Repairs To Upvc Windows: 11 Things You're Forgetting To Do

Repairs to uPVC Windows

uPVC is a fantastic choice for modern homes. They are long-lasting, durable and easy to maintain. In contrast to aluminium and timber, they are not susceptible to rust or rot.

It is important to clean and oil UPVC windows and doors on a regular basis. This will prevent unnecessary repair costs and improve the efficiency of energy.

1. Broken Glass

The broken glass in your windows could cause severe 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 easy to replace and generally fit into frames that were previously in use very easily. If you have double-paned windows that are held together by internal beading, it will be difficult to remove and replace the old panes. In this situation, it is necessary to buy plastic spacers to help the new pane fit into the window frame.

If you are going to attempt to remove the window panes by yourself it is important to wear the appropriate safety equipment, including thick gloves and eye protection. It is also an excellent idea to lay down a dropcloth before you start working on the glass to ensure that any shards fall onto the fabric rather than on the floor where they could be trodden under and cause further damage.

It's a good idea to seal the gap after the glass has been removed. This will prevent water and drafts from entering your property until a professional comes out to fix the window. This will also provide an obstruction to prevent criminals from getting into your home. If the gap is particularly large, you may be interested in the security door with an integrated window as it will provide the best of both worlds.

2. Sagging

uPVC is durable energy-efficient, cost-effective and economical alternative to timber sash windows. As time passes, they may be affected by a variety of issues, including sagging. A window that is sagging can cause problems with light, draughts, and even security. It's important to take action as soon as you discover that your uPVC windows are sagging.

Repositioning the hinges can aid in fixing a window that is sagging. To accomplish this, you'll need open the window so that you can access the frame. With a screwdriver, you can take off the hinges at the top and bottom and adjust them by turning them clockwise or anti-clockwise. Close your window replacement near me to check the fit after you've relocated your hinges. If you're happy with the fit, you can tighten the screws to ensure they remain in position.

If you cannot reposition the hinges, you might have to replace the seal. As time passes, rubber seals lose their elasticity and dry out, which causes them to lose tightness. It is essential to replace your seal as soon as you can to keep your uPVC window watertight and draughtproof.

uPVC handles can also loosen up. This is usually due to screws that have loosened over time, but it could be due to the mechanism of the handle wears out. Fortunately, it's easy to repair the handle of a window that is loose yourself. First, you'll need to shut the window and perform an experiment fitting. The corners of the sash must be aligned with the casing joint. If it doesn't then you can use a screwdriver or a wrench to loosen the handle and turn the mechanism back into position.

3. Water Leaks

If you wake up to wet floors and damp walls each time it rains it is important that you take action. The leaks of water from windows do are not just a cause for degradation of your home's structure but also undermine your efforts to control the temperature within your home. The most common cause for leaking uPVC windows is that the sealant around the frame has been damaged or is missing.

This is an easy fix that can be done by any DIYer who is competent. Based on the severity of the problem the caulking that was used up may require removal before a new layer of caulk can be applied. When it comes to uPVC repair, you should be careful not to over-caulk. This will only make your window harder to clean and reduce its energy efficiency.

Make sure that the drainage holes have no debris inside them and ensure that the sill pan is properly angled to allow the water to drain from the window. In more extreme instances, you may need to replace the window.

Moldy sills and rotten ones are another sign of water leakage. The is a fungus that thrives in damp conditions and can quickly spread throughout the house.

It is also important to remember that if the leak originates from the glass of your double glazed windows, it's more likely to be a problem with the glass seal, rather than the frame or sagging. It is also possible to be repaired by a uPVC window specialist who will replace the glass seal and regain the full insulation properties of your windows.

4. Faulty Hinges

Hinges may be to blame when your uPVC window is difficult to open or if it blows open with the breeze. Anyone who is a skilled DIYer can fix the hinges in a matter of minutes.

Almost every household in the UK will have top-hung or side-hung uPVC windows that have hinges and, like all mechanical parts, they can wear down over time. Changing a window hinge is essentially a simple process but it can be simpler with someone else to assist in holding the frame in place.

It is also important to ensure that the uPVC hinges are being opened and closed in the correct direction. Look for the arrows that are on each hinge to determine the direction in which the window should be opened.

Window hinges that aren't working properly can be caused by incorrectly opening the window in a particular way or due to inadequate installation at the factory. This can often be resolved by sending us a picture on our website. We will be pleased to offer you advice.

It is also essential to grease the hinges on a regular basis. Applying a light engineering lubricant to the hinges is a great method to accomplish this. We recommend using the lubricant that doesn't contain solvents, such as 3-in-1 Multi-Purpose oil. Regularly lubrication makes the window easier to open and close. It also helps prevent corrosion and reduce the possibility of sticking. The ideal time to perform this every year. WD40 and other solvent-based lubricants are not recommended as they could damage parts of your uPVC window.

5. Draughts

Draughts in windows made of upvc can be caused by a variety of various factors. The hinges can also become disaligned as a result of wear, causing a gap between the frame and sash. These can be easily fixed by giving them a good clean, but when they're beyond repair, it may be necessary to have them re-aligned or replaced. Second, the interlock can also become misaligned. This is located on the hinge side and might require to be cleaned. In certain instances it is possible to replace these.

The next most common reason for draughts are the window seals. They can become worn down or damaged over time, and will allow air to escape through these gaps. This can be avoided by replacing them with high-quality weatherstripping. Replace the upvc windows with low-emissivity lenses. This will help regulate indoor temperatures, and reduce draughts.

The last way to reduce draughts effectively is by using a Draught-excluder. These are typically fabric tubes filled with a filler, which can be placed over your window sill. They can help stop cold air from entering and keep your home warm and cozy!

Your upvc windows can continue to provide excellent insulation and security in your home with regular maintenance and repairs. However, it is important to recognize that all windows have a life span and they may reach an point at which it is more economical to replace them than fix them. So, if you're experiencing issues with your Upvc windows, it's best to seek professional assistance as soon as possible.