double glazing repairs near me Glazing Locks Repair

If a double-glazed window does not close, it creates drafts that allow valuable heat to escape. This can also compromise the security of your home and puts you at a greater chance of being burglarized.

Double-glazed window seals, hinges, and handles can break down over time. If this is the case it could affect the way your windows work and could invalidate any warranty you may have.

Faulty locks

While a lot of people take great care when installing anti-burglar devices for their gates as well as main doors but they often forget that windows are the most popular targets for burglars. Insecure locks can lead to draughts, let valuable heat escape and weaken the security of your house.

If your uPVC windows locks don't function, it is most likely that the lock mechanism is jammed. This is typically caused by a split in a gearbox component. This could cause the handle not to open, but instead to rotate 360 degrees. This is a frequent issue with uPVC casement windows, but it can also be seen in tilt and turn windows and even sliding sash windows.

In this situation, it is possible to unlock the lock by applying pressure to the lever handle. This can help to unblock the gear box and 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 mushroom-shaped locking cams inserted into the frame keep. The handle is the trigger for the gearbox, which activates the cams to allow either up or down movement. The spindle of the lock can break, causing the handle not to move but the window to either open or close.

A damaged gearbox may cause your window to appear locked but not actually be. This can happen when the rods in the centre (sometimes called crocodile tooth fixings) within the gearbox have snapped off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods if this happens.

It is not advisable to force an unbreakable lock or stuck lock. This could cause the lock to break or snap - especially with a uPVC window as it expands and expands as it warms and cools. It is best to call a professional locksmith who can identify the issue and fix it.

Sticky Doors/Window

It's annoying to have doors and windows that don't close, but they may be a sign of more serious structural problems. If you are unable to open or close a door or window, it's important to seek professional help whenever you can. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons such as foundation settlement or the lack of support in the crawl space.

Doors and windows often get stuck due to humidity or the frame itself. If your frames are made of wood for instance, they could warp when exposed to moisture. Even if the hardware looks great, this could make it difficult to open and close your frames. In this case, the wood swells and pushes against the hinges, causing friction.

Rub the door or window with soap to lessen friction, especially if it is stuck in summer. This will allow it to shrink and could solve the issue temporarily. This method may need to be repeated frequently during periods of high humidity.

A more permanent solution involves sanding the window or door frame to create an even finish. This can be done either by hand or with a power tool. A professional can also stain, sand sash and paint your window or door frame to make it appear like new.

If sanding or soaping doesn't help, your problem may be due to foundation settlement or a compromised crawlspace. The first thing you should do is check for cracks in the area. If you see these signs, it's time to call a foundation repair specialist. Foundation damage can cause uneven floors, sash misaligned walls and stuck windows and doors. It's important to tackle these issues as early as possible in order to avoid expensive and dangerous repairs in the future. If not addressed, these issues could escalate to the point where your entire home's structure is unstable. Contact the Southeast's leading foundation repair experts today to set up an inspection and repair service!

Cracking/Blowing Issues

When double glazing begins to degrade, it can cause cracks to appear. This can be ugly and also allow all the heat that's built up within your home to escape. It also poses danger to your family, as the glass pieces can cause injury when they break. It is recommended to repair any double glazing windows that have cracks before they get worse, as this may increase the cost of replacing the windows.

Window seals are essential to prevent drafts from entering your home and keep air in between your window panes. However, over time these will deteriorate 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 resolved by a professional. They can repair the window seal to restore your windows back to their original state of repair. They can also recommend additional features that will decrease the likelihood of a stress crack forming in the future, like trickle vents to improve ventilation.

You can also try lubricating the hinges and handles on your doors and windows. This will enable them to move more easily and the lock to function as it should. Rub lubricating oils onto a lint free cloth and then rub them into hinges, handle mechanism and places where they pass through frames (for instance, a window with sash). It is also beneficial to remove handles from the frames and wash them with warm water to get rid of any dirt or grit that may have been sunk into them.

If your uPVC windows and doors aren't working as they should, it is crucial to contact an expert to fix them. They will be able to find the issue quickly and fix it in a short period of time. It's a lot safer and more affordable than attempting to fix the issue yourself and could cause damage to the mechanism. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.