When a double-glazed windows will not close, it creates draughts that allow valuable 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 case it could affect the functionality of your windows and invalidate any warranties you might have.
Locks that aren't working
Many people put anti-burglar devices on their main gates and doors However, they tend to overlook that windows are prime targets for burglars. Poorly secured locks can cause drafts, allow valuable heat 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 is typically caused by a split in a gearbox component. This can cause the handle to rotate 360 degrees, but not fully open. This is a common problem with uPVC casement windows, but is also present in tilt and turn windows and even sliding sash windows.
If this happens, you can unlock the lock by pressing the lever handle. This will unblock the gearbox and then restore the window's opening. If this doesn't work, you may have to replace the window lock mechanism entirely.
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 controls the gearbox, which causes the cams, causing them to move upwards or downwards. The spindle of the lock can break and cause the handle to move, but the window to either open or close.
A faulty gearbox can also cause your window to appear locked, but it is not. This is because the rods that are the center, also known as crocodile tooth fixings, within the gearbox break off. Misty Glaze will supply and replace the rods if this occurs.
It is important to not try to force a stuck or broken lock. This could cause a lock to snap or break in particular if you are using a uPVC windows that expands and contracts when temperatures change. To avoid this, it is best to call a locksmith professional to diagnose the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
It's a nuisance to find doors and windows that don't close, but they may also be indicative of more serious structural problems. If you are unable to open or close a window or door, it's important to seek professional help whenever you can. This could be the result of many things such as foundation settlement and weak crawl space support.
Windows and doors often stick because of humidity or an issue with the frame itself. If your frames are made of wood, for instance, they could warp when exposed to humidity. This makes opening and closing them a challenge even if the hardware is in good shape. The wood expands as it expands and pushes against the hinges, causing friction.
Rub the window or door with soap to reduce friction if it sticks in the summer. This will make it less swollen and may resolve the problem temporarily. This solution may need to be repeated frequently during times of high moisture.
A more permanent solution is making the door or window frame to give it an even finish. This can be done by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also stain, sand and paint your door or window frame to get it looking like new.
If sanding or soaping doesn't help, your problem may be caused by foundation settlement or a damaged crawlspace. The first thing you need to look for cracks around the affected area. If you spot these indications, you need to contact a foundation repair specialist. Foundation damage can cause uneven floors and misaligned interior walls, which in turn causes stuck doors and windows. It is important to address these issues as early as possible to avoid more costly and risky repairs in the future. If left unattended these issues can escalate to the point that your entire home's structure is unstable. Call the Southeast's most reputable foundation repair experts to schedule an inspection today!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to appear. This can be a snazzy sight and also allow the heat inside your home to escape. This can also pose a safety threat to your family, as the glass pieces can cause injuries if they break. It is better to fix any double-glazing window with cracks before they get any worse. double glazing window repairs can increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are crucial to stop drafts from entering your home and keep air in between the window panes. Over time, the seals will shrink or eventually be destroyed because of changes in weather. If left unchecked this could lead to humidity in the home condensation, draughts and condensation.
A professional will usually be able to solve this problem. They can replace the window seal in order to restore your windows to their original state of repair. They will also suggest other features that will decrease the likelihood of a stress crack occurring in the future, such as trickle vents for better ventilation.
You can also grease the handles and hinges on your windows and door. This will enable them to move more easily and the lock to function as it was intended. Put some lubricating oil on a cloth that is free of lint and rub it into the hinges and handle mechanism as well as the areas where they go through the frame (for example, windows with sash). It is also beneficial to remove the handles from the frames and clean them by using warm water to rid them of any dirt or grit that may have been sunk into them.
If your uPVC doors and windows aren't working in the way they should, it is crucial to contact a professional to repair them. They can identify the problem quickly, and then solve it in a short time. It's safer and less expensive 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 safe.
