Double Glazing Lock Repairs
A good quality lock on your windows and doors can stop burglars from gaining access to your home. In general, they don't enjoy breaking glass or trying to wiggle through windows that are open.
Some double glazing owners, however, have had issues with their door or window lock after installing. Luckily, these problems can be fixed without having to buy new double glazing.
Broken or faulty locks
If your uPVC door or window lock is damaged or broken and requires a locksmith, they can fix it. They can repair hinges, striker plates, and locks for your double glazing. They can also adjust the cylinder's position to correct any misalignment issues which could cause your handle to not work properly.
The mechanism might be jammed when the key fits into the lock, but it does not turn or become difficult to insert. Dirt or grease can get stuck in the mechanism. If this is the case it is possible for the lock to be cleaned and lubricated. Use a dry lubricant such as graphite or teflon but not oil as oil can attract dirt, and cause it to stick to the inside mechanism. After having lubricated, insert the lock key into the lock and turn it. The lubricant will work through the mechanism and the lock should be able to turn without difficulty.
Screws that are loose within the lock mechanism are another cause of a faulty lock. They can become loose and fall out, or even break completely, preventing the lock to perform as it should. The screws can be tightened with a screwdriver, but you must be cautious not to tighten them too much. This can damage the internal components.
A faulty lock is dangerous for you and your family. This is particularly the case if you have children. They could easily open the door without knowing, giving them access to your house. If you're concerned about this happening, then a licensed locksmith can offer a quick and efficient service to secure your double glazing doors.
Misty Glaze are a professional uPVC and double glazing company based in Lancing, who can repair all kinds of damaged and broken mechanisms such as handles, cylinders, handles and lock systems on uPVC windows and doors. We can also reconfigure the locking mechanism on your uPVC windows or double glazing to meet your requirements. This means that replacement windows and doors are not always required.
Handles that are damaged or damaged
As part of their overall security package many double-glazed windows have a multipoint lock. This is an excellent option for those worried about criminals who are looking for ways to gain access to your home. It's also worth asking your installer about anti-lift blocks which can be put in with the locks already in place and will keep your window locked in a closed position.
It's not uncommon for handle locks to get damaged or fail - they are the first part of your window that could be forced open by criminals intent on breaking in. The good news is that this is among the easiest parts to repair.
Modern uPVC handles as well as aluminium handles are equipped with a multi-point locking mechanism known as Espagnolette that is designed to ward off forced entry. This security upgrade is available as an option on new uPVC windows. Older style uPVC and aluminum handles can be upgraded to lock bolts that shoot also as an optional option on double-glazed window installations.
It is essential to fix the handle as soon as possible after it has been damaged. The damaged handles could stop the window from closing properly and permit drafts to get in. It may be a weakness that opportunistic burglars might exploit, placing your home and belongings at risk of being stolen.
The process of repairing the failed mechanism starts with gaining access to the frame of the window and then removing the damaged handle. The gearbox that opens the handle is accessed and the type identified so a replacement can be found that is in line with the profile of the internal window frame mechanism.
Once the mechanism has been replaced, the handle can be re-attached using the original screws - however, we generally recommend replacing them with more long screws since this will provide a more secure fit. The final step is to apply a coating of clear sealant to shield the handle from further corrosion. After you've completed this step, your window should be functioning again at a fraction of the cost of replacing it.
Hinges that are Broken or damaged
If your windows don't close correctly, draughts may enter your home, the security barriers will become weaker, and there is the risk of damp or water damage. Windows hinges that break or fail are a common occurrence and can be easily repaired.
If you have a uPVC windows that isn't able to open or close, it's likely your hinges are damaged or broken and require replacement. Most window companies will require you to purchase an entirely new window unit to resolve this problem, but we can replace the hinges in order to save you money.
Window hinges can be damaged by repeated use or weakened over time by corrosion. If you've got a broken window hinge, it is important to take precautions to prevent further damage. This includes not forcing the window to open or close.
You can locate the appropriate parts for your hinge by identifying the type of hinge it is. The most common types of window hinges include Maco, Mila, Roto and other brands. It is recommended to consult a professional in this case to avoid the mistake of buying parts that aren't compatible with your current hardware and cause further damage.
Faulty hinges are a major issue for uPVC doors and windows. double glazing repair can be the main source of noise, and can also allow water to enter your windows.
Verify that the pin barrels on both sides of the hinge are aligned. If not tapping the headpin, use a hammer in order to create a slight bend in hinge barrel. This will hold the pin in place. Then, ask a friend to hold the door as you remove the hinges and hinge screws from both the doorjamb and the door. Replace the hinges with ones that are the same size and install the screws with glue. After the glue is drying, secure the hinges with clamps or weights.
After your hinges have been repaired after which you will be able to install the door and re-attach the handle. It is recommended to replace the screws with the same length of dowels as the original screw so that they align with each the other.
Broken or faulty glass
While uPVC windows do a great job of keeping the cold out and warm in, they can become damaged over time. This can be the case with broken or damaged glass as well as faulty locks. This issue could be extremely costly should it be neglected. This can also detract from the appearance of your home and can cause a loss of insulation. It is crucial to repair any damage promptly.
You can repair your cracked glass by yourself if you have the appropriate tools and techniques. Make sure the area around the glass that has been broken is free of debris to ensure that shards do not cause injury or cause a trip hazard. Then, take any broken pieces and dispose of them properly. Then, place masking tape to the entire area to keep pieces of glass from scattering and sticking to your skin when you move them. If you're dealing with a double-paned window, it's best to prepare the glass before glueing it back in place so that you are sure you'll have enough space complete the project.
Use a clean, dry cloth to clean the glass's surface and the frame before applying the glue. Follow the curing and application instructions that differ from one product to the next. Depending on the degree of the crack you may need to clamp the glass to hold it in place while it is curing. You can do this using lightweight clamps that are designed to hold delicate materials.
After the adhesive has set, carefully place the glass in the window frame. Make sure it is flush with the frame edge and that there aren't gaps between the glass sash and the frame. Be careful to avoid flexing the window as it's being installed, as this could weaken the seal and lead to water infiltration and condensation.
Contact a professional glazier, such as O'Brien(r), to arrange an exchange if your glass window is completely shattered. It's important to act quickly when you notice broken glass.