When a double-glazed window won't close it causes draughts and allows heat to escape. It also weakens your home security barriers and puts you at risk of burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges, and handles can become damaged over time. If this is the situation it can impact the functionality of your windows and void any warranties you may have.
Faulty locks
While a lot of people are careful when installing anti-burglar devices for their gates as well as main doors, it is often overlooked that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. Having faulty locks could cause drafts to enter the home, which can allow valuable heat to escape and also weaken your home's security barriers.
If your uPVC windows locks do not work, it is likely that the lock mechanism is jammed. This is typically caused by an issue with a gearbox component. This can cause the handle to not open, but instead to turn 360 degrees. This issue is common to uPVC windows, but it can also occur in tilt-and-turn windows as well as sliding sash window.
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 restore the opening of the window. If this doesn't work then you might need to replace the entire window lock mechanism.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are internal locking systems that secure the window using mushroom-shaped locking cams in the frame keep. The handle is the one that operates the gearbox that then triggers the cams to move upwards or downwards. double glazing repair of the lock may break which causes the handle to move but the window to 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 teeth fixings within the gearbox break off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods in the event that this occurs.
It is essential not to try to force a stuck or broken lock. This can cause a lock to snap or break, especially if you have a uPVC windows that expands and contracts with temperature changes. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith to diagnose the problem and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Sticking doors and windows are a serious annoyance, but they can also be a sign of more significant structural problems. If you're having difficulty to open or close a door or window, it's important to seek out professional assistance immediately. The problem could result from a variety of causes like foundation settlement or the lack of support in the crawl space.
Humidity or frame problems could cause windows and doors to stick. When exposed to moisture, wooden frames can warp. Even if your hardware appears nice, it can make it difficult to open and close your frames. In this case the wood expands and pushes against the hinges, causing friction.
If your door or window gets stuck in the summer, try rubbing it with bar soap to lessen the friction. This will make it smaller and could temporarily resolve the problem. This method may need to be repeated periodically during times of high moisture.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth finish is a more permanent solution. This can be done by hand or with a power tool. A professional can also stain and sand or paint your door or window frame to get it looking fresh and new.
If Sanding and soap aren't working it's likely your issue is caused by foundation settlement or a weak crawl space. The first thing you should do is check for cracks in the affected area. If you spot these signs, it's time to contact an expert in foundation repair. Damage to the foundation can cause uneven floors, walls that are not aligned and doors that are stuck. It's important to address these issues as early as possible in order to avoid costly and risky repairs in the future. These issues could escalate until your home becomes unsafe to live in if it is not taken care of. Call the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists to schedule an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to wear down, it could cause cracks to appear. This could be a disconcerting sight, and can also let all the heat from your home to escape. It can also be a safety risk for your family members, as the glass's sharp edges could cause injuries in the event that they break. It is recommended to repair any double-glazing windows that have a crack prior to them get any worse. This can increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are essential to keep air out between the window panes and also to stop drafts from entering your home. However, over time these can become perished or shrink due to changes in weather conditions. If unchecked it can cause humidity in the home as well as condensation and draughts.
This issue is usually resolved by an expert. They can replace the window seal to restore your windows to their original state of repair. They can also recommend additional features that will reduce the likelihood of a stress crack forming in the future, such as trickle vents to improve ventilation.
You can also grease the handles and hinges of your windows and door. This will allow them to move more easily and allow the lock to function as intended. Put some lubricating oils on a clean cloth and rub it into the handles and hinges, as well as places where they go through the frame (for example, windows with sash). It can also be helpful to remove handles from their frames and clean them by using warm water to rid them of any dirt or grit which has become stuck to them.
It is essential to speak with a professional if you find that your uPVC windows and doors are not working as they should. They can identify the problem quickly, and fix it in a short time. It's much safer and cheaper than attempting to fix it yourself, and potentially damaging the mechanism. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.
