Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed window will not close, it creates drafts that allow valuable heat to escape. It also reduces the security of your home and exposes you to burglary.
Over time, double-glazed window hinges handles, seals and handles can be damaged. If this happens it could affect the performance of your windows and invalidate any warranties you might have.
Faulty Locks
While a lot of people take great care when installing anti-burglar security systems for their gates and doors, it is often overlooked that windows are among the top targets for burglars. Incorrect locks can cause drafts inside the home, allowing valuable heat to escape, and weaken your home's security barriers.
If you find that your uPVC window locks are not working, there is an excellent chance that the mechanism for locking is jammed. This is usually caused by the gearbox breaking in one component. This could cause the handle to turn 360 degrees, but not open. This issue is common with uPVC windows, but it can also occur in tilt-and-turn windows as well as sliding sash windows.
If this happens, release the lock by pressing the lever handle. This will unblock the gearbox and then restore the window's opening. If this doesn't work, you may have to replace the entire mechanism for locking windows.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are internal locking systems that secure the window with mushroom-shaped locking cams that are inserted into the frame keep. The handle turns on the gearbox, which activates the cams for either upward or down movement. The spindle of the lock may break which causes the handle to move but the door to either open or close.
A faulty transmission can also make your window appear to be locked, but it is not. This could happen if the centre rods (sometimes known as crocodile teeth fixings) within the gearbox have snapped off. If this is the case, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacement rods to restore the operation of your window.
It is crucial not to force a broken or stuck lock. This can cause the lock to break or snap - particularly with a window made of uPVC as it expands and contracts as it warms and cools. To avoid this issue, you should contact a professional locksmith to identify the problem and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
The problem of windows and doors sticking is a serious annoyance but they can also indicate more significant structural problems. It is essential to seek professional assistance if you're having trouble opening or closing a door or window. The issue could be a result of many things, including foundation settlement and weak crawl space support.
Windows and doors often stick because of humidity or a problem with the frame itself. When exposed to moisture, wood frames can warp. This can make opening and closing them difficult even if the hardware is in good condition. In this case, the wood swells and pushes against the hinges, causing friction.
If your window or door sticks in the summer you can try rubbing it with bar soap to reduce the friction. This will make it smaller and may help temporarily solve the problem. This procedure will have to be repeated frequently during times of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the door or window to a smooth surface is a better and more lasting solution. It can be done by hand or with a power tool. A professional can also sand and paint, or stain your door or frame to make it appear new once more.
If soaping or sanding don't solve the problem, it could be caused by foundation settlement or a compromised crawlspace. The first thing you need to look for cracks around the affected area. If you see these signs, it's time to call a professional in foundation repair. Foundation damage can cause uneven floors, a misaligned wall and doors that are stuck. To avoid future costly and dangerous repairs, it's crucial to deal with these issues as soon as possible. These issues could escalate until your home becomes unstable and structurally unsound if not addressed. Call the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists to schedule an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing starts to degrade, it can cause cracks to develop. This can be unsightly and it also allows all the heat that's stored in your home to escape. This could also pose danger to your family as the sharp glass pieces could cause injuries if they break. It is recommended to fix any double-glazed windows that have a crack before it gets worse, since this could increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are essential to keep air out between the window panes and also to stop drafts from entering your home. However, over time these can become perished or shrink due to weather changes. If left unchecked, this can lead to humidity in the home, condensation and draughts.
A professional can usually solve this issue. They can replace the window seal and restore your windows to their original state of repair. They can also recommend additional features that can reduce the likelihood of a stress crack occurring in the future, such as trickle vents for improved ventilation.
It is also possible to lubricate the hinges and handles of your windows and door. This will enable them to move more easily and allow the lock to function as intended. Rub some lubricating oils on a lint free cloth and rub them into the hinges or handle mechanism, as well as areas where they pass through frames (for example for sash window). You can also take off the handles and clean them with warm soapy water to remove any dirt or dust.
If Slough double glazing repair and windows aren't functioning as they should, it's essential to contact an expert to fix them. They can identify the problem quickly and resolve the issue within a short amount of time. It's safer and less expensive than trying to fix it yourself, and potentially damaging the mechanism. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and safe.