A customer in Richmond got in touch because one of the uPVC windows would not open. The handle still moved freely, but the window itself stayed firmly shut.
From that description, there were two likely possibilities: either the handle had failed internally or there was a problem with the locking mechanism. I quoted for both possibilities before attending so the customer knew the likely range of outcomes.
Once on site, the diagnosis became clearer. Moving the handle released one side of the window but not the other, which ruled out the handle as the main fault.
After some careful manipulation of the mechanism, I managed to get the window open without damaging it. The end section of the locking mechanism was no longer engaging properly with the rest of the system. The teeth themselves were still in good condition, but one of the fixings was no longer doing its job.
I replaced the failed part and tested the window again. The mechanism was working normally, the window could open and lock properly, and the repair ended up costing less than either of the original possibilities I had quoted over the phone.
