15 Gifts For The Repairs To Upvc Windows Lover In Your Life
Repairs to uPVC Windows
uPVC is a fantastic choice for modern homes. They are long-lasting, durable and easy to maintain. As opposed to aluminium and timber they are not susceptible to get rusty or decay.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating UPVC windows and doors is vital. This will prevent unnecessary repair costs and improve energy efficiency.
1. Broken Glass
The broken glass in your windows could cause severe damage to your home and may even be fatal. It is essential to ensure that your windows are in good shape.
For single pane windows it is fairly easy to replace them, and the new window 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 is more difficult to remove and replace the old panes. In this instance it is essential to buy plastic spacers to help the new pane fit into the window frame.
Wearing eye protection and thick gloves is a must if you plan to remove the glass by yourself. You should also lay down a dropcloth prior to you begin working on the window panes so that any shards fall onto the fabric and not onto the floor which could cause them to be trampled under.
Once the glass has been removed from the window, it's best to seal the gap with clear packaging tape or duct tape to stop water and drafts from entering the home until a professional comes out and repair the window. This will also act as a barrier, deterring any intruders from gaining entry to your home. If the distance between the window and the door is substantial, you may want to use a security screen that also includes an opening. This will give you the best of both.
2. Sagging
uPVC windows and doors are a low-cost, durable and energy-efficient alternative to timber sash windows. As time passes, they may be affected by a variety of issues such as sagging. A sagging uPVC windows could cause issues with light, draughts, and even security. It's crucial to act when you realize that your uPVC windows are falling down.
To fix a window that is sagging you can try repositioning the hinges. To do this, you'll have to open the window to access the frame. Then, you can remove the hinges at the top and bottom with a screwdriver and adjust them clockwise or counter-clockwise. Close your window to test the fit after you've relocated your hinges. If you're satisfied with the fit, tighten the screws until they stay in position.
If you are unable to move the hinges, you might need to replace the seal. Rubber seals may dry out and lose their elasticity with time, causing them to loose their elasticity. It is essential to replace your seal as quickly as you can to ensure that your uPVC window waterproof and draughtproof.
uPVC handles may also become loose. Often this is due to screws that have come loose over time. However, it could also happen because the handle mechanism has worn out. It's relatively simple to fix a loose uPVC hand. First, you'll need to close the window and do a test fitting. The joint at the corners of the sash should be aligned with the joint on the casing. If it isn't then you can make use of a screwdriver to loosen the handle and reverse the mechanism back into the position it was in.
3. Water Leaks
If you awake to wet floors and mouldy walls each time it rains it is important that you take action. The leaks of water through windows could cause structural damage to your home and impact your ability to regulate the temperature inside your home. The most common cause for leaking uPVC windows is that the sealant surrounding the frame is damaged or missing.
It is a fairly easy fix that can be done by any skilled DIYer. Depending on how serious the issue is, old caulking might need to be removed. When it is time to uPVC repair, you should avoid over-caulking. This can make your window more difficult to clean and decrease its energy efficiency.
Make sure that the drainage holes are free of debris in them, and also ensure that the sill pan has been angled correctly to drain away from the window. In more serious situations, you may have to replace the window.
Other indicators of water leakage are decayed sills and the appearance of black spots of mold on the walls near the window. This fungus thrives under conditions of dampness and can spread quickly throughout the home.
If the leakage occurs between the double-glazed glass, it is more likely the issue is with the seal rather than the frame. A uPVC specialist can easily fix this problem by replacing the glass seal. This will ensure the complete insulation of your windows.
4. Faulty Hinges
Hinges may be to blame for the reason that your uPVC window is difficult to open or if it blows open with a breeze. Any competent DIYer can replace the hinges in a matter of minutes.
Almost every household in the UK will have either top hung or side hung uPVC windows that use hinges and, just like any mechanical component they will wear out over time. It's easy to change the hinges on a window, but it's simpler if you have someone to help hold the frame.
It is also worth checking that the uPVC hinges are opening and closed in the correct direction. You can check this by looking for the arrow on each hinge. This indicates the direction in which the window should be opened.
The issue could be caused by opening the window incorrectly or a faulty installation in the factory. It is usually possible to fix the issue by sending us a picture on our website. We will be more than happy to give you advice.
Regularly lubricating the hinges is essential. This can be done by applying an oil that is light in nature to the hinges. We suggest using a solvent-free lubricant, such as 3-in-one Multi-Purpose Oil. Regularly lubrication makes the window easier to open and close. It also decreases the risk of a window sticking and prevent corrosion. The ideal time to perform this every year. WD40 and other solvent-based lubricants should not be used as they can damage your uPVC windows.
5. Draughts
Draughts can be caused by a variety of different things. The hinges, also due to wear and tear could become misaligned. This will cause a gap to form where the sash joins the frame. This can be easily repaired by giving them a good clean, but if they are beyond repair it might be necessary to get them re-aligned or replaced. Secondly the interlock, this is located on the hinge of the window, may also be misaligned, and again it's feasible to give them a good clean, but in certain cases, it may be necessary to have these replaced.
The seals may wear out or get damaged over time, allowing air escape. This can be avoided by replacing them with high-quality weatherstripping. Another option is to replace the upvc window with glass that is low-emissivity, this will help to regulate indoor temperatures, and also lessen the possibility of draughts.
Another method of reducing draughts effectively is by using a Draught-exclusion device. window repairs are usually made of fabric tubes filled with a filler, which can be put on top of your window sill. They will help keep cold air out and keep your home warm and cozy!
Your upvc windows can 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 get worn out and it is more cost-effective to simply replace them instead of fixing them. If you are having issues with your upvc windows, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional as soon as you can.