The Advanced Guide To Double Glazing Locks Repair
Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window isn't closed, it creates drafts and allows valuable heat to escape. This also reduces the security of your home and puts you at a higher risk of being a victim of burglary.
Over time, double-glazed window hinges, handles and seals can be damaged. If this is the case it could affect your windows' functionality and invalidate any warranties you may have.
Locks that aren't working
Many people install anti-burglar devices on their main doors and gates however, they forget that windows are prime targets for burglars. Having faulty locks can cause drafts inside the home, which can allow valuable heat to escape and weaken your home's security.
If you notice that your uPVC window locks are not functioning, there is likely that the lock mechanism is jammed. This is usually caused by a split in a gearbox component. This could cause the handle to not open, but instead to turn 360 degrees. This is a common issue with uPVC casement windows, but can also be present in tilt and turn windows and even sliding sash windows.
When this happens you can release the lock by applying pressure on the lever handle. This will allow you to open the gear box and allow the opening of the window. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the window lock mechanism completely.
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 is the trigger for the gearbox, which then activates the cams to allow either up or down movement. double glazing repairs of the lock can break and cause the handle to move, but the window to either open or close.
A malfunctioning transmission may cause your window to appear locked however it's not. This can occur when the rods that are the center, also known as crocodile teeth fixings within the gearbox break off. If this is the case, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacement rods to restore the functionality of your window.
It is crucial not to force a stuck or broken lock. This can cause a lock to break or snap, especially if you have a uPVC windows that expands and contracts with temperature changes. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to call a locksmith professional to determine the problem and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Windows and doors that stick are an extremely annoying problem but they can also be a sign of more significant structural problems. It is important to seek professional assistance if you're having difficulty opening or closing a door or window. These issues can be the result of a variety of things that include foundation settlement as well as weak crawl space support.
Doors and windows often are stuck due to humidity or a problem with the frame itself. If your frames are wood for instance, they can warp when exposed to moisture. This can make opening and closing them a challenge even if the hardware is in good condition. When this happens the wood expands and pushes against the hinges, creating friction.
If your window or door gets stuck in the summer you can try rubbing it with bar soap to decrease the friction. This will make it less swollen and may resolve the problem temporarily. This method will need to be repeated periodically during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth finish is a better and more lasting fix. This can be done by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also sand and paint, or stain your door or frame to make it look brand new again.
If Sanding and soap aren't working it's likely your issue is caused by foundation settlement or a compromised crawl space. Examine for cracks in your area. It's time to call a foundation specialist if you see any of these signs. Damage to the foundation can cause uneven floors, walls that are not aligned and stuck windows and doors. It is crucial to take care of these issues as soon as possible in order to avoid expensive and dangerous repairs in the future. If not addressed these issues can escalate to the point that your entire home's structure is unstable. Contact the Southeast's most renowned foundation repair experts today to schedule an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to degrade, it can cause cracks to form. This can be ugly and allows all the heat that's build up in your home to escape. It also poses dangerous for your family, as the glass pieces that are sharp could injure them if they are shattered. It is recommended to fix any double-glazed windows that have cracks before they get worse, since this could increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are vital to keep air out between the window panes and they also stop drafts from entering your home. Over time, the seals can shrink or get damaged due to changes in the weather. Unchecked, it can result in condensation, moisture and draughts inside your home.
This issue is usually resolved by a professional. They can replace the window seal in order to restore your windows back to their original state of repair. They can also recommend additional features that will reduce the likelihood of a stress crack occurring in the future, for example trickle vents to improve ventilation.
You can also grease the handles and hinges on your windows and door. This will help them move more smoothly and let the lock work as intended. Put some lubricating oil on a lint-free cloth and rub it into the hinges and handle mechanism and also in the places that they pass through the frame (for instance, sash windows). You can also take off the handles and wash them with warm soapy water to get rid of any dirt or grit.
It is important to contact an expert when you find that your uPVC windows and doors aren't working as they should. They can find the issue quickly and fix it within a short amount of time. It's much safer and cheaper than trying to fix the issue yourself and potentially damaging the mechanism. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.