Double Glazing Locks Repair
If a double-glazed window doctor doesn’t close, it creates drafts and allows heat to escape. It also weakens your home security barriers and exposes you to burglary.
Double-glazed window seals, hinges and handles may break down over time. If this is the situation it could affect the functionality of your windows and cancel any warranties you might have.
The locks are not working properly
Many people install anti-burglar devices on their main gates and doors however, they forget that windows are the most frequent targets for burglars. A poor lock could cause drafts to enter the house, allow valuable heat to escape, and weaken your home’s security barriers.
If you find that your uPVC windows locks don’t function, it is most likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. This is typically due to a slit in the gearbox component. This could cause the handle to rotate 360 degrees, but not fully open. This issue is typical of uPVC windows, however it is also a problem in tilt-and-turn windows and sliding sash window.
When this happens it is possible to release the lock by applying pressure on the lever handle. This will unlock the gearbox and reopen the window’s opening. If this doesn’t work then you might need to replace the entire mechanism of the window lock.
Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. They are an internal locking system that secures the window employing locking cams shaped like mushrooms that are inserted into the frame. The handle turns on the gearbox, which triggers the cams to allow either up or down movement. A common issue is when the spindle on the lock has broken which causes the handle to turn freely but not allowing the window to move open or shut.
A damaged gearbox may cause your window to appear to be locked, but it is not. This can occur when the rods in the centre, also referred to as crocodile teeth fixings within the gearbox break off. Misty Glaze will supply and replace the rods if this occurs.
It is important to not force a stuck or broken lock. This could cause a lock to break or snap particularly if you have windows made of uPVC which expands and contracts as temperatures change. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith who will diagnose the problem and repair it.
Sticky Doors/Window
The problem of windows and doors sticking is a serious annoyance but they can be a sign of more serious structural problems. If you’re having difficulty to open or close a door or window it is important to seek help from a professional as soon as possible. The problem could be caused by a number of reasons such as foundation settlement or an absence of support for the crawl space.
Frame or humidity issues can cause doors and windows to stick. When exposed to moisture, wooden frames can warp. Even if your hardware appears great, this could make it difficult to open and close your frames. When this happens, the wood swells and pushes against the hinges, creating friction.
If your Window Doctor or door sticks in the summer, try rubbing it with bar soap to reduce the friction. This will make it less swollen and could solve the issue temporarily. This procedure may have to be repeated periodically during periods of high moisture.
Sanding the frame of the door or window replacement to create a smooth surface is a better and more lasting solution. This can be done by hand or with the power tool. A professional can also stain, sand and paint your window or door frame to make it appear fresh and new.
If soaping or sanding doesn’t aid, the issue could be due to foundation settlement or a damaged crawlspace. The first thing you should do is check for cracks in the area. It’s time to call an expert in foundation If you notice any of these indications. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors and a misaligned interior Window doctor wall which can lead to sticking windows and Window Doctor doors. To avoid the need for expensive and dangerous repairs, it’s important to address these problems as soon as they can be addressed. These issues can escalate until your home becomes unsafe to live in if it is not taken care of. Call the Southeast’s top foundation repair specialists to schedule an inspection now!
Cracking/Blowing Issues
When double glazing begins to degrade, it can cause cracks to develop. This can be ugly and it also allows all the heat that has been stored in your home to escape. It also poses dangerous for your family members, as the glass’s sharp edges can cause injury when they break. It is better to repair any double-glazing windows that have a crack prior to them get worse. This will increase the cost of replacement.
Window seals are essential for keeping air in between your window panes and also to stop drafts from entering your home. However, over time, they may become damaged or shrink due to weather changes. If not taken care of this could lead to moisture in the home, condensation and draughts.
This issue is usually solved by a professional. They can repair the window seal to restore your windows back to their original state of repair. They can also recommend features that will reduce future stress cracks, for example trickle ventilation for better ventilation.
You can also lubricate the handles and hinges of your doors and windows. This will allow them move more easily and allow the lock to perform as it was intended. Put some lubricating oils on a lint-free cloth and rub it into the hinges and handle mechanism, and also in the places where they pass through the frame (for example, sash windows). It is also beneficial to remove handles from the frames and clean them with warm water to get rid of any dirt or grit that may have become stuck to them.
It is important to contact an expert when your uPVC windows and doors aren’t functioning as they should. They can pinpoint the issue quickly and solve it in a short time. It’s a lot less expensive and safer than trying to fix it yourself and risk damaging the mechanisms. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your home is secure and safe.