Double Glazed Windows

StarTrekkie007

Hello everyone,

Hoping someone can help. My current double glazed windows, when they break seen to break in the locked position so you can't  open them anymore. Does anyone know if this is just the standard and we have to deal with it or are there alterative mechanisms that don't fail in locked position?

twopenny

Do you mean that the glass breaks?
Or the catch? If catch what sort?

Jonboy_1984

Do you mean the locking mechanism, do you have multipoint locks with several moving parts?

Did they replace wooden frames with UPVC and were lintels installed if so?

StarTrekkie007

Its the locking mechanism. Turning the door handle moved several metal bolts up and down to lock or release the window. I believe some metal pullies have broken leaving the upc window in the locked position. 
So my question is if all upc double glazed windows desiged this way or are there other designs ?

Postik

At my old house my bathroom window double glazed unit failed in the locked position.  Had someone out who is good at window repairs but even he said it would be impossible to unlock it without destroying the window.  I had to have the whole window replaced :-(

I have seen some where you can get a coat hanger under the window and pull the metal bolts across unlocking it, but I seem to remember my window wasn't one of those designs.

StarTrekkie007

StarTrekkie007 said:

Its the locking mechanism. Turning the door handle moved several metal bolts up and down to lock or release the window. I believe some metal pullies have broken leaving the upc window in the locked position. 
So my question is if all upc double glazed windows desiged this way or are there other designs ?

I believe the locking mechanism is called ESPAGS.

Do all upvc winows use this mechanism or can you find alternative choices ? I ask since it seems a fundamental  design flaw in espags windows that if they break, they break in the locked position

BUFF

it is espagnolette (or multi-point).
Would you rather that if they broke they broke in the unlocked/open position?

If it is for a simple casement then there are alternatives (like a simple cockspur handle) but they tend to be less secure.
If it is for something like a tilt & turn I don't believe so.

StarTrekkie007

BUFF said:

it is espagnolette (or multi-point).
Would you rather that if they broke they broke in the unlocked/open position?

If it is for a simple casement then there are alternatives (like a simple cockspur handle) but they tend to be less secure.
If it is for something like a tilt & turn I don't believe so.

I would prefer that they last longer, not for just a handful of years so you are forced with costly repair  (if you can even get person to come around)

The double glazed windows are upstair bedroom and labeled 'fie exit'. Why would your fire exit be unable to open ? This design of window lock should never be used for  fire  exit 

BUFF

It depends upon what is fitted - like everything there are different qualities/prices.
Mine is approaching 30 years old & still working.

molerat

If you want them to last longer then lubricate them. 

They usually fail in the locked position because everything is tight and you have to overcome that tightness to open which puts lots of strain on a stiff un-lubricated mechanism.