Three Reasons Why You're Double Glazing Locks Repair Is Broken And How To Fix It

Double Glazing Locks Repair

When a double-glazed window doesn't close, it causes draughts and allows valuable heat to escape. It also reduces your security measures for your home and puts you at risk of burglary.

Over time, double glazed window hinges, handles and seals can become damaged. If this is the case it could affect how your windows work and could invalidate any warranty you may have.

The locks are not working properly

Many people put anti-burglar devices on their main doors and gates however, they forget that windows are also the most frequent targets for burglars. Having faulty locks could cause drafts to enter the home, which can allow valuable heat to escape and also weaken your home's security barriers.

If you're uPVC windows locks don't function, it is most likely that the mechanism of the lock is jammed. This is usually due to a slit in the gearbox component. This can cause the handle to turn 360 degrees but not open. This issue is common to uPVC windows, but it can also happen in tilt-and turn windows and sliding sash window.

In this situation, it is possible to unlock the lock by applying pressure to the lever handle. double glazing repair can be used to unblock the gearbox and restore the window's opening. If this does nothing then you might need to replace the entire mechanism of the window lock.

Most modern uPVC windows use espagnolette locks. These are locking systems inside the window that secure the window using mushroom-shaped locking cams that are inserted into the frame keep. The handle is the trigger for the gearbox, which triggers the cams for either upward or down movement. The spindle of the lock can break, causing the handle not to move but the door to close or open.


A broken gearbox could cause your window to appear to be locked but not actually be. This can happen when the centre rods (sometimes known as crocodile teeth fixings) within the gearbox have broken off. Misty Glaze will supply and install replacement rods if this occurs.

It is crucial not to force a stuck or broken lock. This could cause the lock to snap or break - especially with a uPVC window as it expands and shrinks as it warms up and cools. To avoid this, it is best to seek out a professional locksmith to diagnose the issue and fix it.

Sticky Doors/Window

Windows and doors that stick are an extremely annoying problem however, they could also indicate more serious structural issues. If you're having difficulty to open or close a window or door, it's important to seek professional help as soon as possible. The problem could be caused by a number of reasons like foundation settlement or an absence of support in the crawl space.

Doors and windows often stick because of humidity or the frame itself. When exposed to moisture, wood frames may begin to warp. Even if the hardware looks great, this could make it difficult to open and close your frames. The wood expands when this happens, and it is pushed up against the hinges, causing friction.

If your door or window gets stuck in the summer and you are unable to get it to close, try using bar soap to reduce the friction. This will make it less swollen and could solve the issue temporarily. This method may need to be repeated periodically during periods of high moisture.

A more permanent solution is sanding the window or door frame to give it a smooth finish. This can be done either by hand or with a power tool. A professional can also sand and paint or stain your door or frame to make it appear new once more.

If sanding and soap aren't helping it's likely your issue is caused by foundation settlement or a weak crawl space. The first thing you should do is check for cracks around the affected area. If you notice these indications, you need to contact a foundation repair specialist. Damage to the foundation can lead to uneven floors and a misaligned interior wall and, in turn, sticking doors and windows. It's important to take care of these issues as soon as you can to avoid costly and dangerous repairs in the future. These issues can escalate until your home becomes unstable and structurally unsound if not addressed. Contact the Southeast's top experts in foundation repair to schedule an inspection today!

Cracking/Blowing Issues

When double glazing starts to deteriorate, it may cause cracks to develop. It can be unappealing and it also allows all the heat that's stored in your home to escape. It also poses a safety threat to your family, as the glass pieces can cause injury in the event of a break. It is best to repair any double-glazing windows with cracks before they get any worse. This can increase the cost of replacement.

Window seals are vital to prevent drafts from entering the home and keep air between the window panes. As time passes, these seals will shrink or eventually be destroyed because of changes in weather. If left unchecked it can cause condensation in the home, condensation and draughts.

A professional can usually solve this problem. They can replace the window seal to restore your windows to their original condition. They will also suggest other features that can reduce the likelihood of a stress crack forming in the future, for example trickle vents to improve ventilation.

It is also possible to try lubricating hinges and handles on your doors and windows. This will allow them to move more easily and allow the lock to function as it should. Rub some lubricating oils on a cloth that is free of lint and then rub them into the hinges, handle mechanism and places where they go through frames (for instance, a sash window). It may also be beneficial to remove the handles from their frames and clean them by using warm water to get rid of any dirt or grit which has been stuck to them.

If your uPVC doors and windows are not functioning as they should, it is important to call in a professional to fix them. They can identify the problem quickly and then resolve it in a short period of time. It's much safer and cheaper than attempting to fix it yourself and possibly damaging the mechanisms. You'll also be able to rest in peace of mind knowing your home is secure and secure.

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Pub: 04 Mar 2024 00:07 UTC
Views: 97