When you don’t maintain your window tilt latches, over time, they start wearing and tearing, getting loose, and cracking due to frequent use. Plus, the tropical weather of Singapore never spares anything, and the window tilt latches are no exception.
This is why you must learn how to replace a window tilt latch in Singapore. If you don’t replace the faulty latches, it could lead to various injuries, stop the window from closing or opening, and cause accidental failure during the cleaning.
Why replace a window tilt latch In Singapore?
Despite being small latches, they’re the most important for the tilt windows. They help them stay placed in one place when you close or open them. When they get faulty, you must replace them for these reasons.
i. Wear and Tear Over Time
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- Due to the frequent use, latches wear and tear over time, and they can also get loose, damaged, and cracked. Then, it’s hard for the sash to stay in one place and can even get broken due to accidental falls.
ii. Hot and Humid Weather
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- Singapore’s hot and humid weather weakens the latches’ plastic and metal parts, making them rusty and brittle. This leads to faster braking.
iii. Window Safety Rules (HDB & BCA Regulations)
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- If you live in an HDB flat and your window latches are damaged, they could be a real safety hazard. If they’re at fault and you don’t replace them, HDB may fine you.
iv. Security Issues
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- If the latches are broken or damaged, they may not hold the sash tightly, and thieves from outside the home can easily push the window down and make their way into your home, putting your valuables and yourself at risk.
v. Preventing Accidents
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- If you’re cleaning windows due to the faulty latches, the windows can suddenly fall inward over you. That could cause serious injuries, especially when you live in high-rise buildings.
vi. Strong Winds and Storms
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- When there are strong winds and storms in Singapore, the latches may not shut the windows entirely. The window can move or even slam open, which could cause damage. If it’s raining, then that could also get your valuables wet.
vii. Avoiding Bigger Repair Costs
- When the latch is ignored and not fixed, it can pressure the rest of the window parts. This could lead to bigger repairs, which will cost a lot.
That’s the importance of replacing window tilt latches in Singapore. How to replace them?
How to replace a Windows tilt Latch in Singapore?
If your Windows tilts latches are damaged, cracked, or loosened, you can quickly fix them by following these steps. Therefore, LS Window Repair Services Singapore comes forth to explain the complete process of replacing window tilt latches in Singapore.
Moreover, their window seal replacement, window repair, and window installation services are the best in Singapore. Here is the step-by-step process for replacing a window tilt latch in Singapore.
Step 1: Get the Right Tools and Replacement Latch
The first step is to get the replacement latch that matches your window and all the required tools with you. You can head over to any local hardware store in Singapore and get the matching new latch from there. As per the tools, you’ll need the flat-head screwdriver, especially if your latch is a snap type. And for the latch with screws, you’ll need a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Step 2: Open and Tilt the Window
Next, open the window and tilt it inwards so that you can access and work on the latches. Just be gentle and careful while tilting, as the latches are faulty and may not be holding the sash so tightly. If the window is quite heavy, get somebody from your family to help you.
Step 3: Remove the Old Tilt Latch
Now check how the old latches are attached to the windows. Are they attached to the screws? If yes, then use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove them. If it’s snap-in type, then carefully use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it off.
Just be gentle throughout the removing process so that you may not damage the window. When the latches are removed, there must be some dirt and debris. Clean those off so that the new latches can easily be installed.
Step 4: Install the New Tilt Latch
Get your new latches and place them in the same position as your old ones. If it has screws, then align its holes and then screw it securely in the window. And if it’s in snap-in-types, press it firmly until it clicks into the place.
Make sure that the latches are perfectly aligned with the window frame so that they can open and close properly without any issues. After installing the new tilt latches, check whether they work fine or need adjustments.
Step 5: Secure Everything and Clean Up
If the latches are perfectly fine, tilting well inwards and outward without any issues, then you’ve done the job. Just check once again if there are any loose screws so you can tighten them. Also, wipe down the window frame to clean off any sort of debris or dirt. That will make your windows look like new and work perfectly fine. That’s how to replace window tilt latches in Singapore with ease.
Final Words:
How to replace a window tilt latch in Singapore? Firstly choose the correct replacement latches and get the Phillips-head-screwdrivers for the screwed latches and flat-head screwdrivers for the snap-in-type ones. Then, open the window and access the tilt latches, remove them with the screwdriver gently, and install the new latches by securing them with the screws or snapping them into the frame until they click. Lastly, tighten any loose screws, check if the windows are working fine, and then clean up the window frame.
