Repairs To Upvc Windows: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
Repairs To Upvc Windows: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
Blog Article
Repairs to uPVC Windows
uPVC is a great option for modern homes. They are long-lasting, durable and easy to maintain. They don't get rotten or rusty like aluminum and timber.
Cleaning and lubricating regularly UPVC windows and doors is vital. This will reduce repair costs as well as increase energy efficiency.
1. Broken Glass
The broken glass in your windows can cause serious damage to your home and even be fatal. It is crucial to take the time to ensure that you're doing everything you can to keep your windows in good condition.
Single-pane windows are fairly simple to replace and typically fit into frames of the past easily. However, if windows with double panes are held in place by internal beading, it'll be more difficult to remove the panes that are in place and replace them with new ones. In this situation, it is necessary to purchase plastic spacers to aid in fitting the new pane into the window frame.
Wearing protective eyewear and thick gloves is essential if you plan to remove the glass by yourself. It is also an excellent idea to lay down a drop cloth before you begin working on the glass to ensure that any fragments of glass fall onto the cloth instead of onto the floor where they can be trampled upon and cause further damage.
It's a good idea to cover the gap with tape after the glass is removed. This will stop drafts and water from entering your property until a professional is able to repair the window. This will also provide a barrier to prevent any intruders from making their way into your home. If the gap between the window and the door is substantial, you may want to use security screens that includes windows. This will give you the best of both.
2. Sagging
Upvc is a long-lasting, energy-efficient and affordable alternative to timber sash window. However, over time, they can suffer from a variety of problems including sagging. A window that is sagging can cause problems with light, draughts, and even security. It is crucial to act when you realize that your uPVC windows are falling down.
To fix a window that is sagging you can try to reposition the hinges. To accomplish this, you'll need to open the window so that you can access the frame. With a screwdriver, you can remove the hinges at the top and bottom and adjust them by turning them clockwise or counter-clockwise. Close your window to test the fit after you've moved your hinges. If you're happy with the fit, you can tighten the screws to ensure they remain in place.
If you are unable to move the hinges, you might need to replace the seal. Over time, rubber seals lose their elasticity and become dry which causes them to loosen. It is crucial to replace your seal as soon as you can to ensure that your uPVC window watertight and draughtproof.
uPVC handles can also loosen up. This is typically caused by screws that have loosened over time, but it could also be due to the mechanism of the handle getting worn out. Luckily, it's not difficult to fix the loose uPVC window handle yourself. First, you'll need to shut the window and do a test fitting. The joint at the corner of the sash must align with the joint on the casing. If it doesn't then you can use a screwdriver to loosen the handle and return the mechanism to its original position.
3. Water Leaks
If you awake to damp floors and mouldy walls every time it rains it is important that you take action. The leaks of water through windows could cause structural damage to your home and also hinder your ability to control the temperature inside your home. The most common cause for leaking uPVC windows is that the sealant around the frame has been damaged or not present.
This is a simple fix that can be done by any DIYer who is competent. Depending on how severe the issue is, old caulking may need to be removed. When it comes to uPVC repair, you should avoid over-caulking. This can make your window harder to clean and decrease its energy efficiency.
It is crucial to make sure that any drainage holes are free of debris and that the sill pan is angled correctly so that it drains away from the window. In more serious cases, you may need to replace the window.
Moldy sills and rotten ones are also signs of water leakage. The is a fungus that thrives in damp conditions and is able to quickly spread throughout the house.
It is also important to keep in mind that if the leakage originates from the glass of your double-glazed windows it may be more likely to be a problem with the glass seal rather than the frame or sliding. This can be easily corrected by a uPVC window specialist who will replace the glass seal and restore the full insulation properties of your windows.
4. Faulty Hinges
If your uPVC windows are brittle to open, or slack and blow open with ease It could be hinges that are at fault. They can be easily replaced by any competent DIYer and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Most households in the UK will have either top hung or side-hung uPVC windows that use hinges and, like all mechanical parts, they are susceptible to wear and tear over time. Changing a window hinge is essentially a very simple procedure, but it is simpler with someone else to assist in holding the frame up.
It is also worth checking that the uPVC hinges are opened and closed in the correct direction. Check for the arrows on each hinge to determine the direction in which the window should be opened.
The issue could be caused either due to opening the window in the wrong way or a faulty installation at the factory. This issue can be fixed by sending us a picture through our website and we will be more than happy to give you advice.
It is also important to lubricate the hinges on a regular window and door repairs basis. Applying an engineering lubricant that is light to the hinges is a good method to accomplish this. We recommend using the lubricant that doesn't contain solvents, like 3-in-1 Multi-Purpose oil. Regular lubrication can allow the window open and close more easily. It can also lower the chance of windows sticking and prevent corrosion. This must be done at a minimum once a year. WD40 and other solvent based oils are not recommended because they will damage parts of your uPVC window.
5. Draughts
Draughts in upvc windows can be caused by a few various factors. The hinges may also become unbalanced due to wear, causing an opening where the sash and frame meet. These can be easily fixed by giving them a good clean, but in the event that they are beyond repair it might be necessary to get them re-aligned or replaced. The interlock may also become disaligned. This happens on the hinge's side and might require to be cleaned. In certain instances it is possible to replace them.
The next most common cause of draughts is the window seals, these are prone to wear or damaged over time, and allow air to escape through these gaps. Installing high-quality weatherstripping can help keep draughts at bay. Another alternative is to replace the upvc window with low-emissivity glass, this will help to regulate indoor temperatures and will lessen the possibility of draughts.
The last way to reduce draughts effectively is by using a Draught-excluder. These are usually fabric tubes filled with a filler which can be placed over your window sill. They will keep your home warm by blocking cold air.
Your windows made of upvc will remain a great source of insulation and security to your home with regular maintenance and repairs. It is important to remember that all windows will eventually wear out and it may be more cost-effective to replace them rather than repair them. If you are experiencing issues with your window made of upvc you should consult a professional as soon as possible.