Double glazing problems

Adsie

I've got a couple of double glazing problems which I hope some one in money saving land can help with...
1. I have a broken Saracen espagnol (not sure how it's spelt) with top and bottom locks and a side cam. The botom shoot bolt jammed but it was possible to remove it by unscrewing it so at least I could 1/2 lock the window. How can I fix this or get to the mechanism to see what's happened. If I have to pop the bead to get to the mechanism how is that done (they are internally glazed).
2. Two of my windows need realigning in that the opening frame does not sit correctly in the outer frame so there is a small gap down the hinge side from top to bottom
The windows are all out of guarantee and I have searched the web without success.
Wife and kids all moaning :mad: so any help would be gratefully received.
Thank you muchly!
Adsie

Nile

Hello Adsie


Welcome to the MSE site.:wave:

We have some expert contributors to this board, including some with window fitting experience...........so I'm sure someone will be along soon with an answer to your questions.

Kind Regards

Nile

Rex_Mundi

1).......Espagnolette Locks can be tricky to replace when they go wrong. There are so many different types, finding a replacement can be a complete nightmare. Normally they can be unscrewed from the frame once the window is open (look on the locking side, and top and bottom of the locking side). I can't advise you much further on this without knowing what system your windows are (there are so many different ones).

If you can open the window, look for the screws fixing the spag, take it off, and take it to a decent glazing company. They should be able to advise you about a replacement. In rare cases, it is possible to use a different type (when you can't find an exact replacement). This can be a fiddly job and can mean changing (filing, drilling, hacking) parts of the plastic frame both on the opener and the frame. I would only ever advise this as a last resort method.

Parts of the locking bar running along the spag can snap or bend out of shape. These are the most common reasons I've seen for them not working any more.

2).......If the openers are not sitting in the frame properly, I would say it could be one of two things. Either your friction stay hinges need replacing (this is possible on older windows), or, your windows need top and tailing. This is a method of pulling the frame back in shape using the spacers around the double glazed unit.

The hinges on plastic windows are quite easy to replace (a few screws and a friend to hold the window while you are doing the job). Once again, if this was the problem, I would say take the hinges off and take them to a decent glazing company. They would be in the best position to advise/help you find replacements.

If the windows need top and tailing...............hmmmm this is a bit difficult to describe in words. Experience really is the best thing for this method.

Working out which of the above methods is needed is very difficult without seeing the windows.

On both points. You could be looking at a tricky job. It's difficult to diagnose the problem on the second problem just from a post in a forum. If you are really stuck for getting in a glazier (could cost a few quid). Send me a PM, and I will do my best to provide further help for you.