Double Glazing Lock Repairs
Quality locks on your windows and doors will stop burglars from gaining entry into your home. In general, they don't enjoy breaking glass or slipping through open windows.
Some owners of double glazing, however, have experienced problems with their door or window lock after the installation. Luckily, these problems can be fixed without having to pay for new double glazing.
Broken or damaged locks
A locksmith can fix your uPVC window or door lock if broken or faulty. They will be able to fix the striker plates, hinges, and locks on your double-glazed. They can also move the cylinder in order to fix any misalignment that could cause your handle to function properly.
The mechanism might be jammed when the key fits into the lock, but it will not turn or become difficult for you to insert. Grease or dirt can be trapped in the mechanism. If this is the situation it is possible for the lock to be cleaned and lubricated. Make use of a dry lubricant, such as graphite or teflon, not oil, because oil attracts dirt and cause it to stick to the inside of the mechanism. After lubricating, insert the key into the lock and turn it. The lubricant must work its way into the mechanism and the lock should spin effortlessly.
Loose screws within the lock mechanism can be another cause of a faulty lock. They can loosen and fall out or even break off completely, preventing the lock from being able to work properly. These screws can be tightened by using a screwdriver, but you must be careful not to over tighten them. This could cause damage to the internal components.
A faulty lock can be dangerous for you and your family, especially if you have small children. They can easily unlock the door without your knowledge, giving them access to your house. If you're worried about this happening, a licensed locksmith can offer a quick and efficient service to secure your double glazing doors.
Misty Glaze is a professional uPVC company in Lancing that can repair all kinds of defective and damaged mechanisms on uPVC windows and doors. We can also alter the locking mechanism on your uPVC windows or double glazing to meet your needs. This means that replacement windows or doors are not always required.
Handles that are broken or damaged
As part of their overall security package many double-glazed windows have a multipoint lock. This is an excellent option for those who are concerned about burglars who are opportunistic and trying to gain access to their home. Ask your installer about antilift blocks. These can be installed in addition to existing locks and can aid in keeping your windows closed.
Handle locks can be damaged or fail. They are the first thing criminals will use to force open your window. The good news is, this is one of easiest parts to fix.
Modern handles made of aluminium and uPVC operate a multi-point locking system called Espagnolette which is designed to withstand forced entry. This security upgrade is often offered as an optional extra on new uPVC window installations. As an optional upgrade, older style handles made of aluminium or uPVC that are no longer used can be upgraded to a shoot bolt locking system.
It is important to repair a handle as soon as possible if it is damaged. A damaged handle could prevent the window from closing properly and permit a draft to enter. It may also be a weak point that burglars with a plethora of opportunities might exploit, putting your family and belongings at risk of being stolen.
The process of repairing the malfunctioning mechanism begins by opening the frame of the window and removing the damaged handle. The gearbox that opens the handle is located and the model is identified so a replacement can be sourced which matches the profile of the internal window frame mechanisms.
After the mechanism is replaced, the handle may be put back together using the original screws. However, we recommend replacing them with more long screws to ensure a more secure fit. The final step is to seal the handle with an opaque sealant. This will help protect it from further corrosion. After that, your window will be fully operational again and at a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire window.
Broken or Faulty Hinges
If your windows don't shut properly, you could be experiencing draughts, an affliction of your home's security barrier and a higher risk of water or damp damage. Window hinges that break or fail are a common issue and can be fixed easily.
If you have a uPVC windows that won't open or close and close, it's likely that your hinges are broken or damaged and need to be replaced. A lot of window manufacturers will require you to purchase an entirely new window unit in order to fix this simple problem, but we can replace the hinges in order to save you money.
Window hinges are often damaged by repeated use or weakening over time due to corrosion. If you have a broken window hinge, it is essential to take steps to avoid further damage. This means not causing the window to open or close.
Knowing the type of hinge you have will help you identify the correct parts to fix it. The most common kinds of window hinges include Maco, Mila, Roto and many other brands. Talk to a professional before purchasing parts that won't fit with your existing hardware. This could cause further damage.
Faulty hinges are a major issue for uPVC doors and windows. They can be a significant source of noise and can also allow for water infiltration that can cause damage to your windows.
Make sure that the pin barrels on both hinge halves are aligned. If double glazing repairs isn't, tap the head pin with the hammer to create a shallow bend in the hinge barrel. This will keep the pin in position. A friend can help you hold the doors as you remove hinge screws and hinges. Replace the hinges and then install screws with glue. Finally put the hinges in place using weights or clamps while the glue dries.
After you have repaired your hinges, you can put the door back in place. You can also reattach the handle. It is recommended to replace the screws using the same length of dowels as the original screw, so that they align with each other.
Broken or Faulty Glass
uPVC Windows can become damaged over time, despite the fact that they are extremely effective in keeping cold out and conserving warmth. This can be the case with broken or damaged glass and faulty locks. If neglected, this could become a very costly issue. It also can detract from the aesthetics of your house and could lead to a loss of insulation, so it's important to repair any damage as quickly as you can.
You can repair your cracked glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools and techniques. Be sure that the area around the broken glass is free of debris to ensure that fragments don't cause injury or cause a trip hazard. Next, remove any broken pieces and dispose of them properly. Then, put masking tape to the entire area to stop fragments from bouncing around and sticking to your skin when you move them. If you're dealing with a double-pane window, it's best to prepare the glass before gluing it back in place so that you know you'll have enough space complete the project.
Before applying the glue, wipe the entire surface of the broken frame and the glass with a an unclean, dry cloth. Follow the application and curing instructions that may differ from product to product. You may need to clamp the glass that has cracked with lightweight clamps designed to hold fragile materials, depending on the angle.
Once the adhesive has fully set, carefully place the glass into the window frame. Make sure that it is aligned with the frame's edge and that there aren't gaps between the glass sash and the frame. Be careful not to bend the glass when you install it again because this could weaken the seal. This can lead to water infiltration or condensation.
If you have a glass door that's completely broken or has larger cracks, call a professional glazier like O'Brien(r) to organise a replacement. It's important to act quickly when you notice broken glass.