10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has Regarding Double Glazing Locks Repair
Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window isn't closed, it creates draughts and allows valuable heat to escape. This can also compromise the security of your home and puts you at a greater chance of being burglarized.
Double-glazed window seals, hinges and handles can become damaged over time. If this is the case it could affect your windows' functionality and void 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 the most frequent targets for burglars. Incorrect locks could cause drafts to enter the house, allow valuable heat to escape and weaken the security of your home.
If you find that your uPVC window locks are not working, there's an excellent chance that the mechanism for locking is stuck. This is typically due to a slit in the gearbox component. This can cause the handle to not open, but instead to turn 360 degrees. This is a problem that is common to 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 to the lever handle. This will allow you to open the gear box and allow the opening of the window. If this doesn't work it is possible to replace the entire window lock mechanism.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are locking systems inside the window that secure the window using the shape of a mushroom and locking cams that are that are inserted into the frame keep. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox that then triggers the cams, causing them to move upwards or downwards. The most frequent issue is when the spindle on the lock has been damaged and the handle is unable to rotate freely, but not to move the window open or shut.
A damaged gearbox may cause your window to appear locked but not actually be. This is because the rods in the centre, also referred to as crocodile tooth fixings, in the gearbox snap off. If this is the situation, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacement rods to restore the functionality of your window.
It is not advisable to force a broken lock or stuck one. This could cause the lock to break or snap - particularly with a window made of uPVC that 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
Sticking doors and windows are an extremely annoying problem however, they could also be a sign of more serious structural problems. If you are unable to open or close a door or window it is important to seek professional help whenever you can. This could be a result of a variety of things, including foundation settlement and weak crawl space support.
Windows and doors often are stuck due to humidity or the frame itself. When exposed to moisture, wood frames may begin to warp. Even if your hardware appears good, this can make it difficult to open and close your frames. The wood swells as it expands and pushes against the hinges, creating friction.
If your window or door sticks in the summer you can try rubbing it with bar soap to lessen the friction. This will help it shrink and may resolve the problem temporarily. This method will need to be repeated frequently during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the door or window to a smooth surface is a better and more lasting solution. This 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 make it look fresh and new.
If the sanding and soap don't help it's likely that the issue is due to foundation settlement or a weak crawl space. repairmywindowsanddoors need to do is look for cracks in the affected area. It's time for you to consult an expert in foundation if you see any of these signs. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors and misaligned interior walls which can lead to 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 could escalate until your home is unsafe to live in if it is not taken care of. Contact the Southeast's top experts in foundation repair to schedule an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing starts to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to form. It can be unappealing and allows all the heat that has been stored within your home to escape. It can also be an hazard for your family, as the glass pieces that are sharp could injure them in the event that they break. It is recommended to fix any double glazing windows that have a crack before it gets worse, since this could increase the cost of replacing them.
Window seals are essential to stop drafts from entering your home and keep air between the window panes. As time passes, these seals may shrink or even become perished due to changes in weather. If unchecked it can cause humidity in the home condensation, draughts and condensation.
This issue is usually resolved by a professional. They will be able to replace the seal on your window and bring your windows back to their original state. They will also suggest other features that will reduce the possibility of a stress crack occurring in the future, such as trickle vents for better ventilation.
You can also lubricate the handles and hinges of your doors and windows. This will allow them move more easily and will allow the lock to work as intended. Rub some lubricating oils on a cloth that is free of lint and then rub them into the hinges or handle mechanism, as well as places where they pass through frames (for instance, a sash window). It is also beneficial to remove the handles from their frames and clean them with warm water to get rid of any dirt or grit that has become stuck to them.
It is important to contact a professional if you find that your uPVC doors and windows aren't functioning as they should. They can find the issue quickly and resolve the issue in a short space 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 your home is secure and safe.