Fixing draughty windows.
Many people complain that their windows are old and draughty. The truth is that while the windows may be old there is no excuse for putting up with draughty windows. Draughts can be stopped easily by replacing the hinges on your windows. Yes, Hinges!
Draughts are not caused by faulty seals, draughts are caused by worn hinges. If the window hinges are not oiled regularly they will become stiff. The extra wear and tear on the hinges leads to a small or sometimes not so small gap that allows air to pass through the window. Once this has happened to the hinges they must be replaced. New hinges will ensure that the window closes tightly thus eliminating draughts and excess noise.
Do’s and Don’ts
Please don’t buy a stick on seal in a hardware. It will ruin your window by flattening the seals, straining hinges and causing the locks and handles to break.
Do add some oil to the lock and the hinges instead. The window will work much better and this alone may be enough to stop a draught. If it does not solve the problem then phone us 01-4582031 and we will replace the faulty hinges or locks and leave your window as good as new.
Don’t replace your windows. Some new windows are not as good as the ones they are replacing. Unless you buy a good window from a reputable supplier then you could be taking a very expensive step backwards.
Do ask a window repair professional if it would be better to repair your existing windows. Repairs cost a fraction of what new windows cost and can be done often within a day.
Call today and we can answer all your question over the phone and usually provide an accurate quote too.
Types of Hinges
Egress. These are used in bedrooms to meet building regulations covering fire escape.
Counter-balanced. These should be used everywhere else.
The scissor hinges on most windows look very similar. However there are some very important differences between the many hinges that must be noted. For example, most hinges on bedroom windows are an egress type. This hinge allows the window to open to 90°. This is to give you the maximum space for escaping from a fire. While egress hinges are legally required in some locations, the hinges themselves are not as strong or long lasting as other types. They are very vulnerable to wind damage and almost all calls that we receive where a gust of wind has blown a window off, relate to egress window hinges. Therefore it is important that they are only used where they need to be used. Counter-balanced hinges are not a prone to wind damage and so should be used wherever possible. Other hinge types include Butt hinges and Flag hinges.
Most of these hinges appear very similar to the untrained eye but there are some very important and often subtle differences between them. It is vital that hinges are replaced with the correct type to suit your window and its location; otherwise you risk damage to the window, a shorter lifespan of the new part or even difficulty escaping through the window in the event of a fire.
We stock the widest selection of window hinges so you can be assured that if your window needs an egress hinge for fire safety or a counterbalanced hinge that will resist wind damage; we will have the correct hinge for your window. Some repair companies adopt a ones size fits all approach. With so many different window types this may make life easier for them but nothing works better than the correct part used as it was designed to be used.
Don’t waste money getting new windows when all you need is a simple repair. Don’t suffer cold draughts or noise from outside when new hinges can leave your window as good as new.
Call 01-4582031 or visit Ambassador Windows
