Repairs are undertaken in the Suffolk and Essex areas
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Window Handles |
Door Handles |
Window Hinges |
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Have you got broken window hinges?
We replace most window hinges for timber, aluminium or PVC-u windows, doors and conservatories.
Have you insecure window handles?
We stock a wide range of key locking window handles for timber, aluminium or PVC-u windows, doors and conservatories.
Is your patio door stiff to slide?
We stock replacement wheels for most sliding patio doors. We can offer a same day service subject to being called before 12 noon..
Have you lost your door key?
We stock replacement euro-cylinder and union (oval) cylinders that are fitted to most double glazed doors.
Have you a broken letter box?
We carry four sizes of letter box in up to 4 colours for PVC-u residential entrance doors.
General Maintenance
For long-life maintenance, all that's needed is an occasional wipe over with a damp/soaky cloth and a PVC-u cleaner (from most superstores) to keep your windows looking like new.
Remember to add a drop of oil or grease to all handles and hinges now and again and your windows will stay in good working order year in year out.
Locks and Hinges
It is very important to keep sliding door tracks clean of grit and dirt thus ensuring continued ease of operation. If an optional night ventilator is put in the apertures can be very easily cleaned with the help of a soft bristle brush.
An occasional light spray of WD40 to the door hinges should basically be all that is needed to ensure continued smooth use but in certain cases a dash of light machine oil can prove a lot more effective. Also a spray of WD40 direct into the lock cylinder will again ensure easy use of the key.
Glass
Never attempt to clean glass in direct sunlight, otherwise the glass will dry before you are able to buff. To avoid smears and ideally for best results you should really use a damp leather and also a clean dry cloth. If you do come up against a hard smear then putting a drop or two of vinegar or methlyated spirits into the water can also help.
Openers
If the black sealing strip appears to slightly stick to the frame whilst opening a door or window then try dusting it very gently with talc without adversely affecting the sealing powder
Condensation Tips
Condensation occurs when water vapour comes into contact with a cold surface such as glass and the vapour turns to water droplets. Condensation can only ever be minimised and never completely eradicated. Newly constructed conservatories need an Initial "drying out" period. Many hundreds of litres of water are used during its construction, i.e. dwarf walls, concrete bases and plasterwork. In Winter they will take longer to dry out.
Whilst it is a general fact that changing your lifestyle dramatically may help, you cannot always eradicate condensation. There are always steps that can be taken to reduce the severity of this problem. Condensation occurs as a result of moisture being carried in the air and coming into contact with a temperature source that is at variance with the vapour.
Most of the moisture coming from within the home originates from within the bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen. In order to provide ventilation and thus lower the risk of condensation always open as many windows as possible, especially on washing day!
It should be remembered of course that cold rooms give rise to condensation a lot faster than warmer rooms. It is imperative in this case that a near constant temperature level should be maintained wherever possible. Keeping the internal doors closed, will substantially restrict the circulation of water vapour inside the home. Obviously during the colder parts of the year this will involve a degree of heat loss. A cooker hood or extractor fan can definitely help minimise the rise of moisture-laden air in the kitchen.
There are a number of less known sources of moisture that you may not have thought about - were you aware that a Gas heater can produce up to a pint of water vapour per 60 minutes, and Paraffin heater in excess of one pint of water vapour per pint of Paraffin burned? It should also be made aware tropical fish tanks also produce water vapour, faster than you probably realise, at a very alarming rate, and houseplants can also contribute to the issue quite excessively. It is perhaps quite surprising that two adults in an averagely sized bedroom will produce more than a pint of water vapour in a night.
Ventilation
Provide natural ventilation to help minimise condensation and maintain a comfortable interior temperature whenever possible by:
- Opening windows / doors
- Ensure trickle vents in the ridge are open at all times - slide the control to open setting
- Ensure trickle vents at the eaves (where fitted) are open at all times
- Open the roof vent (if fitted)
Be sure to consider security when leaving open an easily accessible window or roof vent.
Heating
Heating can also assist with controlling condensation and should be marginally increased in any areas where condensation is a problem. Maintain some heat in the conservatory during cold weather and if possible, place heating appliances under windows to maintain the temperature of the inside pane of the double-glazing.
- Opening windows / doors
- Ensure trickle vents in the ridge are open at all times - slide the control to open setting
- Ensure trickle vents at the eaves (where fitted) are open at all times
- Open the roof vent (if fitted)
Be sure to consider security when leaving open an easily accessible window or roof vent.
Heating
Heating can also assist with controlling condensation and should be marginally increased in any areas where condensation is a problem. Maintain some heat in the conservatory during cold weather and if possible, place heating appliances under windows to maintain the temperature of the inside pane of the double-glazing.
