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Phone Number
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Sunshine Home Improvements, 28 Queen Street, Neath, Neath and Port Talbot, SA11 1DL
Want to Speak To An Advisor? Give our team a call on 01792 812706
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Troubleshooting
Windows
Understanding Condensation on Windows: What You Need to Know
Condensation on windows can appear in three different areas:
- On the exterior surface, facing the outside environment.
- On the interior surface, facing into your home.
- Between the panes of glass.
Fortunately, not all condensation is a cause for concern. Of these three, only the third indicates a fault with the product. If condensation forms on the outside of your home, it’s actually a positive sign, demonstrating the quality of your glazing. However, if it appears inside your home, this is typically due to poor ventilation. For health reasons, such as dampness and the risk of mould growth, we suggest considering an upgrade to your glazing, though there are several steps you can take to mitigate the issue first. The final type, occurring between the panes of glass, signifies that your glazing unit has failed, allowing moisture to seep in. This usually requires replacement to prevent water marks and a decline in visibility.
Your Essential Window Care Guide
Over time, factors such as pollution, weather, and dust can stain your windows. That’s why regular maintenance is crucial to keep them looking their best and to extend their lifespan.
When it comes to window care, here are some general tips we recommend following:
- ALWAYS use cleaners that are specifically designed for the material of your windows.
- DO apply standard lubrication oil to reduce friction in the moving parts of your window frames.
- DO clean your windows at least twice a year.
- NEVER use glass cleaner on window frames.
- DO NOT use kitchen or bathroom cleaners or abrasive pads on your windows.
Caring for your windows can be a challenging task, as it depends on various factors such as the type of material, glass, locks, and hinges.
How to Clean Both Sides of uPVC Sash Windows
Cleaning both sides of uPVC sash windows might seem challenging, as the sashes cannot be removed. However, by following these simple steps, you can effectively clean your windows from the inside:
- Begin by sliding the lower sash upwards by about 3 inches from the inside.
- Locate the two finger latches on the top edge of the sash and slide them inwards towards the centre.
- The sash will then tilt inwards, allowing you to clean the outside surface from within your home.
- To clean the top sash, follow the same process, but ensure that the lower sash is already tilted inwards.
- Slide the top sash downwards by about 3 inches.
- Pull the latches in towards the centre.
- The top sash will also drop inwards, enabling you to clean it easily.
Once cleaning is complete, simply close the sashes with both hands to re-engage them securely.
How to Clean Secondary Glazing
Follow these steps to effectively clean your secondary glazing:
- Start by removing the ‘Anti-Crabbing’ guide blocks located on the sides of the glazing insert.
- Once these are removed, you can push the unit to one side and lift it out for cleaning.
- If your secondary glazing slides horizontally rather than vertically, position the sliding section in the centre of the frame. Then, gently lift it upwards before pulling the bottom edge outwards. This should release the unit from the frame, allowing you to clean it thoroughly.
How to Fix a Stiff Window
Over time, windows can become stiff and difficult to open, particularly if they are not used regularly. A common cause of this issue is the accumulation of dirt and dust, which can hinder the smooth operation of the moving parts in the stays (metal support braces) and hinges, making the window hard to manoeuvre.
To address this problem, follow these steps:
- Inspect for Obstructions: Begin by checking for any obvious debris, such as grit or other objects, that may be stuck in the moving parts of the window mechanism.
- Lubricate the Hinges and Stays: Apply a standard light lubricant oil or multipurpose oil to all the moving parts of the window, particularly the hinges and stays. This should help free up the mechanism and restore smooth operation.
By following these simple maintenance steps, you can keep your windows operating smoothly and prolong their lifespan.
Addressing Draughts Around Your Window
In our experience, draughts around windows are typically caused by four main factors: air movement due to convection, damaged seals, debris caught in the seals, and trickle vents. It’s also important to note that promoting air movement within a property is essential to prevent damp and mould, while ensuring a comfortable living environment.
