13 Things You Should Know About Double Glazing Lock Repairs That You Might Not Have Known
Double Glazing Lock Repairs
Quality locks on your doors and windows can stop burglars from getting into your home. They aren't likely to break glass or try to squeeze through open windows.
However, some double-glazing owners have encountered problems with their door or window lock after it was installed. These issues can usually be resolved without the need for a new double glazing.
Broken or faulty 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 plate and locks for double glazing. They can also adjust the cylinder in order to fix any misalignment that could be causing your handle not to function properly.
If the key fits in the lock but doesn't turn or is difficult to insert, the mechanism might be seized up. This can be due to grime or dirt getting stuck in the mechanism. If this is the case, it might be possible to clean the lock and lubricate it. It is essential to apply a dry lubricant like graphite or teflon instead of oil, which can attract dirt and stick to the inside of the mechanism. After lubricating, insert the key into the lock and turn it. The lubricant should make through the mechanism and the lock should be able to rotate without difficulty.
A faulty lock can also be caused by loose screws within the mechanism of the lock. They may loosen, fall out, or even break completely preventing the lock to function properly. A screwdriver is a tool to tighten these screws, but care must be taken not to tighten them too much, as this can cause damage to the internal components.
A faulty lock can be dangerous for both you and your family members, especially if you have small children. They could easily open the door without your knowledge which gives them access to your home. If you're worried about this happening, then a locksmith who is vetted can provide rapid and effective service to secure your double-glazed doors.
Misty Glaze are a professional uPVC and double glazing business in Lancing and can repair all types of faulty and broken mechanisms, handles, cylinders and lock systems on both uPVC windows and doors. We can also reconfigure the locking system 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 broken
As part of their overall security plan, many double-glazed windows come with a multipoint lock. This is a great choice for those who are concerned about opportunistic burglars trying to gain entry to their home. Ask your installer about antilift blocks. These can be installed as an addition to the existing locks and can aid in keeping your windows shut.
It's not uncommon for the handle locks to become damaged or fail - they are the first component of your window that will be pushed open by a criminal intent on breaking in. The good news is that this is among the easiest parts to repair.
double glazing Maldon and aluminum handles are equipped with the multi-point locking mechanism referred to as Espagnolette which is designed to prevent forced entry. This security upgrade is available as an option for new uPVC windows. As an optional upgrade, older aluminium or uPVC handles that are no longer used can be upgraded to shoot bolt locking systems.
If a handle is damaged, it's important to get this repaired as soon as is possible. The damaged handles could stop the window from closing properly and permit drafts to enter. It could also be a weakness that burglars with a plethora of opportunities could exploit, putting your family and belongings at risk of being taken.
The process of repairing the failed mechanism starts with getting access to the frame of the window and removing the damaged handle. The gearbox that opens the handle is located and the model is identified, so that a replacement may be sourced which matches the profile of the internal window frame mechanisms.
Once the mechanism is replaced, the handle can be re-attached using the original screws - however, we generally recommend replacing them with larger ones as this will give a more secure fit. The final step is to seal the handle with an opaque sealant. This will protect it from further corrosion. Once that's done the window will be operational again and at only a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire window.
Broken or Faulty Hinges
If your windows do not close correctly, draughts may be able to enter, your home's security barriers will weaken, and there is an increased risk of damp or water damage. Window hinges that fail or fail to function properly are a common issue and can be easily repaired.
If you have a window made of uPVC that won't close or open, it's likely your hinges are broken or damaged and require replacement. A lot of window manufacturers will require that you purchase a new window unit to fix this simple problem, but we can replace the hinges in order to save you money.
Window hinges are often damaged after repeated use, or they may be weakened through rust over time. If you've got a broken window hinge, it is essential to take steps to avoid further damage. This means not causing the window to open or close.
The type of hinge you are looking for will help you identify the correct parts to fix it. Maco, Mila and Roto are all brands of window hinges. It is recommended to consult an expert in this regard to avoid the mistake of buying parts that are not compatible with your current hardware and could cause further damage.
A faulty hinge is a major issue for uPVC windows and doors. They can be a significant source of noise and can also allow water infiltration that can cause damage to your windows.
Check that the pin barrels on both hinge halves are aligned. If it's not, tap the head pin with an hammer to create an arc in the hinge barrel. This will help to keep the pin in the right position. A friend can help you hold the doors while you remove hinge screws and hinges. Replace the hinges with ones of a matching size and attach the screws using glue. Finally fix the hinges using clamps or weights until the glue dries.
Once you have repaired the hinges, you can put the door back in place. You could also reattach the handle. Replace the screws with wooden dowels that are the same length as the screw that was used to ensure that they are compatible.
Glass that is broken or Faulty
While uPVC windows do a great job of keeping cold out and warm in, they can become damaged over time. This can be the case with broken or damaged glass and faulty locks. If neglected, this could turn into a major expense. 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 quickly as possible.
You can repair your cracked glass by yourself if you have the proper tools and techniques. Make sure that the area around the broken glass is clear of debris so that any shards do not cause injury or trip hazards. Then, take any pieces of broken glass and dispose of them in a safe manner. Apply masking tape across the entire area. This will prevent glass fragments from sticking to your skin and splintering when you move them. Pre-fitting the glass pane before applying glue is recommended when you have windows with two panes. This will ensure that you have enough space 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 directions for application and curing times that can differ from product to. Based on the degree of the crack you may need to secure the glass while it is curing. You can do this using lightweight clamps specifically designed to support fragile materials.
After the adhesive has completely cured, carefully install the glass in the window frame. Make sure it is in line with the frame edge and that there aren't any gaps between the glass sash and the frame. Be careful to avoid flexing the window when it's being installed, as this could weaken the seal and lead to water infiltration and condensation.
If you have a glass window that's broken completely or has bigger cracks, call a professional glazier like O'Brien(r) to organise an exchange. It's crucial to act fast if you have broken glass.