15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Double Glazing Locks Repair Double Glazing Locks Repair

If a double-glazed window does not shut, it creates draughts that allow valuable heat to escape. This also weakens the security of your home and puts you at a greater risk of burglary.

Double glazed window seals, hinges and handles can break down over time. If this is the situation it can impact the functionality of your windows and invalidate any warranties you may have.

Faulty locks

While many take great care in installing anti-burglar systems for their gates and doors It is often forgotten that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. Poorly secured locks can cause drafts, allow valuable heat escape and compromise the security of your house.

If you notice that your uPVC window locks are not functioning, there is a good chance that the lock mechanism has become blocked. This usually occurs due to a slit in the gearbox component. This could cause the handle to rotate 360 degrees, but not fully open. This is a common issue with uPVC casement windows, but it can also be present in tilt and turn windows and even sliding sash windows.

In this situation it is possible to release the lock by applying pressure on the lever handle. This will allow you to open the gear box and allow the window's opening. If this does not work, you may have to replace the window lock mechanism completely.

Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. They are a locking system inside the window that secures the window by utilising mushroom-like locking cams which are inserted into frame keeps. The handle operates the gearbox which then activates the cams, causing them to move upwards or downwards. The spindle of the lock can break which causes the handle to move but the door to either open or close.

A broken gearbox could cause your window to appear locked, but it is not. This could happen if the rods in the centre (sometimes known as crocodile teeth fixings) in the gearbox have broken off. If this is the case, Misty Glaze can supply and install replacement rods in order to restore the function of your window.


It is not advisable to force a broken lock or stuck one. This can cause the lock to break or snap particularly if you have windows made of uPVC which expands and contracts as temperatures change. To prevent this from happening, it is best to contact a professional locksmith to determine the problem and repair it.

Sticky Doors/Window

Sticking doors and windows are a major source of irritation but they can also indicate more significant structural problems. It is essential to seek professional assistance if you're having difficulties opening or closing windows or doors. The problem could result from a variety of reasons such as foundation settlement or the lack of support in the crawl space.

Frame problems or humidity can cause doors and windows to stick. If your frames are wood for instance, they can become brittle when exposed to humidity. This could make opening and closing them difficult even if the hardware is in good shape. The wood swells when this happens and is pushed up against the hinges, causing friction.

If your window or door gets stuck in the summer, try rubbing it with bar soap to reduce the friction. It will shrink and may help temporarily solve the issue. This procedure will have to be repeated frequently during periods of high humidity.

A more permanent fix involves sanding the window or door frame down to a smooth finish. double glazing Wickford can be done by hand or with an electric tool. A professional can also sand down and stain or paint your door or window frame to get it looking fresh and new.

If Sanding and soap aren't working it's likely that the issue is due to foundation settlement or a compromised crawl space. The first thing you should do is look for cracks in the affected area. If you see these indications, you need to call an expert in foundation repair. Foundation damage can cause uneven floors and misaligned interior walls, which in turn causes sticking doors and windows. To avoid future costly and dangerous repairs, it's crucial to address these issues as soon as you can. These issues can escalate until your home is structurally unstable if left unattended. Contact the Southeast's top experts in foundation repair to schedule an inspection now!

Cracking/Blowing Issues

Cracks can appear when double glazing begins to degrade. This can be an unsightly sight, and can also let all the heat from your home to escape. It could also pose dangerous for your family, since the glass pieces that are sharp could injure them in the event that they break. It is better to fix double-glazing windows that have a crack prior to them become worse. This can increase the cost of replacement.

Window seals are essential to keep air out between your window panes and also to stop drafts from entering your home. As time passes, these seals will shrink or eventually become perished due to changes in the weather. If not checked, it can cause condensation, moisture and draughts within your home.

This issue can usually be solved by an expert. They can replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original state. They can also recommend additional features that can reduce the chance of a stress crack occurring in the future, such as trickle vents to improve ventilation.

You could also try lubricating hinges and handles on your windows and doors. This will enable them to move more easily and the lock to function as it should. Put some lubricating oil on a lint-free cloth and rub it into the hinges and handle mechanism, as well as places where they go through the frame (for example, for sash windows). You can also take off the handles and clean them in warm soapy water to wash away any dirt or dust.

If your uPVC windows and doors aren't functioning in the way they should, it is essential to contact an expert to fix them. They can pinpoint the issue quickly, and fix it in a short time. It's safer and less expensive than trying to fix it yourself, and possibly damaging the mechanisms. You'll also be able to rest in peace of mind knowing your home is secure and safe.