10 Things We Love About Repairs To Upvc Windows
10 Things We Love About Repairs To Upvc Windows
Blog Article
Repairs to uPVC Windows
uPVC windows are an excellent choice for modern homes. They are easy to maintain and are durable and long-lasting. They are not susceptible to decay or rust as aluminum or timber.
Cleaning and lubricating regularly UPVC windows and doors is vital. This will help avoid unnecessary repair costs as well as improve the efficiency of energy.
1. Broken Glass
The broken glass in your windows could cause significant damage to your home and may even be fatal. It is important to ensure that your windows are in good working order.
Single-pane windows are relatively simple to replace, and they generally fit into old frames very easily. However If you have double pane windows that are anchored by internal beading, it will be more difficult to remove the panes that are in place and replace them with new ones. In this situation you'll need to find some plastic spacers to help the new pane to fit correctly into the frame of the window.
If you plan to attempt to remove the window panes by yourself it is crucial to wear the proper safety gear that includes gloves with a thick layer of material and protective eyewear. It is also a good idea to lay down a dropcloth before you begin working on the glass to ensure that any shards will fall on the fabric rather than on the floor where they could be trampled upon and cause further damage.
After the glass has been removed, it's a good idea to seal the gap with packaging tape or duct tape to prevent water and drafts from entering the property until a professional comes out and repair the window. This also serves as 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 an alarm system that has windows. This will provide the best of both.
2. Sagging
uPVC windows and doors are an affordable energy-efficient, durable and long-lasting alternative to timber windows with sash. In time, they could develop a number of problems, including sliding. A sagging uPVC window could cause issues with light, draughts, and even security. If you notice that your uPVC window is beginning to sag it is important to act swiftly to stop the issue from becoming worse.
To fix a sagging window you can try repositioning the hinges. To do this, you'll have to open the window to access the frame. After that, using a screwdriver, you can take off 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 satisfied with the fit, you can tighten the screws to ensure they stay in the right place.
If you are unable to move the hinges, you could need to replace the seal. Rubber seals can dry out and lose their elasticity with time, leading them to loosen. If this happens, it's essential to replace the seal as fast as possible so that your uPVC windows are waterproof and secure from draughts.
uPVC handles could also become loose. This is often caused by screws that have loosened over time, but it could also be caused by the handle mechanism wearing out. Luckily, it's not difficult to fix the loose uPVC window handle yourself. First, you'll need to close the window and do an initial fitting. The joint at the corner of the sash must align with the joint on the casing. If it doesn't, you can use the screwdriver to loosen up the handle. Then turn the mechanism back into place.
3. Water Leaks
If you're waking up to wet floors and mouldy walls each time it rains it's important to take action. Water leaks through windows can cause structural damage to your home and also impact your ability to regulate the temperature in your home. Most often, uPVC window leaks are caused by a lack or damage to the sealant.
This is an easy fix that can be done by anyone who is a DIYer with the skills. Depending on the severity of the problem the old caulking might need to be removed before a new layer can be applied. When it is time to uPVC repair, you must avoid 'over-caulking'. This will only make your window harder to clean and reduce its energy efficiency.
Make sure that the drainage holes have no debris in them, and also that the sill pan is properly angled to drain away from the window. In more extreme instances, you may need to replace the window.
Mold spots and rotted sills are another sign of water leakage. The mold thrives in damp environments and can quickly spread throughout the house.
If the leakage occurs between the double-glazed window, it is more likely the problem is with the seal than the frame. Again this can easily be fixed by an uPVC window specialist who can replace the glass seal here and regain the full insulation properties of your windows.
4. Faulty Hinges
If your uPVC windows are difficult to open, or slack and blow open with a breeze it could be the hinges that are at fault. These are easily replaced by any competent DIYer and can usually be done within a few minutes.
Nearly every home in the UK will have top-hung or side-hung uPVC windows that have hinges and, just like any mechanical component they will wear out over time. It's easy to change a window hinge but it's much simpler if you have someone to help hold the frame.
Check that the uPVC hinges open and close in the correct direction. You can check this by checking for the arrows on each hinge. This indicates the direction in which the window should be opened.
Faulty window hinges could be the result of incorrectly opening the window a certain way or by poor installation at the factory. Sending us photos through our website can often resolve the problem. We are happy to offer suggestions.
Regular lubrication of the hinges is essential. Applying an engineering lubricant that is light to the hinges is a great way to do this. We recommend using the lubricant that doesn't contain solvents, like 3-in-1 Multi-Purpose oil. Regularly lubrication will help the window to operate and close more smoothly. It can also lower the chance of windows getting stuck and stop corrosion. Ideally, you should do this once a year. WD40 and other solvent-based lubricants are not recommended as they could damage your uPVC windows.
5. Draughts
Draughts can be caused by several different causes. The hinges can also be disaligned as a result of wear, causing a gap where the sash and frame meet. If they are beyond repair, it might be required to realign them. In addition, the interlock could also become disaligned. This happens on the hinge side and might require to be cleaned. In some cases it might be necessary to replace these.
The second most frequent cause of draughts is the window seals. These are susceptible to being worn out or damaged over time, and will allow air to escape through the gaps. Replacement of these with high-quality weatherstripping will help to keep draughts at bay. Another option is to replace the window with low-emissivity glass. this will help in regulating indoor temperatures and will reduce the possibility of draughts.
The last way to reduce draughts effectively is by using a Draught-exclusion device. These are typically fabric tubes filled with a filler which can be placed over your window sill. They will help keep cold air out and keep your home warm and cozy!
With a little regular maintenance and repairs windows made of upvc will continue to provide an excellent level of insulation and security for your home. However, it is important to recognise that all windows have a life span and there may come the point when it's more economical to replace them than repair them. If you encounter any issues with your window made of upvc, it's best to consult an expert immediately.