Having quality locks on your doors and windows helps to prevent burglars from accessing your home. Generally, they don't like breaking glass or slipping through windows that are not closed.
Certain double glazing owners however, have encountered issues with their window or door lock after the installation. These issues can usually be solved without the need to replace double glazing.
Broken or faulty locks
If your uPVC door or window lock is broken or faulty and requires a locksmith, they can repair it for you. They can repair the striker plates, hinges and locks on your double glazing. They can also reposition the cylinder to fix any misalignment problems that may be causing your handle to not work correctly.
The mechanism could be seized when the key fits into the lock, but it does not turn or become difficult for you to insert. Grease or dirt can be trapped in the mechanism. If this is the case it is possible for the lock to be cleaned and lubricated. Use a dry lubricant like graphite or Teflon, not oil, because oil can attract dirt, and cause it to stick to the inside mechanism. After having lubricated, insert the lock key into the lock and turn it. The lubricant must be absorbed into the mechanism and the lock should be able to turn smoothly.
A faulty lock can also be caused by loose screws in the lock mechanism. They can loosen and fall out or break completely and stop the lock from working properly. The screws can be tightened using a screwdriver, but you must be careful not to over tighten them. This could cause damage to the internal components.
A damaged lock could be dangerous for both you and your family, particularly if you have young children. It can be easy for them to unlock the door without your knowledge and give them access to your home. If you are worried about this happening, a locksmith who is vetted can provide fast and efficient assistance to re-secure your double glazing doors.
Misty Glaze is a professional uPVC company in Lancing that can repair all types faulty and broken mechanisms on uPVC doors and windows. We can also modify the locking system of your uPVC windows or double glazing to meet your requirements. This means that replacement doors and/or windows are not always necessary.
Handles that are damaged or damaged
As part of their overall security package many double-glazed windows come with a multipoint lock. This is a great choice for those worried about opportunistic thieves looking to gain entry to your home. It's also worth asking your locksmith about anti-lift blocks which can be put in in addition to the locks that are already in place to ensure that your window is locked in a closed position.
It's not uncommon for the handle locks to get damaged or fail - they are the first component of your window that will be pushed open by a criminal intent on breaking into. The good news is, this is among the easiest parts to fix.
Modern uPVC handles as well as aluminium handles come with a multi-point locking mechanism, referred to as Espagnolette which is designed to ward off forced entry. This security upgrade is often available as an extra on new uPVC window installation. Older style uPVC and aluminium handles can be upgraded to shoot bolt locking systems and again as an additional option on double-glazed window installations.
When a handle is faulty it's important to get this repaired as soon as is possible. Handles that are damaged can prevent the window from closing correctly and letting in a draft. It can also be a flaw that thieves who are opportunistic could exploit, putting your family's belongings and you at risk.
To fix the malfunctioning mechanism, you must first access the window frame and then remove the damaged handle. The gearbox is then accessed to determine the type of gearbox used to open the handle. This will allow a replacement that matches the profile and internal window frame mechanisms.
After the mechanism is replaced, the handle may be put back together using the original screws. However, we suggest replacing them with larger screws as they will provide a more secure fit. The final stage is to apply a coat of clear sealant in order to protect the handle from further corrosion. After this step is completed your window will be fully functional again at a fraction of the cost of replacing it.
Hinges that are broken or damaged
If your windows don't close properly, you could experience draughts, a weakening of your home's security barrier and a higher chance of damp or water damage. Broken or defective window hinges are a typical issue that can be fixed easily.
If your uPVC windows won't close or open it's likely that hinges need to be replaced or repaired. While most window manufacturers require you to purchase a whole new window to resolve this simple issue We're able to repair the faulty hinges and save you money.
Window hinges can be damaged by repeated use, or weakening over time due to corrosion. If you find a broken hinge, it's important to take measures to prevent further damage by being careful not to push the window to open or close.
You can locate the appropriate parts for your hinge by identifying its model. Maco, Mila and Roto are all manufacturers of window hinges. It is recommended to consult a professional in this case so that you don't make the mistake of purchasing parts that are not compatible with your current hardware and cause further damage.
Faulty hinges are a major issue for uPVC windows and doors. They can be a major source of noise and can also allow water to infiltrate which can damage your windows.
To fix this issue, first verify whether the pin barrel on both hinge halves is aligned. If it isn't then tap the headpin using the hammer to create a slight bend in hinge barrel. This will help keep the pin in place. Have a person hold the doors as you take out hinge screws and hinges. Replace double glazing repairs near me and install screws using glue. When the glue is drying, secure the hinges by using weights or clamps.
After you have repaired the hinges, you can reinstall the door. You can also reattach the handle. It is recommended to replace the screws with the same length of dowels as the screw that was originally used so that they are in line with each the other.
Glass that is broken or damaged
uPVC Windows can become damaged in time, despite the fact they are extremely effective in keeping cold out and retaining heat. This can include broken or damaged glass and faulty locks. This is an issue that could be extremely costly should it be left unattended. It can also affect your home's aesthetics and lead to a loss in insulation. It is crucial to fix any damage as soon as it occurs.
If the glass is cracked but not shattered, you can usually fix it yourself with the proper tools and techniques. First, make sure that the area around the glass is free of debris to ensure that any shards do not cause injury to anyone or are an accident hazard. After that, take away all broken glass pieces and dispose of them in a proper manner. Then, apply masking tape to the entire area to prevent pieces of glass from scattering and sticking to your skin when you move them. If you're dealing with a double-paned window it's a good idea to fit the glass pane before gluing it back into place so that you are sure you'll have enough room to complete the task.
Before applying the glue clean the surface of the damaged frame and the glass with a a dry, clean cloth. Follow the instructions for application and curing times which may differ from product to product. Based on the degree of the crack you may need to clamp the glass in place during curing. This can be done using lightweight clamps that are designed to hold delicate materials.
After the adhesive has completely cured, carefully install the glass into the window frame. Make sure it is flush with the frame edge and that there aren't any gaps between the glass sash as well as the frame. Be careful to avoid flexing the window while it's put back in place, as this can weaken the seal and lead to water infiltration and condensation.
If you have a glass window that's broken completely or has bigger cracks, call a professional glazier such as O'Brien(r) to arrange the replacement. It's crucial to act fast if you have broken glass.
