20 Things You Need To Know About Repairs To Upvc Windows

Repairs to uPVC Windows

uPVC is a great choice for modern homes. They are easy to maintain and durable, as well as long-lasting. As opposed to aluminium and timber they are not susceptible to corrosion or rot.

Cleaning and lubricating regularly UPVC windows and doors is essential. This will prevent unnecessary repair costs and increase energy efficiency.

1. Broken Glass

If the glass in your window has been damaged, it could cause a large deal of damage to your home, making it very dangerous and potentially fatal. It is essential to take the time to make sure that you're doing all you can to keep your windows in good repair.

For single pane windows it is fairly easy to replace them, and the replacement will generally fit within the frame that was previously installed easily. However If you have double pane windows that are secured by internal beading it will be more difficult to get rid of the panes that are in place and replace them with new ones. In this case you'll need to source some plastic spacers that help the new pane to fit properly into the frame of the window.

Wearing protective eyewear and thick gloves is a must if you plan to remove the glass by yourself. You should also lay down a dropcloth before you begin working on the window panes to ensure that any shards of glass fall onto the fabric and not on the floor and could be trampled under.

After the glass has been removed from the window, it's best to seal the gap with some clear packaging tape or duct tape to prevent drafts and water from entering the property until a professional can come out and repair the window. This will also act as a barrier that will prevent any intruders from getting access into your home. If the gap is particularly large, you might be interested in an alarm door that comes with an integrated window as it offers the best of both worlds.

2. Sagging

uPVC windows and doors are an affordable energy efficient, durable and long-lasting alternative to timber windows made of sash. Over time, they can be affected by a variety of issues that include sliding. A sagging window in upvc window repairs near me could cause issues with light, draughts and even security. It's important to take action when you realize that your uPVC windows are sagging.

Repositioning the hinges can help fix a window that is sliding. To do this, you'll need to open the window so that you can access the frame. With a screwdriver, you can remove the top and bottom hinges and adjust them by turning them clockwise or anti-clockwise. After you've repositioned the hinges, close the window and test it for fitting. If you're satisfied with the fit of your window, you can tighten screws to hold them in place.

If you are unable to reposition the hinges, you may require replacing the seal. Seals made of rubber can dry out and lose their elasticity with time, leading them to lose their tightness. It is crucial to replace your seal as soon as you can in order to keep your uPVC window watertight and draughtproof.

uPVC handles could also become loose. The majority of the time this is due to screws that have become loose over time. However, it could also happen because the handle mechanism has been worn out. It's relatively easy to fix a loose uPVC handle. First, you'll need to close the window and then perform an experiment to ensure that it fits. The joints at the corners of the sash should be aligned with the joint on the casing. If it does not you can use a screwdriver to loosen the handle. Then, you can turn the mechanism into position.

3. Water Leaks

If you awake to damp floors and mouldy walls each time it rains, it is important that you take action. Water leaks through windows can cause structural damage to your home and also hinder your ability to control the temperature in your home. Most of the time, uPVC window leaks are caused by a lack or damage to the sealant.

This is a fairly simple fix that can be completed by any DIY expert. Depending on the severity of the issue the caulking that was used up might need to be removed before a new layer of caulk can be applied. It is important to remember that when it comes to uPVC window repairs, you should avoid the temptation to "over-caulk in order to make the area harder to clean and could reduce your energy efficiency.

Make sure that the drainage holes have no debris inside them and ensure that the sill pan has been angled correctly to drain away from the window. In more serious instances, you may need to think about replacing the window.

Mold spots and rotten sills are also signs of water leakage. This fungus thrives in conditions of dampness and can spread quickly throughout the house.

If the leakage occurs between the double-glazed window, it is more likely that the issue is with the seal rather than the frame. A uPVC specialist can fix this issue by replacing the glass seal. This will ensure the complete insulation of your windows.

4. Faulty Hinges

If your uPVC windows are brittle to open, or loose and blow open in a breeze it could be hinges that are at the fault. Anyone with the skills to fix them can replace hinges in just a few 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. The process of replacing a hinge on a window is essentially a simple procedure, but it is simpler with someone else to help hold the frame up.

Make sure that the uPVC hinges are closed and open in the right direction. Check for the arrows on each hinge to determine which way the window should be opened.

Window hinges that aren't working properly could be caused by improperly opening the window in a certain way or due to poor installation at the factory. This can often be resolved by sending us a photo on our website. We will be more than happy to give you advice.

It is also important to grease the hinges on a regular basis. Applying a light engineering lubricant on the hinges is an ideal way to do this. We recommend using the lubricant that doesn't contain solvents, like 3-in-1 Multi-Purpose oil. Regular lubrication can allow the window to open and close more easily. It can also stop corrosion and decrease the chance of sticking. It is recommended to perform this every year. WD40 and other solvent based lubricants are not recommended as they will damage parts of your uPVC window.

5. Draughts

Draughts can be caused by different causes. The hinges may also become unbalanced due to wear, which can cause an opening where the sash meets frame. If they are beyond repair, it may be necessary to get them re-aligned. Secondly the interlock, this is located on the hinge side of the window, may be misaligned. Again, it is feasible to give them a good clean, but in some cases it might be necessary to have them replaced.

The next common cause of draughts is the window seals. These are susceptible to being worn out or damaged over time, and allow air to escape through the gaps. This can be prevented by replacing them with high-quality weatherstripping. Replace the upvc windows with low-emissivity glass. This will help control indoor temperatures, and reduce the possibility of draughts.

Another method of reducing the amount of draughts is to use a Draught-exclusion device. These are usually fabric tubes filled with a filler which can be hung over your window repair near me sill. These will keep your home warm by blocking out cold air.

Your windows made of upvc will continue to provide excellent insulation and security to your home by performing regular maintenance and repairs. However, it is important to realize that windows last for a certain period of time and there may come an point at which it is more economical to replace them than fix them. If you are experiencing issues with your Upvc window, it's best to consult an expert as soon as possible.