as possible in order to avoid expensive and dangerous repairs in the future. double glazing repairs Colchester can escalate until your home is unsafe to live in if it is not taken care of. Contact the Southeast's leading foundation repair specialists today to arrange an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to degrade, it can cause cracks to appear. This could be a disconcerting sight, and can also allow the heat inside your home to escape. It also poses a safety threat to your family, as the sharp glass pieces could cause injury when they break. It is recommended to repair any double glazing windows that show a crack before it gets worse, as this may increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are essential to prevent drafts from entering the home and keep air between your window panes. Over time, these seals can shrink or be destroyed due to changes in weather. If not checked, it can result in condensation, moisture and draughts within your home.
A professional will usually be able to solve this problem. They will be able to replace the seal on your window and bring your windows back to their original state. They will also suggest other features that will decrease the likelihood of a stress crack forming in the future, such as trickle vents to improve ventilation.
You can also grease the hinges and handles of your doors and windows. This will allow them move more smoothly and allow the lock to perform as it was intended. Put some lubricating oil on a clean cloth and rub it into the handles and hinges, as well as places where they pass through the frame (for example, sash windows). It is also beneficial to remove the handles from the frames and wash them with warm water to rid them of any dirt or grit that may have been sunk into them.
It is crucial to contact an expert if you find that your uPVC windows and doors aren't working as they should. They can identify the problem quickly and resolve the issue in a short period of time. It's a lot less expensive and safer than trying to do it yourself and potentially damaging the mechanisms. You'll also be able to rest in peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.