10 Sites To Help You Learn To Be An Expert In Repairs To Upvc Windows
10 Sites To Help You Learn To Be An Expert In Repairs To Upvc Windows
Blog Article
Repairs to uPVC Windows
uPVC windows are a great option for modern homes. They are durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. Unlike timber and aluminium, they don't rust or rot.
It is important to clean and oil UPVC windows and doors regularly. This will reduce costly repairs and improve energy efficiency.
1. Broken Glass
If the glass in your window is damaged, it can cause a great amount of damage to your home, making it extremely dangerous and possibly fatal. It is crucial to take the time to ensure that you're doing everything you can to ensure that your windows are in good repair.
For single pane windows it can be relatively simple to replace them, and the replacement is usually able to fit into the frame that was previously installed easily. If you have double-paned windows which are joined by internal beading, it will be difficult to remove and replace the old panes. In this situation you'll need source some plastic spacers to aid the new pane in being able to fit properly into the window frame.
If you're planning to try to remove the window panes 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 recommended to lay down a drop cloth before you start working on the glass so that any fragments of glass fall on the fabric instead of onto the floor, where they could be trampled on and cause further damage.
After the glass has been removed, it's a good idea to seal the gap with clear packaging tape or duct tape to block drafts and water from entering the property until a professional is able to come out and repair the window. This also serves as an obstruction to prevent criminals from getting into your home. If the gap between the window and the door is substantial, you may need to consider an alarm system that has an opening. This will provide the best of both.
2. Sagging
uPVC is durable and energy efficient alternative to timber sash windows. As time passes, they may be affected by a variety of issues that include sagging. A sagging uPVC windows could cause issues with light, draughts, and even security. If you find that your uPVC window is beginning to sag it's important to act quickly to stop the issue from becoming worse.
To fix a window that is sagging you can try to reposition the hinges. To do this, you'll need to open the window to access the frame. Then, remove both the hinges at the top and bottom with a screwdriver and adjust them clockwise or counter-clockwise. Once you've repositioned the hinges, close your window and test it for fitting. If you're satisfied with the fit, tighten the screws until they stay in the right place.
If you can't reposition the hinges, you might require replacing the seal. Rubber seals may dry out and lose their elasticity over time, which causes them to loosen. If this happens, it's essential to replace the seal as quickly as possible so that your uPVC windows are watertight and safe from drafts.
uPVC handles can also become loose. Often this is due to screws that have become loose over time. However, it can be due to the fact that the handle mechanism has worn out. Fortunately, it's easy to fix the loose uPVC window handle yourself. First, you'll need to close the window and perform an experiment to ensure that it fits. The corners of the sash must be aligned with the casing joint. If it doesn't, you can make use of a screwdriver to loosen the handle and return the mechanism to its original the position it was in.
3. Water Leaks
It is important to act if you get up each morning to discover mouldy walls and wet floors. The leaks of water from windows do not only lead to the degrading of the structure of your home but also hamper your efforts to regulate the temperature within your home. The most common reason for leaking uPVC windows is that the sealant surrounding the frame has been damaged or is missing.
This is an easy fix that can be accomplished by any DIYer who is competent. Depending on how severe the issue is, the old caulking may have to be removed. When it is time to uPVC repair, you should be careful not to over-caulk. This will make your window harder to clean and lower its energy efficiency.
It is crucial to make sure that the drainage holes are free of debris and that the sill pan is angled correctly so that it drains away from the window. In more severe instances, you may need to upvc window repairs near me replace the window.
Moldy sills and rotten ones are other signs of water leakage. This fungus thrives under damp conditions and can spread quickly throughout the home.
It is also important to keep in mind that if the leakage is coming from between the glass of your double-glazed windows it may be more likely to be an issue with the glass seal rather than the frame or sliding. A uPVC specialist can easily 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 stiff to open, or loose and blow open with a breeze it could be hinges at the fault. These are easily repaired by any DIYer who is skilled and are usually completed in a matter of minutes.
Almost every household in the UK will have top-hung or side hung uPVC windows that use hinges and, just like any mechanical component they can wear down over time. It is very easy to replace a hinge on a window, but it's easier if someone helps you to hold the frame.
Make sure that the uPVC hinges are open and closed in the right direction. You can check this by looking for the arrows on each hinge, this indicates which way the window should open.
The problem with the hinges on windows could be the result of incorrectly opening the window in a particular manner or because of poor installation at the factory. Sending us photos via our website will often solve the issue. We are happy to provide suggestions.
It is also essential to grease the hinges regularly. This can be accomplished by applying a light engineering oil to the hinges. We recommend using a solvent-free lubricant, such as 3-in-one Multi-Purpose Oil. Regular lubrication can allow the window open and close more easily. It can also reduce the risk of a window sticking and help prevent corrosion. This is recommended to be done at least every year. WD40 or other solvent-based oils should not be used since they could damage your uPVC windows.
5. Draughts
Draughts can be caused by several different causes. Firstly the hinges, again because of wear and tear, can become misaligned, this causes an opening to appear where the sash meets the frame. They can be fixed by giving them a good clean, but if they are beyond repair it may be necessary to get them realigned or replaced. The interlock may be unbalanced. It is located on the hinge side and could require to be cleaned. In certain instances, it may be necessary to replace these.
The next common reason for draughts is window seals. They are prone to wear or damaged over time, and allow air to escape through these gaps. This can be avoided by replacing them with high-quality weatherstripping. Replace the windows made of upvc with low-emissivity lenses. This will help control indoor temperatures, and 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 that can be placed over your window sill. They will keep your home warm by blocking cold air.
With a little maintenance and repairs your windows made of upvc will continue to provide excellent security and insulation for your home. However, it is important to recognise that windows last for a certain period of time and there may come the point when it's more economical to replace them than fix them. So, if you're experiencing problems with your upvc windows, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional as soon as you can.