This Week's Most Popular Stories About Double Glazing Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Lock Repairs
Quality locks on your doors and windows can stop burglars from entering your home. In general, they don't enjoy breaking glass or squeezing through open windows.
However, some double-glazing owners have had problems with their door or window lock after it was installed. Luckily, these problems are often fixable without having to pay for new double glazing.
Broken or damaged locks
If your uPVC door or window lock is damaged or defective or has a problem, a locksmith will repair it for you. They can fix hinges, striker plates and locks for your double glazing. They can also move the cylinder to correct any misalignment that may be causing your handle to work properly.
If the key fits in the lock, but it doesn't turn or is difficult to insert, the mechanism might be seized up. Dirt or grease can get stuck in the mechanism. If this is the case, then it might be possible to clean the lock and then lubricate it. It is important to use a dry lubricant, such as teflon or graphite instead of oil, which can attract dirt and adhere to the inside of the mechanism. After lubricating the lock you need to insert the key and attempt to turn it. The lubricant should work its way through the mechanism, and the lock should be able to turn without difficulty.
A damaged lock can be caused by loose screws inside the mechanism of the lock. They may loosen and fall out, or even break completely, preventing the lock to perform as it should. A screwdriver is a tool to tighten the screws however, care must be taken not to tighten them too much, as this can cause damage to the internal components.
A damaged lock can be dangerous for you and your family. This is particularly true if you have small children. It can be easy for them to unlock the door without knowing and thus allow them access to your home. If double glazing repair near me worried that this could occur, a professional locksmith can help secure the double-glazed doors.
Misty Glaze are a professional uPVC and double glazing company in Lancing that can fix any type of defective and damaged mechanisms handles, handles, cylinders, and lock systems on both uPVC windows and doors. We can also reconfigure your uPVC or double glazing locking system to meet your particular requirements, which means that in most cases, replacement doors and windows are not required.
Handles that are broken or faulty
A lot of double-glazed windows come with a multi-point lock as a part of the overall security package. This is an excellent option for those who are worried about opportunistic burglars trying to gain access to their home. It is also a good idea to ask your locksmith about anti-lift blocks which can be put in with the existing locks and will keep your window locked in a closed position.
It's not uncommon for the handles to be damaged or even fail - they are the first part of your window to be pushed open by criminals who want to break in. The good news is that this is one of the easiest parts to fix.
Modern handles made of aluminium and uPVC feature a multi-point locking system known as Espagnolette that is designed to withstand forced entry. This security upgrade is available as an option on new uPVC windows. Older style uPVC and aluminium handles can be upgraded to lock bolts that shoot also as an optional extra on new double glazed windows.
It is crucial to fix handles as quickly as you can if it's damaged. Handles that are damaged can prevent the window from closing correctly and also allowing drafts to enter. It may be a weakness that burglars who are opportunistic could exploit, putting your belongings and family at risk of being taken.
To repair the broken mechanism, you first need to gain access to the window frame and then remove the damaged handle. The gearbox that opens the handle is then located and the model is identified so that a replacement can be found that matches the profile of the internal window frame mechanism.
After the mechanism is replaced, the handle may be reattached using the original screws. However, we recommend replacing them with more long screws since they provide an even more secure fit. The final step is to seal the handle using a clear sealant. This will protect it from further corrosion. Once that's done your window will be operational again, and at a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire window.
Hinges that are Broken or damaged
If your windows do not close properly, you may suffer from draughts or a weakening of your home's security barrier and a higher risk of damp or water damage. Broken or faulty window hinges are a frequent problem that can be fixed easily.
If your uPVC windows won't open or shut it's likely that hinges need to be repaired or replaced. While most window manufacturers require you to purchase a new window to solve this issue, we're able to replace the faulty hinges and save you money.
Window hinges are often damaged through repeated use, or weakening over time due to corrosion. If you've got a broken window hinge, it's important to take precautions to avoid further damage. This includes not forcing the window to close or open.
You can find the correct parts for your hinge by identifying the type of hinge it is. Maco, Mila and Roto are all brands of window hinges. Talk to a professional before purchasing parts that won't work with your existing hardware. This can cause more damage.
Faulty hinges can be a big issue for your uPVC window and doors. They can be a major source of noise, and can also permit water to enter your windows.
Verify whether the pin barrels on both hinge halves are aligned. If it's not, tap the head pin using a hammer to make an arc in the hinge barrel. This will help keep the pin in the right position. Have a person hold the doors while you take out hinge screws and hinges. Replace the hinges using those that are the same size and attach the screws using glue. After the glue is drying, secure the hinges by using clamps or weights.
After your hinges have been repaired, you should be able to install the door and re-attach the handle. Replace the screws with wooden dowels of the same size as the screw that was used to ensure they are in line.
Broken or damaged glass
While uPVC windows do a great job of keeping cold out and warm in, they may become damaged over time. This could include broken or damaged glass, as well as defective locks. If left unattended, this can become a very costly issue. It can also detract from the aesthetics of your house and could lead to a loss of insulation, so it's important to repair any damage as soon as possible.
You can repair the crack in your glass yourself if you have the right tools and techniques. First, ensure that the area around the glass is clear to ensure that any shards do not harm anyone and aren't a trip hazard. Then, take any broken pieces and dispose of them properly. Apply masking tape to the entire area. This will prevent glass shards from sticking to your skin and scattering when you move them. Making sure the glass pane is fitted prior to applying glue is an ideal option if you are dealing with windows with two panes. This will ensure you have enough space to complete your project.
Before applying the glue wipe the entire surface of the broken frame and the glass with a an unclean, dry cloth. Follow the instructions for application and curing times which may differ from one product to the next. Based on the degree of the crack you may want to clamp the glass in place while it is curing. You can do this using lightweight clamps that are specifically designed to support fragile materials.
After the adhesive has cure, carefully insert the glass into the window frame. Make sure it's aligned with the frame's edge and that there aren't any gaps between the glass sash and frame. Avoid bending the glass as you install it again, as this could weaken the seal. This could result in water infiltration or condensation.
If you have a glass window that is completely shattered or has larger cracks, contact a professional glazier like O'Brien(r) to organise an exchange. It's essential to act swiftly when you notice broken glass.