Repairs to uPVC Windows

uPVC windows are an excellent choice for modern homes. They are long-lasting, durable and easy to maintain. As opposed to aluminium and timber they are not susceptible to corrosion or rot.

Cleaning and lubricating regularly UPVC windows and doors is vital. This will prevent unnecessary repair costs as well as improve energy efficiency.

1. Broken Glass

If the glass in your window has been damaged, it can cause a great amount of damage to your home, which can make it very hazardous and possibly fatal. You should take the time to make sure that your windows are in good condition.

For single pane windows, it can be relatively simple to replace them, and the new window will usually fit inside the frame of the previous one easily. If you have double-paned windows that are joined by internal beading, it is harder to remove and replace the old panes. In this case, it is necessary to purchase plastic spacers to make sure that the new pane fits into the window frame.

If you're planning 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 recommended to lay down a drop cloth before you begin working on the window panes, so that any shards of glass fall onto the fabric, not onto the floor which could cause them to be trampled.

Once the glass is removed, it's a good idea to cover the gap with packaging tape or duct tape to prevent water and drafts from getting into the property until a professional comes out and fix the window. This will also provide an obstruction to prevent criminals from getting into your home. If the gap is large, you might be interested in an alarm door that comes 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 develop a number of problems, including sagging. A sagging uPVC window can cause issues with light, draughts and even security. It is crucial to act when you notice your uPVC windows are falling down.

To repair a window that is sagging, you can try to reposition the hinges. First, you'll need to unblock the windows so you can access the frame. With an screwdriver, take off the top and bottom hinges and adjust them by turning them clockwise or counter-clockwise. Close your window to check the fit after having moved your hinges. If you are happy with the fit of the window, tighten the screws to secure them in the right position.

If you are unable to move the hinges, you may need to replace the seal. Rubber seals may dry out and lose their elasticity over time, causing them to loose their elasticity. If this happens, it's essential to replace the seal as quickly as you can to ensure that your uPVC windows are watertight and draught-proof.

uPVC handles may also loosen. The majority of the time it is due to screws that have come loose over time. However, it could occur because the handle mechanism has been worn out. Luckily, it's not difficult to repair a loose uPVC window handle yourself. The first step is to close the window and perform an experiment to ensure that it fits. The corners of the sash should align with the casing joint. If it doesn't, you can make use of a screwdriver to loosen the handle, and then reverse the mechanism back into position.

3. Water Leaks

It is important to act if you awake each day to find a smoky wall and wet floors. Water leaks from windows are not just a cause for degrading of the structure of your home but also undermine your efforts to regulate the temperature in your home. Most often, uPVC window leaks are caused by damaged or missing sealant.

It is a fairly easy fix and should be undertaken by any DIY expert. Depending on the severity of the problem is, the old caulking may have to be removed. When it comes 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 have no debris in them and that the sill pan is properly angled to allow the water to drain from the window. In more serious situations, you might need to consider replacing the window.

Other indicators of water leakage are sills that are rotten and the appearance of black spots of mold on the wall near the window. This fungus thrives in conditions of dampness and can spread quickly throughout the home.

If the leakage occurs between the double-glazed Window Repairs (www.Saju1004.net), it is more likely the problem is with the seal rather than the frame. It is also possible to be fixed by an uPVC window expert who can replace the glass seal and restore the full insulation properties of your windows.

4. Faulty Hinges

If your uPVC windows are difficult to open, or slack and blow open in a breeze It could be the hinges that are at fault. They can be easily repaired by any skilled DIYer and are usually done within a few minutes.

Almost every household in the UK will have either top hung or side hung uPVC windows that have hinges and, like all mechanical parts, they can wear down over time. It's easy to replace a hinge on a window however it is easier if someone else helps hold the frame.

Check that the uPVC hinges open and close in the right direction. You can do this by looking for the arrow on each hinge. This shows which way the window should open.

The issue could be caused either by opening the window incorrectly or by a poor installation in the factory. Sending us a picture through our website can often resolve the problem. We are happy to give assistance.

Regularly lubricating the hinges is also necessary. This can be done by applying a light engineering oil to the hinges. We suggest using a solvent-free lubricant such as the 3-in-one Multi-Purpose oil. Regularly lubrication will help the window to open and close more easily. It can also lower the chance of windows getting stuck and stop corrosion. It is recommended to do this once a year. WD40 and other solvent based fluids are not recommended since they could damage parts of your uPVC window.

5. Draughts

Draughts in upvc windows can be caused by various factors. The hinges may also become misaligned due to wear, creating gaps between the frame and sash. These can be easily repaired by giving them a good clean, but in the event that they are beyond repair it could be necessary to get them realigned or replaced. The interlock, which is located on the hinge of the window, can also be misaligned, and again it is possible to give them a clean but in some cases it might be necessary to have them replaced.

The next common reason for draughts are the window seals. They are susceptible to being worn out or damaged over time and let air escape through the gaps. This can be prevented by replacing them with high-quality weatherstripping. Another option is to replace the upvc window with low-emissivity glass, which will help regulate indoor temperatures and again will reduce the risk of draughts.

Another method of reducing the amount of draughts is to use a Draught-exclusion device. These are typically fabric tubes filled with a filler which can be put on top of your window sill. They can help block out cold air and keep your home warm and cosy!

The windows made of upvc can remain a great source of insulation and security for your home with regular maintenance and repairs. However, it is important to recognise that all windows have a life span and eventually, they will reach a point where it is more cost-effective to replace them rather than fix them. So, if you are having issues with your upvc windows, it's best to seek professional assistance as soon as you can.