For Your FREE
No Obligation Quotation

01502  580231
07920  495373
Installation & Repair Specialists
®
TOTAL WINDOW SOLUTIONS
Make your home warmer & safer
Connect with us

Windows & Doors

Conservatories & Porches

Fascia & Soffit, Guttering & Cladding

Repairs, Servicing & Maintenance

Locksmith Services

Lock-Out’s & Insurance Upgrades

Out of Hours Call-Out
We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and
queries to help you identify your problem or fault and guide you towards
a solution.  
These answers are set down as a general guideline and may not refer to every scenario.
For a more accurate diagnosis to your individual problem call us and we will be happy to advise.

Common Questions/Problems
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§

Windows
§
§
§
§
§
§

Doors
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
My Windows / Doors are Draughty
There could be a number of different reasons for this. You could have split or worn seals, faulty hinges or split silicone possibly. A simple inspection should identify the problem for you.
My Windows / Doors are difficult to operate
This is usually caused by misalignment of the lock which is commonly caused by expansion & contraction. This fault is generally easily rectified. However, if you are experiencing problems with your locks so you have to force the handle to lock them then it is advised that you have this checked as prolonged misalignment often results in damage to the mechanism and a replacement lock will be inevitable so early detection could save you money.
My Windows / Doors are not locking
This could be for similar reasons to above. However with doors it could be caused by a worn or faulty barrel. This can be verified upon inspection.
My glass has misted up between the panes
This is caused because the seal around the edge of the glass has failed and air has entered the cavity which is reacting to temperature change. The only remedy for this is to replace the glass sealed unit in your existing frames.
I have some gaskets that have shrunk
Most gaskets shrink because they are over stretched during installation and have shrunk back over time,  most types are readily available.
I have a leak but I’m not sure where it’s coming in
Leaks can sometimes be the hardest thing to trace,  the general rule is “if there is a hole then water will find it”.  These types of problem are usually remedied through an elimination process basis and can sometimes take a while to rectify.
Can I change obscure glass to clear & vice-versa?
YES.   In virtually every instance you can change your glass to something more desirable.
Can I fix net curtains or blinds into the frame?
In most instances screws or hooks can be fixed into the frames for net curtains etc. With PVCu frames it is advisable to seek advice about where to locate the fixings and what types to use. We can advise you on this,  supply you with the screws or even do the job for you.
I have a problem with Condensation,  What can I do?
Condensation is the water which results from the conversion of water vapour into the atmosphere. The air which surrounds us in our homes always contains water vapour, which is usually invisible. A typical example is the steam cloud from a kettle, which  rapidly becomes invisible - it has in fact been absorbed into the atmosphere.The warmer the air, the more water vapour it can hold - but there is a limit to the amount it can hold for a given temperature. When that limit is reached the air is then said to be “Saturated”. When saturated air comes into contact with a surface which is at a lower temperature than itself, the air is chilled at the point of contact and sheds its excess water vapour onto that surface-initially in the form of a mist and, if excessive, eventually in the form of droplets of moisture.
The level of condensation can be reduced in many ways but first you need to identify the source(s) of the cause. TWS can provide you with a leaflet, “Condensation - What you should know”  which explains the causes of condensation within the home and points out some possible solutions.  Click here to request a copy.
Can I upgrade my locks to insurance specification?
In most cases your existing locks can be upgraded to satisfy insurance company requirements. Usually they are satisfied with a BS3621 deadlock or sashlock. However, it is worth checking to see if they are specifying a particular make or type and we will endeavour to fulfil their request. In usual cases insurance companies will specify “5 lever curtained mortise locks” for timber doors and a “multi-point hook & deadbolt lock c/w an Anti-Pick Cylinder” for PVCu.  Usually these locks can be fitted to replace your existing locks but we can advise you further after inspection.
The handle came off in my hand
Don’t Panic,  This sometimes happens when handles have worn but is easily rectified with a replacement.
My window is locked shut
There could be a number of reasons why this is happening,  a simple inspection will allow us to pin point the problem
I have no keys for my handles
Most keys are still available for most types of handle dependant on the style and age of handle you have.
I’m having a new sofa delivered but it won’t fit through the door!
In a lot of cases we would be able to remove a pane of glass from one of your windows to allow access for your sofa or in extreme cases the whole window can be removed. You will need to be advised about the options upon inspection.
I need to make provision for a fire escape
Whether you are looking for a means of fire escape for your own peace of mind or to satisfy local building control we can cater for this.
Can my child’s bedroom window have a restricted opening for safety?
In most cases your existing windows can be adapted to cater for restricted opening. This is dependant on the type of window you have but we can usually achieve this adequately.
Can I change my solid panels for glass & vice versa?
YES.   In virtually every instance you can change your glass/panels to something more desirable.
Can I have a cat flap fitted / removed?
YES.   In virtually every instance you can have a cat flap fitted or removed from your existing door.
Can I have a door chain or spy hole?
Dependant on the type of door that you have and how much room there is around the frame a security chain or spy hole can be fitted but this can be confirmed with a simple inspection.
I want to have new keys for my doors
This is quite a simple operation in most cases depending on what type of locks you have usually just the cylinder (key hole) part needs to be replaced and not the whole lock making it a less expensive exercise.
Can all of my doors operate from the same key?
In most cases depending on what type of locking system you have,  the cylinder (key hole) part just needs to be replaced on all of the doors that require the same key.
I have snapped off the key in my lock
Sometimes the part that is trapped in the lock can be extracted successfully depending on the cylinder type and the lock will operate normally again with another key.  If it is the only key you have then we will need to change the tumbler or cylinder and you will have new keys.
My door handle is floppy
This is usually caused by a worn spring in the lock case.  It can also be a sign that the spring may at any point break and the broken parts of the spring can jam the lock mechanism rendering it suddenly unusable, It is your decision whether or not to replace the lock at this stage before it happens or not.  Depending on the type of lock you have we can put spring retainers behind the handle to support the handle, take the pressure off the internal spring and help to lift the handle fully.
The postman has broken my letterbox
Most letter boxes are still readily available which we can swap over for you plus the post office do compensate you towards a replacement upon presentation of a receipt. We can advise you further after inspection.
My Patio Doors don’t slide very well
This could be something or nothing, from dirt, pet hair etc built up around the rollers which a service will remedy or the rollers could be worn, split or the track could be damaged. We can advise you further after inspection of the doors.
I have a Tilt & Slide Patio Door that just will not co-operate
This type of door is so sensitive and can easily be knocked out of alignment,  usually with a bit of TLC and fine tuning they can be rectified which will keep them going for a bit longer but generally they are not considered a reliable door.
The wind has blown my door & damaged it
The extent of the damage will become apparent after inspection but in many cases the doors can be repaired satisfactorily.

We can advise on any problem more accurately after inspection, Contact us to arrange an appointment