- Convection: This is the natural movement of air around a window, often intensified by temperature differences within your home. For example, windows situated above radiators can cause warm air to rise, drawing in cooler air to replace it. This effect is particularly noticeable in areas like stairwells, where there is significant air movement between floors.
- Damaged Seals: The seals around windows are crucial for maintaining a weather-tight barrier. Over time, these seals can perish or degrade. All Sunshine Home Improvement feature Qlon seals, made from a memory foam material that maintains its shape and offers exceptional performance. We recommend checking that your window seals are intact; if they’ve come loose, simply push them back into place.
- Debris in Seals: Items or debris caught in the window seals can also compromise their effectiveness, or even damage them. Qlon seals can be replaced relatively easily by either a professional glazier or the homeowner.
- Trickle Vents: If your window is fitted with a trickle vent, it’s important to understand that these are designed to promote air circulation rather than provide an airtight seal. Trickle vents are recommended by building regulations to ensure adequate ventilation in a building, helping to mitigate issues like damp. However, during extreme temperature periods, convection can increase the rate of air circulation through these vents.
By addressing these common issues, you can reduce draughts around your windows and maintain a more comfortable indoor environment.
What to Do If Your Window Pane Is Cracked or Shattered
If your window has been cracked due to an accident, the good news is that double glazing units are relatively easy to replace. Sunshine Home Improvement feature an internal beading system, where the glazing is secured by small removable strips on the inside of the window. This design makes replacing the unit a straightforward task.
We recommend enlisting the help of a local glazier to handle this for you.
Fogging, Misting, and Water Between the Panes
If you notice fogging, misting, or water between the panes of your double glazing, this is a clear sign that the seal of the sealed unit has failed. In older windows, the sealant used to maintain the airtight seal can loosen or degrade over time, allowing moisture to enter between the panes. The only effective solution for this issue is to replace the double glazing unit.
We recommend consulting a local glazier to handle the replacement safely.
Doors
Your Essential Door Care Guide
Over time, factors such as pollution, weather, and dust can stain and damage your doors. That’s why regular maintenance is essential to keep them looking their best and to extend their lifespan.
When it comes to door maintenance, here are some general tips we recommend:
- ALWAYS use cleaners specifically designed for the material of your doors.
- DO apply standard lubrication oil to reduce friction in the moving parts.
- DO clean your doors at least twice a year.
- NEVER use glass cleaner on door frames.
- DO NOT use kitchen or bathroom cleaners or abrasive pads on your doors.
Caring for your doors can seem daunting, as it depends on various factors such as the type of material, glass, locks, and hinges.
Troubleshooting a Difficult-to-Operate Lock Cylinder
Over time, locks can become challenging to operate due to issues with the lock itself or changes in the door or frame. The first step is to determine the source of the problem by testing the lock with the door in the open position.
1. The Lock Is Stiff to Operate with the Door in the Open Position
If the lock remains difficult to operate even when the door is open, the issue likely lies within the locking mechanism. This could be caused by:
- Dirt in the Lock Cylinder
- Water Ingress Leading to Corrosion
- Lack of Maintenance
- Weather Conditions (Cold or Hot) Causing Expansion or Contraction of Parts
- Wear and Tear of Lock Components
Steps to Resolve:
- Lock Barrel: If the problem is with the lock barrel, the best solution is to use graphite powder. We recommend avoiding WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil, as these can attract dirt. Graphite powder can be easily sourced online and can be applied by blowing it into the lock cylinder, improving the key’s movement within the lock. A useful tip is to coat the key with graphite from a pencil by rubbing it against the lead.
- Cylinder Fixing Screw: Ensure that the cylinder fixing screw (the screw securing the lock cylinder to the door) is neither too loose nor too tight. If the screw is too loose, the screw head will protrude from the lock mechanism, which can be corrected by tightening the screw. Conversely, if the screw is overtightened, slightly loosen it by half a turn with a Phillips screwdriver.
