The Ultimate Guide To Double Glazing Locks Repair
Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window won't close it causes draughts and allows valuable heat to escape. It also weakens your home security barriers and puts you at risk of burglary.
Double-glazed window seals, hinges and handles can break down over time. If this happens, it can affect your windows' functionality and invalidate any warranties you may have.
Locks with a problem
While many people take great care in installing anti-burglar systems for their gates and doors but they often forget that windows are among the top targets for burglars. A poor lock can cause drafts inside the home, allowing valuable heat to escape, and weaken your home's security barriers.
If you're uPVC windows locks do not function, it is most likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. This is usually due to a slit in the gearbox component. This can cause the handle to rotate 360 degrees, but not fully open. This issue is typical of uPVC windows, however it can also happen in tilt-and turn windows and sliding sash window.
When this happens it is possible to release the lock by applying pressure on the lever handle. This can allow you to free the gear box and restore the window's opening. If this does not work, you may need to replace the window lock mechanism entirely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are internal locking systems which secure the window by using locks that look like mushrooms and are that are inserted into the frame keep. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox which then activates the cams to move upwards or downwards. A common fault with these is when the spindle on the lock is damaged, causing the handle to turn freely but not to move the window open or shut.
A faulty transmission can also make your window appear locked however it's not. This is usually the case when the central rods (sometimes known as crocodile teeth fixings) within the gearbox have been snapped off. If this is the situation, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacement rods to restore the operation of your window.
It is not advisable to force a broken lock or a stuck one. This can cause the lock to snap or break - particularly with a window made of uPVC as it expands and shrinks as it warms up and cools. It is best to contact a professional locksmith who can identify the issue and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It's annoying to find doors and windows that are stuck, but they may also indicate more serious structural issues. If you find it difficult to open or close a window or door, it's important to seek out professional assistance as soon as possible. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons like foundation settlement or a lack of support for the crawl space.
Windows and doors can get stuck due to humidity or an issue with the frame itself. If your frames are wood for instance, they can warp when exposed to humidity. Even if your hardware appears nice, it can make it difficult to open and close your frames. The wood expands when this happens and is pushed up against the hinges, creating friction.
If your window or door sticks in the summer you can try rubbing it with bar soap to reduce the friction. This will shrink it and may help temporarily solve the issue. This solution will need to be repeated sporadically during times of high humidity.
A more permanent fix involves sanding the window or door frame to give it a smooth finish. This can be done by hand or with an electric tool. A professional can also sand, paint or stain your frame or door to make it appear new again.
If Sanding and soap aren't working it's likely that your issue is caused by foundation settlement or a weak crawl space. Examine for cracks in your area. If you see these indications, you need to call a foundation repair specialist. Foundation damage can cause uneven flooring and sloping interior walls which can lead to stuck doors and windows. To avoid future expensive and dangerous repairs, it's crucial to address these problems as soon as they can be addressed. These issues can escalate until your home becomes unstable and structurally unsound if not addressed. Contact the Southeast's leading foundation repair experts today to set up an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
Cracks can form when double glazing begins to degrade. This can be an unsightly appearance and let all the heat from your home to escape. It can also be dangerous for your family, as the glass pieces that are sharp could injure them in the event that they break. It is recommended to fix double-glazing windows with cracks before they get any worse. This will increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are essential to prevent drafts from entering your home and keep air between the window panes. However, over time these can become perished or shrink due to changes in weather conditions. If not taken care of, this can lead to moisture in the home, condensation and draughts.
This issue is typically solved by a professional. double glazing repairs Woking can replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original state. They can also recommend options to reduce the chance of future stress cracks, like trickle ventilation to improve ventilation.
You can also grease the handles and hinges on your doors and windows. This will allow them move more easily and will allow the lock to function as it should. Put some lubricating oils on a lint-free cloth and rub it into the hinges and handle mechanism, and also in the places where they pass through the frame (for instance, sash windows). It may also be beneficial to remove the handles from the frames and wash them by using warm water to get rid of any dirt or grit that may have been sunk into them.
It is essential to speak with an expert when you find that your uPVC windows and doors aren't functioning as they should. They will be able to identify the issue quickly, and then fix it in a short time. It is a lot cheaper and more secure than trying to fix it yourself and risk damaging the mechanisms. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.