Double Glazing Window Locks Repairs
Repairing double glazing window locks is essential to ensure the security of your home. Faulty handles or hinges can let draughts in to your home and leave your windows vulnerable to burglars.
Fortunately, it's not difficult to repair sluggish uPVC handles and locks without replacing the door or window. Cooling or oiling the mechanisms can often help resolve any problems.
Broken Glass
Over time, double-glazing window locks wear down. The handles may become difficult to open, or close. This can lead to problems with ventilation and can also create a security risk. To correct this, it's crucial to repair the window as quickly as possible.
Double glazed windows consist of two or three panes of glass that have gas between them to provide insulation as well as an air seal to keep the panes joined. If you notice condensation between the glass panes, it is likely that one of the seals needs to be replaced. This usually involves replacing only one window pane and is less expensive than replacing the entire glass window.
Condensation and cloudiness are usually caused by a blowing seal on a double-glazed window. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as air leaks or excessive moisture in the house. It is important to call a double glazing specialist to fix the gas and seal your double-glazed window when you spot this issue.
It is possible to replace one pane of double glazing glass however, it is not advised to do this without the help of an expert. It is important to have the proper tools and expertise to perform the task safely. If you attempt to do it yourself, it could cause damage to the frame of the window or even to your personal health.
When a double-glazed windows is stuck, many people will make use of a crowbar in an attempt to open it. But, it usually results in the frame getting damaged and swollen. A specialist in window repair can remove the handle from the window and open it without causing further damage. They can also convert the old window mechanisms into modern ones.
Over time, the hinges on windows get stiffer and more difficult to open, especially when the area is noisy. To prevent this from happening it's recommended to grease the hinges on a regular basis with silicone spray. It is also essential to avoid closing the window too tightly or closing it with the handles as this can damage the hinges and lock mechanism.
Broken Sash
This is a typical issue for older double-glazed windows. It isn't easy to lock and open a window if the upper sash has fallen out of its pocket. This usually happens because the pins have disengaged, or a balance shoe has disconnected. It's important to understand the way your sash has been installed before attempting to fix it.
The best solution to this is to remove the sash and wash it thoroughly. This will also reveal whether it's still a great fit. If not, you can add stoppers for the sash to secure it. These can be purchased online or at most hardware stores. Once you've cleaned the sash you can put in the beads that are parting and grease the pulley axles using a Teflon or silicone spray. Label the weights prior to taking them off them so that you can put them back in them correctly.
A broken handle is a frequent issue. Window handles aren't easy to identify, but there are some indicators that tell you if yours is broken. If the handle feels stiff or clunky, or doesn't feel solid, it's likely damaged.
It could be due to a lack of use or the handle could be been damaged or broken. In certain cases the handle could be damaged inside and unable to be replaced however it's still worth trying to fix it when you spot the problem.
You may have to unscrew the hinges that hold the window sash to the frame in order to remove it. This can be a tricky job, so it's crucial to have someone with you to hold the sash in place and keep it steady. After removing the hinges it's necessary to clean them and the surrounding areas. Reattaching the hinges a good idea. You can test the handle to verify if it is working properly. If it's not, you should consider replacing it. This will ensure that your window is as secure as is possible.
Broken Handle
The window handle is a delicate piece with intricate mechanisms, and it's not common for them to degrade or break in time. It is essential to fix any broken handles as soon as you can to avoid security and function issues.
Fortunately double glazing window repairs handle are quite simple to replace. Unlike a sash, which requires a number of bolts to secure, a window handle is secured using one or two screws making it a simple DIY job for anyone with a bit of knowledge. Once the new handle has been put in place, it's important to test it to ensure the mechanisms are functioning correctly. This includes locking the handle and searching for any gaps which could allow drafts infiltrate your home or allow opportunistic burglars access.
The most frequent cause of broken handles on a window is wear and tear resulting from regular use. However, excessive stress or force can also lead to the handle breaking. If you force windows to open, it may put additional strain on the handle. This increases the risk of injury.
Other reasons for a broken hand could be due to poor maintenance, aging or design issues. Inadequate cleaning and lubrication can cause the handle to wear out prematurely, and this is usually the result of dirt or other debris that accumulates over time. The handle could also be weakened due to improper installation or alignment issues.
If the fixes previously mentioned don't work and the tasker isn't able to solve the issue, the Tasker may need to gain access to and remove the lock mechanism itself. This may involve removal of the frame or 'breaking out' the existing window frame and bead made of plastic (to give more wriggle room). A new lock can be installed that is a similar profile to the existing uPVC handle. After that the new handle will be re-affixed and the process is complete. Tasker will provide you with an estimate of the cost of the repair if this is the situation.
Faulty Lock
It is essential to fix any window locks that are damaged as soon as possible. A damaged window could cause drafts, weaken security barriers and make the home vulnerable to burglary. Window lock repairs are usually minimal, but it's better to call an expert before the issue gets worse and costs you more money.
UPVC window locks come with two distinct versions: espagnolette handles and the cockspur handles. The first utilizes a central rod to operate mushroom-like locking cams that lock into the window frame. The latter is equipped with an attached handle to a spindle that protrudes into the rod to trigger the lock's locking cams that look like mushrooms, also known as locking mushrooms. The latch of the lock is then clipped into the mortise of a window frame's and catches.
Both types of UPVC window locks are prone to damage, especially in older homes. This could happen when the sash is warped or misaligned, or even becomes loose. In these situations the lock needs to be reinstalled in order to stop draughts and loss of energy efficiency. Tasker can repair the broken lock for you, leaving you with security of knowing that your windows are secure from burglars.
The first thing a Tasker will do to fix your double glazing window lock is examine it and find the issue. Once they have all the details, they'll set up their tools prior to arriving at your home. They'll typically bring a Phillips head screwdriver, needle nose pliers, wood glue, and fine-grit paper.
Tasker will have to loosen the screws that hold both parts of the lock on the window frame, if the sash has been misaligned. The Tasker will then take off the latch and fill the mounting holes (if necessary) with wood putty, before sanding the area to make it flush with the rest.
If the lock is rusted they'll clean it using wire brush or oil and lubricate it with grease to keep it running smoothly. They'll also check if the latch is in a good condition and then re-install it.