Double Glazing Lock Repairs A good quality lock on your doors and windows will stop burglars from getting into your home. They don't usually like breaking glass or trying to squeeze through open windows. Some double glazing owners, however, have experienced problems with their window or door lock after the installation. Fortunately, these issues are often fixable without having to pay for new double glazing. Broken or Faulty Locks If your uPVC door or window lock is damaged or broken or has a problem, a locksmith will fix it for you. They can fix hinges, striker plates and locks for double glazing. They can also reposition the cylinder to fix any misalignment issues that may be causing the handle to not function correctly. The mechanism may be locked if the key fits in the lock, but it will not turn or become difficult to insert. Dirt or grease can be trapped in the mechanism. If this is the situation it could be possible for the lock to be cleaned and lubricated. Make use of a dry lubricant, such as graphite or teflon but not oil as oil attracts dirt and cause it to stick to the mechanism's inside. After the lubrication, insert the key into the lock and turn it. The lubricant should work its way into the mechanism and the lock should spin easily. Loose screws within the lock mechanism are another cause of a faulty lock. They may loosen, fall out, or even break completely, preventing the lock from being able to function properly. The screws can be tightened using a screwdriver, but you must be cautious not to tighten them too much. This can damage the internal components. A damaged lock can be dangerous for you and your family. This is particularly true if you have small children. They could easily open the door without your knowledge and gain access to your house. If you're worried about this happening, then a licensed locksmith can offer fast and efficient assistance to secure your double-glazed doors. Misty Glaze are a professional uPVC and double glazing company based in Lancing that can fix all types of faulty and damaged mechanisms, handles, cylinders and lock systems on uPVC windows and doors. We can also modify your uPVC or double glazing locking system to meet your specific needs, which means that in many cases replacement doors and windows are not necessary. Handles that are broken or damaged Many double-glazed windows have a multi-point lock as part of the overall security package. This is a great option for those worried about opportunistic thieves looking for ways to gain access to your home. Ask your locksmith about antilift blocks. They can be put in as an addition to the existing locks and can help keep your windows firmly closed. Handle locks can be damaged or fail. They are the first thing criminals utilize to force open your window. The good news is that this is one of the most simple parts to fix. Modern handles made of aluminium and uPVC operate a multi-point locking system known as Espagnolette that is designed to withstand forced entry. This security upgrade is often available as an extra on new uPVC window installation. As an upgrade option, older style handles made of aluminium or uPVC that are no longer used can be upgraded to the shoot bolt locking system. It is important to repair handles as quickly as possible after it has been damaged. double glazing window repairs that are damaged can prevent the window from closing correctly and allow drafts in. It could be a weakness that opportunistic burglars might exploit, putting your belongings and family at risk of theft. The process of repairing the damaged mechanism begins with gaining access to the window frame and then removing the damaged handle. The gearbox that opens the handle is accessed and the type identified, so that a replacement may be found that matches the profile of the internal window frame mechanism. After the mechanism has been replaced the handle can be fixed using the original screws however, we usually recommend replacing them with longer ones because this will ensure the most secure fit. The final step is to seal the handle with a clear sealant. This will help protect it from further corrosion. After that the window will be functional again and at less than the cost of replacing the entire window. Broken or damaged hinges If your windows aren't shut correctly, draughts may enter your home, the security barriers will weaken and you run the risk of damp or water damage. Window hinges that fail or become faulty are a common problem and can be easily repaired. If your uPVC windows won't open or close, it is likely that the hinges require to be replaced or repaired. Many window companies will require you to buy an entirely new window unit to resolve this issue, but we are able to replace the hinges to save you money. Window hinges can be damaged through repeated use, or weakened over time by corrosion. In the event of a damaged hinge, it's crucial to take precautions to avoid further damage by being careful not to make the window swing to close or open. You can find the right parts for your hinge by identifying its model. Common kinds of window hinges include Maco, Mila, Roto and other brands. Talk to a professional before buying parts that do not fit with your existing hardware. This can result in further damage. Faulty hinges are a major issue for uPVC windows and doors. They can be a significant source of noise and can also allow water infiltration which can damage your windows. Make sure that the pin barrels on both hinge halves are aligned. If not then tap the head pin using the hammer to create a small bend in the hinge barrel. This will help keep the pin in its 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 and then install screws using glue. Finally, secure the hinges with clamps or weights until the glue sets. Once you have repaired your hinges, you are able to put the door back in place. You could also reattach the handle. It is a good idea to replace the screws with the same length of wood dowels as the original screw, so that they match up with each the other. Broken or faulty glass While uPVC windows do an excellent job of keeping the cold out and the heat in, they can become damaged over time. This could include broken or damaged glass, as well as faulty locks. This is an issue that can be very expensive when left unattended. It also can detract from the aesthetics of your home and may lead to a loss of insulation, so it's crucial to repair any damage as soon as possible. You can repair the crack in your glass by yourself if you have the right tools and techniques. Make sure that the area surrounding the glass that has been broken is free of debris to ensure that pieces of glass do not cause injuries or trip hazards. Then, remove the broken glass pieces and dispose of them in the proper way. Apply masking tape to the entire area. This will stop glass shards from sticking to your skin and scattering when you move them. If you're dealing with a double-pane glass it's a good idea to fit the glass pane before glueing it back in place so that you know you'll have enough room to finish the project. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe clean the surface of the broken glass and the frame prior to applying the glue. Follow the instructions for application and curing times, which can vary from one product to the next. You may have to clamp the glass that has cracked using clamps that are lightweight and designed to hold delicate materials, depending on the angle. After the adhesive has fully set, carefully place the glass in the window frame, making sure it's flush with the edges of the frame and that there are no gaps between the glass and the window sash. Avoid flexing the glass as you install it again, as this could weaken the seal. This could lead to water infiltration or condensation. If you have a glass window that is completely shattered or has larger cracks, contact a professional glazier such as O'Brien(r) to organise the replacement. If you leave broken glass unattended, it could cause danger to pets and children It's therefore essential to act swiftly.
double glazing window repairs