- Locking Mechanism: Check the running gear and lubricate it with a light engineering oil such as 3-in-1. Inspect the mechanism for any obstructions or jammed parts and tighten any loose components with a Phillips head screwdriver.
2. The Lock Operates Smoothly with the Door in the Open Position
If the lock works fine when the door is open, the problem is likely with the door or frame. Many people are surprised by how much movement can occur in a door, especially with temperature fluctuations. Even small movements can affect how easily the door locks.
Steps to Resolve:
- Check for Obstructions: Examine the door’s surroundings to ensure nothing is preventing it from closing fully. Small items like gravel or stones can stop the door from closing properly, making it difficult to align the locks with the keeps.
- Door Alignment: If there are no obstructions but you notice that the door isn’t sitting squarely in the frame, it may need adjustment.
Addressing Draughts from Your Door
Draughts around doors can be particularly frustrating, as doorways are often prone to creating them. This is especially true in hallways, where air circulation is common, and even small gaps around large apertures can be very noticeable.
There are four main causes of draughts around doors: natural air movement (convection), damaged seals, debris caught in the frame, and trickle vents. It’s also worth noting that while air movement within a property is essential to prevent damp and mould, it’s important to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
1. Convection
Convection refers to the natural movement of air around a door, often resulting from temperature differences within a property. This effect is particularly pronounced in heated hallways, where air movement between floors is common. If your door has a letterbox, it can exacerbate the problem unless a draught excluder is fitted. A full-length curtain hung over the door can be an effective way to reduce issues related to convection.
2. Damaged Seals
Sunshine Home Improvements doors are equipped with two rows of seals—one on the door leaf and one on the frame. To address draughts, inspect the seals for any visible damage, looseness, gaps, or debris that might prevent a proper seal when the door is closed. Sunshine Home Improvements doors use Qlon seals, which are made from memory foam and are designed to retain their shape without perishing. However, these seals can sometimes come loose and may need to be pushed back into place by hand. If a seal is missing, please contact customer services.
3. Incorrect Door Leaf Setup
If the seals are intact and in place, but there are still gaps between the door leaf and frame, it may be necessary to adjust the door’s position.
4. Night/Trickle Vents
Some doors are fitted with trickle vents at the top, designed to promote air circulation rather than provide an airtight seal. These vents are recommended by building regulations to ensure adequate ventilation within a building, helping to prevent issues like damp. However, as with convection, extreme temperatures can increase air circulation through these vents. It’s important to understand that trickle vents are not designed to be completely airtight, even when closed.
Troubleshooting French Doors That Won’t Close Properly
French doors are a popular choice as a secondary entrance to gardens, often receiving less use, particularly during the winter months. However, when spring arrives, issues such as water ingress, material expansion, and lack of maintenance can make these doors difficult to open or close. Problems with French doors usually occur when one door moves slightly, causing it to go out of alignment with the other, leading to both doors becoming challenging to operate. Identifying which door is causing the issue is a crucial first step.
Common Causes of French Door Operation Issues:
1. Temperature Fluctuations:
- Expansion and Contraction: Heat or cold can cause materials to expand or contract. Composite doors are particularly prone to expanding in direct sunlight, while timber doors may naturally shrink or expand over time.
2. Frame or Door Adjustment:
- Misalignment: Slight movements in the frame or door can cause one leaf to move out of alignment with the other, affecting the doors’ ability to close properly.
3. Low Usage:
- Corrosion and Lubrication: French doors that remain closed over winter may experience slight corrosion of moving parts or reduced lubrication due to lack of use.
4. Stiff Lock Mechanism:
- Water Ingress: Low usage or water ingress can cause the lock to become stiff and difficult to operate.
Steps to Isolate and Resolve the Issue:
Contact us for support.
Conservatories
Your Comprehensive Conservatory Care Guide
Over time, factors such as pollution, weather, and dust can stain and damage your conservatory. Regular maintenance is essential to preserve its appearance and extend its lifespan.
