Double Glazing Locks Repair
When a double glazing window isn't closed, it creates draughts and allows heat to escape. It also reduces the security of your home and exposes you to burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges and handles may break down over time. If this is the case it can impact the performance of your windows and cancel any warranties you might have.
Locks that aren't working
Many people put anti-burglar devices on their main doors and gates, but they often forget that windows are prime targets for burglars. Faulty locks can cause draughts, let valuable heat escape and weaken the security of your home.
If you find that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there's an excellent chance that the mechanism for locking has become jammed. This is usually due to a split in the gearbox component. This could cause the handle to not open, but instead to rotate 360 degrees. This issue is typical of uPVC windows, however it can also happen in tilt-and turn windows and sliding sash windows.
When this happens it is possible to unlock the lock by applying pressure on the lever handle. This can be used to unblock the gearbox and restore the window's opening. 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 locks that look like mushrooms and are inserted into the frame keep. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox that then triggers the cams, causing them to move up or down. The spindle of the lock can break, causing the handle not to move but the window to either open or close.
A damaged gearbox may cause your window to appear locked, but isn't actually. This can occur when the rods in the centre, also referred to as crocodile tooth fixings, in the gearbox snap off. double glazing window repairs will supply and install replacement rods in the event that this happens.
It is important not to force the lock to break or get a stuck one. This can cause the lock to snap or break, particularly with a window made of uPVC because it expands and shrinks as it warms up and cools. It is best to call a professional locksmith who can determine the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Windows and doors that stick are a major source of irritation however, they could be a sign of more serious structural issues. If you're having difficulty to open or close a door or window, it's important to seek out professional assistance immediately. The issue could be the result of a variety of things, including foundation settlement and weak crawl space support.
Doors and windows often are stuck due to humidity or an issue with the frame itself. If your frames are made of wood for instance, they can be prone to warping when exposed to humidity. Even if the hardware appears great, this could make it difficult to open and close your frames. The wood expands when this happens, and it pushes against the hinges, causing friction.
Rub the window or door with soap to reduce friction if it gets stuck in summer. This will help it shrink and may resolve the problem temporarily. This solution will need to be repeated sporadically during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth finish is a more permanent solution. It can be done either by hand or with an electric tool. A professional can also sand and paint or stain your frame or door to make it appear new again.
If soaping or sanding don't help, your problem may be due to foundation settlement or a compromised crawlspace. Examine for cracks in your area. If you notice these indications, you need to call a professional in foundation repair. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven flooring and sloping interior walls, which in turn causes sticking windows and doors. It is crucial to take care of these issues as soon as possible to avoid more costly and risky repairs in the future. These issues can get worse until your home becomes unstable and structurally unsound if not addressed. Contact the Southeast's top foundation repair experts today to arrange an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing starts to wear down, it could cause cracks to develop. This can be an unsightly sight and also allow the heat inside your home to escape. It also poses an hazard for your family members, as the glass's sharp edges can cause injury in the event that they break. It is recommended to fix any double glazing windows that have cracks prior to it getting worse, as this will increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are essential to prevent drafts from entering your home and keep air between your window panes. However, as time passes, these will deteriorate or shrink due to weather changes. If not taken care of, it could lead to moisture, condensation, and draughts in your home.
A professional will usually be able to solve this issue. They can replace the window seal and get your windows back to their original condition. They can also recommend additional features that will reduce the possibility of a stress fracture occurring in the future, for example trickle vents for improved ventilation.
You could also try lubricating hinges and handles on your doors and windows. This will allow them to move more easily and the lock to function as it was intended. Rub some lubricating oils on a lint-free cloth and then rub them into hinges or handle mechanism, as well as places where they go through frames (for example for sash window). It may also be beneficial to remove handles from the frames and wash them with warm water to get rid of any dirt or grit that has become stuck to them.
If your uPVC doors and windows aren't working in the way they should, it's important to call in a professional to repair them. They can pinpoint the issue quickly, and then fix it in a short time. It's safer and less expensive than attempting to fix it yourself and potentially damaging the mechanism. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and safe.