Double Glazing Window Lock Repair Double-glazed windows are energy efficient and offer all-year-round comfort But problems can occur If a window is hard to open, this can leak valuable heat and cold from your home This could also compromise the security of your home Luckily, this can be fixed easily Read on to learn more about upvc lock repair Stiffness If you notice that your uPVC window handles are spongy or have trouble locking, it may be due to a lack of lubrication If you keep your doors and windows open for long periods, dust and grit will build up and wear away the mechanism of the handle The handle becomes difficult to turn, which will force you to apply more pressure to open or lock your window This process continues until the handle or locking mechanism eventually breaks down If this happens to you, it's worth contacting the company you bought from Most likely, they'll provide a guarantee that lasts for up to 10 years, and will pay for replacement hardware You can also address the issue by lubricating hinges and locks with silicone spray This is a simple fix that should take just a couple of minutes and can be done once per year to keep your windows in good condition This is particularly important if you live near an intersection, as grit and dust can cause damage to the hinges over time To accomplish this, open your window wide Then use a screwdriver to loosen the screws on the left hand side of the frame Once the screws have been loosen and the handle is positioned, you can remove the handle away from the frame If you notice that the sash beginning to rub against the frame by loosening the friction screw, this will help it move along Repeat this procedure on the opposite side of the frame If necessary you need to move the handle a bit upwards There should be a gap now of about 1 4 inch between the sash and the frame This will help your window close and seal properly, preventing unwanted drafts from entering your home and reducing your energy bills A drafty door or window can also weaken the security of your home and increase the chance of being burglarized A double-glazed window that won't shut correctly also allows heat to escape, causing condensation and dampness in your home Cracking/Blowing Double-glazed windows are a fantastic way to cut down on energy costs as well as increase your home's security But like any other piece of equipment, they may develop problems and need repair or replacement It's important to hire a professional to do the work Checkatrade can help by connecting you with local tradespeople who have been vetted and screened for their outstanding quality of work It's also best to use an expert who is certified and insured, since they will be covered by insurance should any damage occur during the job Use our search tool to locate an FENSA certified double glazing installer in your area We will then connect you with reliable companies If you prefer, you can go to the website of a specific approved FENSA company and contact them directly to discuss your needs You can also find out about the services that they offer and any special offers available to you Over time, the window seal may break or weaken which can lead to air and moisture leakage between the two glass panes This can cause misting or a cloudy appearance in the centre of the window unit This is caused by the breakdown of the sealant It can be fixed by replacing the glass unit Double panes that have damaged can pose a serious problem for your home You'll need to have them fixed as soon as you can This is usually a simple job for a double-glazing technician or joiner with years of experience In certain instances, the repair may be possible by you Double Glazed Windows that don't close properly can cause drafts, let valuable heat to escape and weaken the security of your home If left unattended, they can cause damp or water damage Get in touch with a double-glazing expert immediately when your uPVC windows are having issues This will help to ensure that the issue does not get worse, and will save you money in the end Condensation When condensation appears on the exterior of your windows it can be a bit alarming, but don't worry, this isn't an indication that your double glazing isn't functioning correctly It's a normal occurrence and is actually a good thing since it indicates that your home is well ventilated and capable of retaining heat This is more common early in the morning, or at night, as temperatures are lower and there is less air However, when condensation appears between the glass panes this is a serious issue and may suggest that your window seal has failed This is because the seal is no longer able to hold in the insulating gas between the window panes, which means the moisture gets trapped and leads to condensation You will need to contact the company that installed your double glazing They're likely to be covered by warranty https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/hounslow-windowrepair/ is not recommended to tamper or repair these units yourself, because this could void the warranty The only way to fix this issue is to detach the sealed unit and replace it with a brand new one This task should be left to a professional, since you'll need to make sure that the new sealed units fits properly and that there are no gaps A gap in the window of your uPVC home is often difficult to detect and often it will only be evident when you attempt to shut your door or window However, if you find that you are able to easily fit the paper piece into the gap, this could be the result of an unbalanced hinge or a misaligned one and could be a sign that your window is in need of replacement Glass Unit Replacement Over time, double glazed windows can become stiff and the handles can fail to open They can also create condensation between the panes of glass and cause drafty air around your home Although it might be tempting to replace the entire window, this could be expensive and time-consuming It's a good thing to know that you can fix your double-glazed window and restore its function and aesthetic by following a few simple steps You'll need a few tools to complete this A pry bar is needed to remove the frame from the sill Then using a hacksaw or utility knife, cut through the sealant that holds the IGU in position Depending on the condition of your windows, they may be held by an insulated stop Photos 3 and 4, which is caulked in and extremely difficult to cut through In these instances it's recommended to contact a professional After you have removed the old window, you can then insert the replacement window by cutting off the gasket before moving on to the next section Make sure to use silicone sealant, which will form an airtight and watertight seal between the new window and the frames Finally, you'll need install the new handle and then put on any caps made of plastic that you have on the screws If you're not comfortable handling broken glass, it's recommended you seek out a professional for this phase of the process This will keep you safer and reduce the risk of injury when handling broken glass Double-glazed sealed units are made to last for a period of up to 35 years, but over time they can experience a variety of issues These problems can include an increase in energy efficiency, a build-up of condensation between the glass, and cracks or chips in the glass The window seal might have been blown This can be seen by the appearance of streaks, fogging or condensation between the glass panes The sealant can be replaced to fix blown windows This is a more affordable alternative to buying and installing new double glazing windows