Double Glazing Lock Repairs The best locks for your windows and doors will stop burglars from getting into your home. Generally, they don't like breaking glass or slipping through open windows. Some double glazing owners, however, have experienced problems with their window or door lock after installing. Fortunately, these issues are often fixable without having to purchase new double glazing. Broken or Faulty Locks If your uPVC window or door lock is damaged or broken and requires a locksmith, they can fix it. They can fix the hinges, striker plates and locks on your double-glazed. They can also adjust the cylinder's position to fix any misalignment problems which could cause your handle to not operate properly. The mechanism may be locked when the key is inserted into the lock, but it does not turn or become difficult to insert. Dirt or grease can be trapped in the mechanism. If this is the case, then it might be possible to clean the lock and lubricate it. It is important to apply a dry lubricant such as graphite or teflon instead of oil, which attracts dirt and stick to the inside of the mechanism. After the lubrication, insert the key into the lock and turn it. The lubricant needs to be absorbed into the mechanism, and the lock should spin easily. Loose screws within the lock mechanism are another reason for a malfunctioning lock. They can become loose and fall out, or even break off completely, preventing the lock from being able to perform as it should. These 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 damaged lock can be dangerous for your family and you. This is particularly the case if you have children. They can open the door without knowing and gain access to your house. If you are worried about this happening, a locksmith who is vetted can provide fast and efficient assistance to secure your double glazing doors. Misty Glaze are a professional uPVC and double glazing business in Lancing, who can repair all types of faulty and damaged mechanisms, handles, cylinders and lock systems on uPVC windows and doors. We can also alter your uPVC or double glazing locking system to meet your particular needs, which means that in a lot of cases replacement windows and doors are not required. Handles that are broken or damaged A lot of double-glazed windows come with a multi-point lock as a part of the overall security package. This is a great choice for those worried about criminals who are looking to gain entry to your home. It's also worth asking your installer about anti-lift locks, these can be fitted in addition to the existing locks and ensure that your window is secured in its closed position. It's not uncommon for the handle locks to get damaged or even fail - they are the first part of your window that could be forced open by a criminal intent on breaking in. Fortunately, the good news is that this is one of the most simple parts to repair. Modern handles made of aluminium and uPVC have a multi-point locking mechanism known as Espagnolette that is designed to resist forced entry. This security upgrade is often provided as an additional option on new uPVC window installation. As an upgrade option, older style aluminium or uPVC handles that are no longer used can be upgraded to the shoot bolt locking system. It is important to repair a handle as soon as possible if it is damaged. A damaged handle can stop the window from closing properly and allow drafts in. It could be a weakness that burglars with a plethora of opportunities could exploit, therefore placing your home and belongings at risk of theft. The process of repairing the failed mechanism starts with opening the window frame and removing the broken handle. The gearbox is then accessed to determine the type of gearbox that is used to open the handle. This will allow a replacement that matches the profile and internal window frame mechanisms. Once the mechanism has been replaced the handle can then be re-attached using the original screws - however, we generally recommend replacing them with larger ones because this will ensure a more secure fit. The final step is to apply a coat of clear sealant to protect the handle from further rust. After this step is completed, your window should be functional again, and at a fraction the cost of replacing it. Broken or damaged hinges If your windows don't close properly, draughts can enter your home, the security measures will be compromised, and there is the risk of damp or water damage. Window hinges that fail or become faulty are a common problem and are easily fixed. If you have a uPVC windows that won't close or open it's likely that the hinges are broken or damaged and need to be replaced. A lot of window manufacturers will require that you purchase an entirely new window unit to resolve this problem, but we can replace the hinges and save you money. Window hinges are often damaged after repeated use, or they might be damaged through rust over time. If you find a damaged hinge, it's crucial to take precautions to avoid further damage by being careful not to make the window swing to open or close. Identifying your hinge type will help you locate the correct parts to fix it. Maco, Mila and Roto are all window hinges. It is recommended to speak with a professional in this case to ensure that you don't make the mistake of buying parts that aren't compatible with your existing hardware and cause further damage. A faulty hinge is a major issue for uPVC doors and windows. They can be an important source of noise, and they can also allow water to enter your windows. Verify that the pin barrels on both hinge halves are aligned. If it isn't then tap the head pin with the hammer to create a shallow bend in the hinge barrel. This will help keep the pin in the right position. Have a person hold the doors while you remove hinge screws and hinges. Replace the hinges and then install screws with glue. After the glue is drying, secure the hinges using weights or clamps. After you have fixed your hinges, you are able to reinstall the door. You could also reattach the handle. Replace the screws using wood dowels of the same size as the screw that was used to ensure that they are compatible. Broken or Faulty Glass While uPVC windows do a great job of keeping the cold out and heat in, they can become damaged over time. This can be the case with damaged or broken glass and damaged locks. This is an issue that can be very expensive if neglected. It can also hurt the appearance of your home and can lead to a loss in insulation. It is essential to repair any damage immediately. If your glass is cracked but not shattered it is possible to fix it yourself with the proper tools and methods. 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 cause a trip hazard. After double glazing repair , take away any broken glass pieces and dispose of them in the appropriate way. Apply masking tape to the entire area. This will stop glass shards from sticking to your skin and scattering when you move them. Pre-fitting the glass pane before gluing it in place is an ideal option when you have windows that have two panes. This will ensure you have enough room to finish your project. Before applying the glue, clean the surface of the damaged frame and the glass with an unclean, dry cloth. Follow the curing and application directions, which may vary from product to product. Based on the degree of the crack you may need to clamp the glass to hold it in place during the curing process with lightweight clamps designed to hold fragile materials. Once the adhesive has fully cure, carefully insert the glass inside the window frame. Make sure it's flush with the frame edge and that there aren't gaps between the glass sash and frame. Avoid flexing the glass as you put it back in place because this could weaken the seal. This can lead to water infiltration or condensation. Contact a professional glazier, such as O'Brien(r), to arrange an appointment to replace your glass if the window has been completely broken. It's crucial to act fast if you have broken glass.
double glazing repair
