When a double-glazed window isn't closed, it creates draughts and allows heat to escape. It also reduces the security of your home and puts you at risk of burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges, and handles may break down over time. If this is the situation, it can affect your windows' functionality and cancel any warranties you might have.
Faulty Locks
While many people are careful when installing anti-burglar devices for their gates and doors It is often forgotten that the windows are prime targets for burglars. A poor lock can lead to draughts in the house, allow valuable heat to escape and also weaken the security of your home.
If you notice that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there is a good chance that the mechanism for locking is blocked. This usually happens due to an issue with a gearbox component. This can cause the handle to rotate 360 degrees, but not fully open. This is a frequent issue with uPVC casement windows, but can also be present in tilt and turn windows and even sliding sash windows.
If this happens, release the lock by pressing the lever handle. This can be used to unblock the gearbox and restore the window's opening. If double glazing near me does not work, you may need to replace the window lock mechanism completely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are locking systems inside the window which secure the window by using mushroom-shaped locking cams in the frame keep. The handle is the trigger for the gearbox, which triggers the cams for either up or down movement. The spindle of the lock may break, causing the handle not to move but the window to open or close.
A damaged transmission could make your window appear to be locked however it's not. This is because the rods that are the center, also known as crocodile tooth fixings, within the gearbox break off. If this is the situation, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacement rods to restore the operation of your window.
It is crucial not to try to force a stuck or broken lock. This can cause a lock to snap or break particularly if you have windows made of uPVC which expands and contracts with temperature changes. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to seek out a professional locksmith to identify the problem and fix it.
Sticky Doors/Window
Sticking doors and windows are a serious annoyance however, they could be a sign of more serious structural problems. If you find it difficult to open or close a window or door it is crucial to seek help from a professional immediately. This could result from a variety of things, including foundation settlement and weak crawl space support.
Windows and doors often are stuck due to humidity or a problem with the frame itself. When exposed to moisture, wooden frames can begin to warp. Even if the hardware appears good, this can make it difficult to open and close your frames. When this happens, the wood swells and presses against the hinges, causing friction.
If your window or door sticks in the summer and you are unable to get it to close, try using bar soap to reduce the friction. This will help it shrink and may resolve the problem temporarily. This method will need to be repeated periodically during periods of high humidity.
Sanding the frame of the window or door to a smooth finish is a better and more lasting fix. You can do this by hand or using the power tool. A professional can also stain, sand and paint your window or door frame to make it appear fresh and new.
If sanding or soaping doesn't solve the problem, it could be due to foundation settlement or a weak crawlspace. The first thing you need to look for cracks in the area. If you spot these signs, it's time to call a foundation repair specialist. Foundation damage can lead to uneven floors, misaligned walls and stuck windows and doors. It is important to address these issues as early as possible in order to avoid costly and risky repairs in the future. If ignored, these issues could escalate to the point where your entire home's structure is unstable. Contact the Southeast's most renowned foundation repair specialists today to arrange an inspection and repair service!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to degrade, it can cause cracks to appear. This can be an unsightly appearance and allow all the heat in your home to escape. It also poses an hazard for your family members, as the sharp pieces of glass can cause injury in the event that they break. It is recommended to fix double-glazing windows that have a crack prior to them become worse. This will increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are essential to keep air between your window panes and they also stop drafts from entering your home. However, over time, they will deteriorate or shrink due to weather changes. If not taken care of, this can lead to humidity in the home condensation, draughts and condensation.
A professional is usually able to resolve this issue. They can replace the seal on your window and bring your windows back to their original condition. They can also recommend features that will reduce future stress cracks, like trickle ventilation for better ventilation.
You could also try lubricating the hinges as well as handles on your windows and doors. This will enable them to move more easily, and the lock to function as it should. Rub lubricating oils onto a lint free cloth and then rub them into hinges or handle mechanism, as well as areas where they pass through frames (for instance, a sash window). You can also remove the handles and clean them in warm soapy water to remove any dirt or dirt.
If your uPVC windows and doors are not functioning in the way they should, it is essential to contact a professional to fix them. They will be able to identify the issue quickly, and then solve it in a short time. It's much safer and cheaper than trying to fix it yourself, and possibly damaging the mechanisms. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and secure.
