7 Things About Double Glazing Locks Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double-glazed window isn't closed, it creates draughts and allows valuable heat to escape. This also reduces the security of your home and puts you at greater risk of burglary.
Over time, double-glazed window hinges handles, seals and handles can become damaged. If this is the case it could affect the functionality of your windows and invalidate any warranties you may have.
Faulty Locks
While many are careful when installing anti-burglar systems for their gates and main doors but they often forget that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. Insecure locks can lead to draughts, let valuable heat escape, and reduce the security of your home.
If you find that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there is likely that the mechanism for locking is blocked. This usually happens due to the gearbox breaking in one 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.
If this happens, unlock the lock by pressing the lever handle. This will unlock the gearbox and reopen the window's opening. If this does nothing it is possible to replace the entire window lock mechanism.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are internal locking systems which secure the window by using the shape of a mushroom and locking cams that are that are inserted into the frame keep. The handle operates the gearbox that then triggers the cams to move up or down.
double glazing repair is when the spindle on the lock has been damaged which causes the handle to move freely but not move the window open or close.
A faulty transmission can also cause your window to appear locked however it's not. This could happen when the rods that are the center, also known as crocodile tooth fixings, within the gearbox break off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods if this occurs.
It is essential not to try to force a stuck or broken lock. This can cause the lock to snap or break, especially if you have windows made of uPVC which expands and contracts when temperatures change. To avoid this, it is best to contact a professional locksmith to determine the problem and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It's a nuisance to find doors and windows that don't close, but they may be a sign of more serious structural issues. If you find it difficult to open or close a door or window, it's important to seek help from a professional whenever you can. These problems can be caused by a number of factors like foundation settlement or a lack of support in the crawl space.
Frame problems or humidity can cause windows and doors to stick. If your frames are made of wood for instance, they may be prone to warping when exposed to moisture. Even if your hardware appears good, this can make it difficult to open and close your frames. The wood expands when this happens, and it is pushed up against the hinges, creating friction.
Rub the window or door with soap to lessen friction if it gets stuck in summer. This will allow it to shrink and could solve the issue temporarily. This solution may need to be repeated periodically during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the door or window to create a smooth surface is a more permanent solution. This can be done by hand or with an electric tool. A professional can also stain and sand or paint your door or window frame to get it looking new again.
If Sanding and soap aren't working it's likely that the issue is due to foundation settlement or a damaged crawl space. The first thing you need to do is look for cracks around the affected area. It's time for you to consult an expert in foundation if you see any of these signs. Foundation damage can cause uneven flooring and sloping interior walls and, in turn, sticking doors and windows. To avoid expensive and dangerous repairs, it's essential to deal with these issues as soon as you can. If left unattended, these issues could escalate to the point where your entire home is structurally unstable. Call the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists to schedule an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to form. This can be ugly and allows all the heat that's built up within your home to escape. It could also pose an hazard for your family, as the glass's sharp edges can cause injury when they break. It is best to repair any double-glazed windows that have a crack before it gets worse, since this could increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are vital to prevent drafts from entering your home and to keep air between the window panes. Over time, the seals will shrink or eventually get damaged because of changes in weather. Unchecked, it can result in condensation, moisture, and draughts in your home.
This issue can usually be resolved by a professional. They can replace the window seal to restore your windows to their original state of repair. They can also suggest features that can reduce the risk of stress cracks, like trickle ventilation to improve ventilation.
You could also try lubricating hinges and handles on your doors and windows. This will help them move more easily and allow the lock to function as it should. Rub some lubricating oil on a lint free cloth and then 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 remove the handles and wash them in warm soapy water to remove any dirt or dust.
If your uPVC doors and windows are not functioning as they should, it's important to call in a professional to repair them. They will be able to find the issue quickly and resolve the issue in a short period of time. It's safer and less expensive than attempting to fix it yourself, and possibly damaging the mechanisms. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.