When a double glazing window won't close it creates drafts and allows valuable heat to escape. This can also compromise the security of your home and puts you at greater chance of being burglarized.
Double-glazed window seals, hinges, and handles can break down over time. If this happens, it could affect the way your windows function and invalidate any warranty you may have.
The locks are not working properly
While many are careful when installing anti-burglar devices for their gates and doors but they often forget that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. Incorrect locks can cause drafts inside the home, which can allow valuable heat to escape, and weaken the security of your home.
If you find that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there is likely that the lock mechanism has become jammed. This usually happens due to a split in a gearbox component. This could cause the handle to not open, but to rotate 360 degrees. This issue is common to uPVC windows, but it can also happen in tilt-and-turn windows and sliding sash windows.
If this happens, unlock the lock by pressing the lever handle. This can be used to unblock the gearbox and then restore 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. They are an internal locking system that secures the window by utilising mushroom-like locking cams which are inserted into frame. The handle is the trigger for the gearbox, which then activates the cams for either upward or down movement. A common issue is when the spindle on the lock has broken which causes the handle to move freely but not allowing the window to move open or shut.
A faulty gearbox can also 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) within the gearbox have broken off. If this is the case, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacement rods to restore the operation of your window.
It is not advisable to force an unbreakable lock or stuck lock. This can cause a lock to snap or break particularly if you have windows made of uPVC that expand and contracts when temperatures change. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith who can identify the issue and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It is annoying to have doors and windows that stick however, they could also be indicative of more serious structural issues. If you find it difficult to open or close a window or door, it's important to seek professional help as soon as possible. These problems can result from a variety of causes like foundation settlement or the lack of support in the crawl space.
Windows and doors often get stuck due to humidity or the frame itself. If your frames are made of wood, for instance, they may become brittle when exposed to humidity. This can make opening and closing them difficult, even if the hardware is in good shape. The wood expands when this happens, and it pushes up against the hinges creating friction.
If your door or window gets stuck in the summer you can try rubbing it with bar soap to decrease the friction. Learn Additional will make it smaller and may temporarily solve the issue. This method will 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 durable solution. This can be done by hand or with a power tool. A professional can also sand down and stain or paint your door or window frame to make it look fresh and new.
If Sanding and soap aren't working, it's likely that your issue is caused by foundation settlement or a compromised crawl space. The first thing to do is check for cracks in the area. If you notice these signs, it's time to call in a professional in foundation repair. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors and a misaligned interior wall and, in turn, sticking doors and windows. To avoid future costly and risky repairs, it's crucial to address these issues as soon as you can. These issues can escalate until your home is unstable and structurally unsound if not addressed. Contact the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists to schedule an inspection now!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to degrade, it can cause cracks to appear. It can be unappealing and it also allows all the heat that's build up in your home to escape. It also poses a safety threat for your family members as the sharp glass pieces could cause injury when they break. It is recommended to repair any double-glazing windows that have a crack prior to them get any worse. double glazing repairs 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. Over time, the seals can shrink or become perished because of changes in weather. If not checked, it can cause condensation, moisture and draughts within your home.
This issue can usually be resolved by a professional. They can repair 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 fracture occurring in the future, like 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 allow the lock to function as it was 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, sash windows). It can also be helpful to remove handles from the frames and wash them with warm water to get rid of any dirt or grit which has been stuck to them.
If your uPVC doors and windows aren't working in the way they should, it is crucial to contact an expert to fix them. They can find the issue quickly and then resolve it in a short period of time. It's much safer and cheaper than trying to fix it yourself, and potentially damaging the mechanism. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and safe.
