If a double-glazed window does not shut, it creates drafts that allow heat to escape. It also reduces your security measures for your home and puts you at risk of burglary.
Over time, double-glazed window hinges handles, seals and handles can become damaged. If double glazing repair near me happens, it could affect how your windows work and could invalidate any warranty you have.
Locks with a problem
Many people put anti-burglar devices on their main gates and doors, but they often forget that windows are also the most frequent targets for burglars. Poorly secured locks can cause draughts, let valuable heat escape and compromise the security of your house.
If you find that your uPVC window locks are not working, there's a good chance that the mechanism for locking has become stuck. This is typically caused by a split in a gearbox component. This could cause the handle not to open, but instead to turn 360 degrees. This is a common issue with uPVC casement windows, but it can also be 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 unlock the gearbox and reopen the window's opening. If this does not work, you may need to replace the window lock mechanism entirely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are internal locking systems that secure the window using locks that look like mushrooms and are inserted into the frame keep. The handle activates the gearbox, which activates the cams to allow either up or down movement. The most frequent issue is when the spindle on the lock has broken which causes the handle to rotate freely, but not allowing the window to move open or close.
A faulty transmission can also make your window appear locked, but it is not. This is because the centre rods, also known as crocodile tooth fixings, in the gearbox snap off. If this is the situation, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacement rods to restore the operation of your window.
It is not advisable to force a broken lock or a stuck one. This can cause the lock to break or snap, especially if you have a uPVC windows that expands and contracts as temperatures change. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will determine the issue and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
The problem of windows and doors sticking is a major source of irritation but they can also be a sign of more serious structural issues. If you're having difficulty to open or close a window or door it is crucial to seek professional help immediately. This issue can result from a variety of causes like foundation settlement or a lack of support in the crawl space.
Windows and doors can get stuck due to humidity or a problem with the frame itself. When exposed to moisture, wood frames may begin to warp. This can make opening and closing them difficult even if the hardware is in good condition. When this happens the wood expands and pushes against the hinges, causing friction.
If your door or window gets stuck in the summer you can try rubbing it with bar soap to lessen the friction. This will help it shrink and can resolve the issue temporarily. This procedure may have to be repeated periodically during periods of high humidity.
A more permanent fix involves making the door or window frame to create a smooth finish. This can be done by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also sand, paint or stain your door or frame to make it look new again.
If soaping or sanding don't help, your problem may be due to foundation settlement or a damaged crawlspace. Check for cracks in the area. If you notice these indications, you need to contact an expert in foundation repair. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors, misaligned walls and doors and windows that are stuck. It is crucial to tackle these issues as early as you can to avoid costly and dangerous repairs in the future. If ignored the issues could get worse to the point that your entire house is structurally unstable. Contact the Southeast's top foundation repair specialists today to arrange an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
Cracks can appear when double glazing begins to degrade. It can be unappealing and allows all the heat that's stored in your home to escape. It could also pose dangerous for your family members, as the sharp pieces of glass can cause injury if they are shattered. It is best to fix any double-glazing window with cracks before they become worse. This can increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are vital to keep air out between the window panes and also for stopping drafts from entering your home. However, over time, they will deteriorate or shrink due to changes in weather conditions. If unchecked, this can lead to moisture in the home condensation, draughts and condensation.
A professional will usually be able to solve this problem. They can replace the window seal and restore your windows to their original state of repair. They can also recommend additional features that will reduce the chance of a stress crack forming in the future, such as trickle vents for improved ventilation.
You can also grease the hinges and handles of your windows and door. This will allow them to move more easily, and the lock to function as intended. Put some lubricating oil on a clean cloth and rub it into the handles and hinges, as well as places where they go through the frame (for example, for sash windows). You can also take off the handles and wash them with warm soapy water to get rid of any dirt or grit.
If your uPVC doors and windows aren't functioning as they should, it is crucial to contact a professional to repair them. They will be able to identify the problem quickly and fix it in a short period of time. It's much less expensive and more secure than trying do it yourself and potentially harming the mechanism. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.