When it comes to conservatory maintenance, here are some general tips we recommend:
- ALWAYS use cleaners specifically designed for the material of your conservatory.
- DO apply standard lubrication oil to reduce friction in moving parts.
- DO clean your conservatory at least twice a year.
- NEVER use glass cleaner on the frames.
- DO NOT use kitchen or bathroom cleaners or abrasive pads on your conservatory.
Caring for your conservatory can seem overwhelming, as it depends on various factors, such as the type of material, glass, locks, and hinges. That’s why we’ve compiled a detailed list of tips to make conservatory maintenance as straightforward as possible.
Understanding Condensation on Glazing
Condensation on glazing can appear in three different areas:
- On the outside surface, facing the external environment.
- On the inside surface, facing into your home.
- Between the panes of glass.
Fortunately, not all condensation is a cause for concern. Of these three types, only the third indicates a product fault.
- Condensation on the Outside: This is actually a positive sign and indicates that your glazing is performing well by insulating your home effectively.
- Condensation on the Inside: This typically results from poor ventilation and lower-quality glazing. While it’s a sign that the glazing is not performing optimally, there are several steps you can take to reduce this issue. For health reasons—such as preventing dampness and potential mould growth—we recommend upgrading your glazing if the problem persists.
- Condensation Between the Panes: This is a clear indication that the sealed unit has failed, allowing moisture to enter between the panes. In this case, the glazing unit should be replaced to prevent water marks and reduced visibility.
How to Fix a Stiff Window
Over time, windows can become stiff and difficult to open, especially if they are not used regularly. This often requires some basic maintenance to keep them functioning smoothly. The most common cause is a build-up of dirt and dust, which can hinder the free movement of the stay (the metal support braces that hold the window open) and the hinges, making the window hard to operate.
Steps to Resolve the Issue:
1. Inspect the Moving Parts:
- Start by checking for any obvious debris, such as grit or small objects, that may be stuck in the moving parts of the window mechanism.
2. Lubricate the Hinges and Stays:
- Apply a standard light lubricant oil or multi-purpose oil to all the moving hinges and stays on the window. This should help free up the mechanism and restore smooth operation.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your windows operating smoothly and prevent them from becoming stiff in the future.
How to Tighten a Loose Window Handle
Over time, or with heavy use, window handles can become loose.
We would advise contact customer support on this issue.
Addressing Draughts Around Your Window
In our experience, draughts around windows are typically caused by four main factors: natural air movement (convection), damaged seals, debris caught in the seals, and trickle vents. It’s important to note that while air circulation in a property is essential to prevent damp and mould, it should also ensure a comfortable living environment.
1. Convection
Convection is the normal movement of air around a window, often triggered when cold or warm air circulates through a property. This effect is particularly noticeable in rooms with radiators beneath the windows, where rising warm air pulls in cooler air to replace it. Stairwells are also prone to increased air movement between floors, making draughts more pronounced.
2. Damaged Seals
The seals around windows are crucial for maintaining a weather-tight barrier. However, these seals can perish or degrade over time. All Sunshine Home Improvement windows are fitted with Qlon seals, a memory foam material known for its superior performance and durability. We recommend checking that the seals remain in place; if they have shifted, simply press them back into their housing.
3. Debris in Seals
Debris caught in the window seals or damage to the seals themselves can also lead to draughts. Qlon seals can be easily replaced, either by a specialist glazier or the homeowner.
4. Trickle Vents
If your window is equipped with a trickle vent, it’s important to understand that these are designed to promote air circulation and are not intended to create an airtight seal. Trickle vents are recommended by building regulations to ensure good ventilation in a building. While they help reduce issues such as damp, convection can increase the rate of air circulation through these vents during extreme temperature periods.
By addressing these common issues, you can reduce draughts around your windows and maintain a more comfortable indoor environment.
What to Do If Your Window Pane Is Cracked or Shattered
If your window pane has cracked due to an accident, we can replace the double glazing unit so please contact an advisor.
