WINDOW REPAIRS

Windows Friction Stays (Hinges)

If an awning window (top hung) is frozen closed or the opposite just flies fully open then the Friction Stays need replacing. If one of the arms on the friction stay has come loose and the window is hanging at a funny angle just pull it closed sometimes it helps to push it in from the outside if this is possible and get the Friction Stays replaced as soon as possible they are sold as a pair and the window sash must be taken out to the inside to do this.

Another thing to check with aluminium windows is that the sash (that’s the open window pane) is sealing against the frame all the way round often ok at the bottom where the window handle has pulled it in tight but if you can see a gap at the top of the window then the friction stay (hinge) is not pulling it in and should be replaced. This gap can often cause drafts as well as whistling noise which in turn is also letting out heat.

Casement windows (side hung) are much the same, the older ones seem to have a problem where the window sash drops down and drags on the bottom frame we can replace these with a newer stronger Casement Stay often in stainless steel.

Window Handles

Broken or very loose handles are a security problem and frozen solid handles mean you can’t use the window both are easily fixed. However in a beach environment the window handle fixing screws can become frozen on and have to be drilled off.

There are 3 basic types of window handles and each type is dictated by how it is attached too the type and shape of joinery you have. We carry all the different handle options a one stop fix it shop to your door.

Face fixed type; where you can see, as the term suggests the screws that hold it on to the sash go though the front and you can see them by just looking directly at the handle. (Note some less common versions have cover caps covering the screws)

Sub fixed type; again as the name suggests these handles are fixed from underneath. The handle sits on an approx 10mm lip that goes around the window sash and the screws come up though this lip and into the base of the handle. You can’t see them unless you look up from under the sash then you can see the screw heads.

Vertical fixed type; this handle sits on an approx 14mm lip that goes around the window sash however again as the name suggests this handle is fixed from the top by screws that go though a plate which sticks out the back of the handle and into the lip of the window its sitting on. The plate that sticks out the back of the handle that the fixing screws go though is usually covered with a plastic cap which snaps on. At first glance this can make it look like the sub fixed set up above.

The vertical fix window handles are no longer available but an adapter kit can be use with a sub fix handle that sorts the problem.

All these window handles come in single tongue and for ventilation the double tongue option along with slim line versions to go behind sliding doors. Leaving a window open for ventilation on the second tongue is a security risk. (See safety stays)

There are a number of different models of window handles both passed and present day however they all fall into one of the three fixing options mentioned above the main problem areas are the screw hole spacing and matching old styles no longer made.

For window handle maintenance you can lubricate them we usually do this at the same time as we lubricate the window friction stays. (See Window maintenance at the bottom of the page).

Window Handle Wedge

Window handle wedges are what the window handle tongue sits on top of in the
closed position to hold the window sash tightly closed. If this is missing it creates a security risk plus you can get drafts etc. There are many sizes and types depending on your brand and shape of joinery. Missing wedges are the sort of things that would get picked up in our free joinery and security check that you can book for free when we are already on site doing another job if you wish to have one of these checks done please book it in advance so we can allow the time.

Rubber Seals (Glazing wedge and Backing rubber)

In a lot of joinery the glazing wedges go around the glass on the outside holding it in position and shedding excess water that’s running down the glass, if the rubber has shrunk back leaving gaps or has become hard and inflexible then too much water can enter the aluminium frame and create problems (See leaks) as well as looking unsightly. This is easily fixed with replacement glazing wedges.

Backing rubbers are the rubber seals that the window sash (that’s the opening part) closes against to form a seal to keep draft and water from coming inside along with keeping heat from escaping. These rubbers can be in the frame (that’s the aluminium frame surrounding the opening window) or in the window sash its self. If they are short, shrunk back or hard they won’t be doing their job some times making a whistling noise around the sash. By getting us to replace them you can also be saving money on your heating bill by cutting down on heat loss.

Condensation Channels for Older Joinery

Older types of aluminium window and door joinery usually had no provision for dealing with drainage of condensation on the inside of the window. Retro fit condensation channel and drainage can be fitted to most window frames contact us now for a quote.

Window Maintenance

Regular lubricating of your window friction stays along with window handles and any locking device fitted to your windows is strongly recommended, annually in a beach environment. We use WD40 and work the windows backward and forwards until it fees up its best to this before they get to stiff. If you have restrictor stays on the window and the window is quite stiff then they will need to be disconnected at one end so as to get good movement back into the sash, once this is achieved the restrictor stay can be re-fixed. We would normally lube your window handles at the same time. Don’t use WD40 or similar on window lock cylinders use silicone spray or graphite.

While we are there servicing your windows we can also do our free security and joinery check of your home which can let you known of possible problems before they happen. This is also very useful before redecorating or renovating.

OFFICE LINE

(07) 543 3766

MOBILE / EMERGENCY

027 600 3357

WORKING HOURS

8:00am – 5:00pm