When a double glazing window won't close it creates drafts and allows valuable heat to escape. This also reduces the security of your home and puts you at greater risk of burglary.
Double glazed window seals, hinges, and handles can break down over time. If this is the situation it could affect your windows' functionality and void any warranties you may have.
Faulty Locks
Many people install anti-burglar devices on their main gates and doors however, they forget that windows are the most frequent targets for burglars. Faulty locks can cause drafts, allow valuable heat escape and weaken the security of your house.
If you find that your uPVC window locks aren't working, there is an excellent chance that the mechanism for locking is blocked. This is usually caused by the gearbox breaking in one component. This could cause the handle to turn 360 degrees, but not fully open. This is a common problem with uPVC casement windows, but is also seen in tilt and turn windows, and even sliding sash windows.
If this happens, you can release the lock by pressing the lever handle. This can be used to unlock the gearbox and reopen the window's opening. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the window lock mechanism completely.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are an internal locking system that secures the window employing locking cams shaped like mushrooms which are inserted into frame keeps. The handle activates the gearbox, which activates the cams for either up or down movement. The spindle of the lock can break and cause the handle to move, but the window to either open or close.
A damaged transmission could cause your window to appear locked, but it is not. This can occur when the centre rods, also known as crocodile tooth fixings, in the gearbox are snapped off. If this is the case, Misty Glaze can supply and fit replacements for these rods in order to restore the function of your window.
It is important not to force the lock to break or get a stuck one. This can cause the lock to break or snap 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 determine the problem 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're having difficulty to open or close a window or door it is crucial to seek professional help whenever you can. This could be a result of many things such as foundation settlement and inadequate support for crawl spaces.
Doors and windows often stick because of humidity or the frame itself. When exposed to moisture, wood frames can warp. Even if the hardware looks good, this can make it difficult to open and close your frames. If this happens the wood expands and pushes against the hinges, creating friction.
If your window or door is sagging in summer, try rubbing it with bar soap to reduce the friction. This will shrink it and may temporarily solve the issue. This solution may need to be repeated frequently during periods of high moisture.
A more permanent solution is making the door or window frame down to a smooth finish. This can be done by hand or using an electric tool. A professional can also stain, sand and paint your window or door frame to make it look like new.
If soaping or sanding doesn't solve the problem, it could be due to foundation settlement or a damaged crawlspace. Check for cracks in the area. If you spot these signs, it's time to call a foundation repair specialist. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors and misaligned interior walls, which in turn causes sticking doors and windows. To avoid double glazing repair and dangerous repairs, it's essential to address these issues as soon as you can. These issues could escalate until your home is structurally unstable if left unattended. Contact the Southeast's most renowned foundation repair specialists today to schedule an inspection and repair!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to form. This can be an unsightly appearance and let all the heat from your home to escape. It also poses danger for your family members as the glass pieces can cause injury if they break. It is recommended to fix any double-glazed windows that have cracks prior to it getting worse, as this will increase the cost of replacing the windows.
Window seals are crucial to stop drafts from entering your home and keep air between the window panes. However, as time passes, these may become damaged or shrink due to weather changes. If not taken care of, it could result in condensation, moisture and draughts inside your home.
This issue is usually solved by a professional. They can repair the window seal in order to restore your windows to their original condition. They can also recommend additional features that can reduce the possibility of a stress crack forming in the future, like trickle vents for better ventilation.
You can also try lubricating the hinges and handles on your windows and doors. This will enable them to move more easily and the lock to function as it should. Put some lubricating oils on a lint-free cloth and rub it into the hinges and handle mechanism, as well as places where they pass through the frame (for example, windows with sash). It may also be beneficial to remove handles from the frames and clean them with warm water to get rid of any dirt or grit which has become stuck to them.
It is crucial to contact an expert when you find that your uPVC windows and doors aren't working as they should. They can find the issue quickly and fix it within a short amount of time. It's a lot less expensive and more secure than trying to do it yourself and potentially harming the mechanism. You'll also be able to rest in peace of mind knowing your home is secure and secure.