Fogging, Misting, and Water Between the Panes
If you notice water, fogging, or misting between the panes of your double glazing, this is a sign that the seal within the sealed unit has failed. In older units, the sealant may loosen or degrade over time, depending on the age of the window, allowing moisture to enter between the panes. The only effective solution to this issue is to replace the double glazing unit.
A professional glazier can take care of both sourcing and installing the new unit for you.
Troubleshooting a Difficult-to-Operate Lock Cylinder
Over time, locks can become difficult to use due to either issues with the lock itself or changes in the door or frame. The first step is to determine the source of the problem by testing the lock with the door in the open position.
Option 1: The Lock Is Stiff to Operate with the Door in the Open Position
If the lock remains difficult to operate when the door is open, the issue is likely with the locking mechanism. Several factors can cause this, including:
- Dirt in the Lock Cylinder
- Water Ingress Leading to Corrosion
- Lack of Maintenance
- Temperature Changes (Hot or Cold) Causing Parts to Seize or Expand
- Wear and Tear of Lock Components
Steps to Address the Issue:
- Lock Barrel: If the problem lies with the lock barrel, the best solution is to use graphite powder. We recommend avoiding WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil, as these can attract dirt. Graphite powder can be easily purchased online and blown into the lock cylinder to improve the key’s movement. A handy tip is to coat the key with graphite by rubbing it against a pencil lead.
- Locking Mechanism: Check the running gear and lubricate it with a light engineering oil such as 3-in-1. Inspect the mechanism for any obstructions or jammed parts, and tighten any loose components with a Phillips head screwdriver.
Option 2: The Lock Operates Smoothly with the Door in the Open Position
If the lock works fine when the door is open, the problem likely lies with the door or frame. Many people are surprised by how much movement can occur in a door, especially due to temperature changes. Even small movements can affect how easily the door locks.
Steps to Address the Issue:
- Check for Obstructions: Examine the door’s surroundings to ensure nothing is preventing it from closing fully. Even small items like gravel or stones can stop the door from closing properly, making it difficult to align the locks with the keeps.
- Door Alignment: If there are no obstructions but the door isn’t sitting squarely in the frame, it may need adjustment.
Contact us in this situation.
Addressing Draughts Around Your Door
Draughts around doors can be particularly frustrating. Doorways are often prone to creating draughts due to their location in hallways, which allow for easy air circulation, and as large openings, they can develop small but noticeable gaps.
There are four main causes of draughts around doors: natural air movement (convection), damaged seals, debris caught in the frame, and trickle vents. While promoting air movement in a property is important to prevent damp and mould, it should be balanced with maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
1. Convection
Convection refers to the natural movement of air around a door, often resulting from temperature differences within your home. This is especially common in heated hallways, where there is significant air movement between floors. Letterboxes can exacerbate this problem unless a draught excluder is fitted. Hanging a full-length curtain over the door can be an effective way to reduce convection-related draughts.
2. Damaged Seals
Sunshine Home Improvements doors are fitted with two rows of seals—one on the door leaf and one on the frame. Inspect these seals for any visible damage, loose seals, gaps, or debris that might prevent a proper seal when the door is closed. Sunshine Home Improvements doors use Qlon seals, made from memory foam that retains its shape and resists deterioration. If a seal has come loose, it can usually be pushed back into place by hand. If a seal is missing, please contact customer services, and we can arrange for a replacement to be sent to your home.
3. Incorrect Door Leaf Setup
If the seals are intact but you notice gaps between the door leaf and the frame, it may be necessary to adjust the door’s position.
4. Night/Trickle Vents
Some doors are fitted with trickle vents at the top, designed to promote air circulation rather than provide an airtight seal. These vents are recommended by building regulations to ensure adequate ventilation within a building, helping to prevent issues like damp. However, as with convection, extreme temperatures can increase air circulation through these vents. It’s important to understand that trickle vents are not designed to be completely airtight, even when closed.
By addressing these common issues, you can reduce draughts around your doors and maintain a more comfortable indoor environment.
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