UPVC Window Repairs

Upvc windows are energy efficient and aid in reducing heating costs. As they get older, however, issues may arise that require to be fixed. This can include faulty hinges, handles or locks.

DIY enthusiasts can repair wooden windows fairly easily. It can also be much cheaper than a new replacement window.

Cracks

Cracks and breaks can be a major issue. Unrepaired windows can cause water intrusion and less effective barriers to cold weather, or even structural damage. Find a local builder who specializes in the repair of uPVC frames. They should have the required skills and experience as well as the right equipment to achieve the most effective results. This will ensure your crack is repaired quickly before it gets any worse, and you don't need to replace your window unit or glass.

Small cracks in glass can be fixed by using a variety of DIY solutions. Super glue and masking tape are among the most commonly used products that will hold cracked glass in place for a few minutes. For more severe cracks the tape may have to extend beyond the crack on both sides to achieve the best results.

You can also use two-part epoxy to repair damaged or cracked glasses. The majority of hardware stores offer this product at around $10. Make sure your workspace is prepared prior to mixing the epoxy. Make sure you have the proper tool for the job, like a soldering iron.

If your upper or lower sash is hard to raise it's most likely because the cords that connect the sash weights are damaged. Fortunately, this is an easy fix that can be done using an extension ladder and a flat-head screwdriver. A drip cap that is rotten can be easily replaced at home. Rot-free drip caps are available at most home centers and can be nailed or caulked into place with ease. Verify that the glass in double or triple-paned window is not damaged. This is due to the gases that are leaking out between the panes contribute to improving energy efficiency. They should be retained, not escaping.

Water Leaks

If your uPVC windows are leaking, it can cause damage to the interior of your home and lead to expensive repairs. Water leaks can also affect the structure of your house and cause mold growth. It is important to fix any problems caused by leaking windows right away to minimize the damage.

The most common cause of window leaks is a damaged sealant around the frame. The use of silicone caulking can improve the condition of the seal back to normal and prevent water leakage. Look for gaps and cracks around the window frame, and also the stone or brick wall surrounding your windows.

A blocked drainage hole or an issue with Flashing are two other typical causes of windows leaking. It's crucial to make sure the drainage holes are clear and free of obstruction, particularly during heavy rainstorms. It's also recommended to examine the flashing around the lower part of your window to make sure it's properly sealed.

It's also essential to check that your drip cap does not have any decay or is missing. A rotted drip cap or one that's not there allows water from above to seep into your window and cause structural damage. Replacing the drip cap that is leaky is not a difficult task. It's as simple as purchasing a new one, and nailing it in place.

A professional can also check your windows for watertightness. They can utilize a special tool to measure the water-tightness of your windows and make sure that they meet industry standards. If your windows fail the test, they'll need to be replaced. It's a costly fix however it's is worth it to ensure the safety and security of your family.

Sagging

If your windows don't shut properly, it could lead to a number of issues, such as drafts condensation and an increase in energy bills. It could also indicate that the windows weren't installed correctly or the sealant has worn out. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to correct the issue.

To repair your window correctly it is essential to create a space with plenty of natural light. Begin by laying newspaper or an old blanket on the floor to shield it from any drips or splinters that could be leaking from the window during your work.

Use a white cloth, soaked in a solution of detergent and water. This will ensure that you do not leave any color stains on your windows. If you're ready to work on your uPVC windows, start by marking where the hinge channel should be situated. Then unscrew the channel from the frame and fill in the screw holes using epoxy (for uPVC windows) or wood filler (if your frames are made from wood). Be sure to scrape the hole you have filled before it sets.

Once the holes have been filled, you can put in the hinge channel. Make sure that it is aligned with the window jamb and make sure you drill the new screw holes about quarter inch away from the original locations.

Then, measure the length of the spindle protruding from underside of the handle and order a replacement on the internet or bring the old one in to a hardware store for matching. Finally, back out the setscrew that was on the shaft of the operator, and then smooth it out so that the set screw can be secured to the shaft (photo). Then, your uPVC windows should be closing without a hitch.

Broken Hinges

It will be difficult to open or closing your uPVC windows in the event that the hinges are damaged or not working properly. This could cause a security problem and prevent your home from being warm or cool. It's easy to get a new window hinge for your uPVC windows. It's essential to ensure that you have the right hinge for your windows.

This is because the hinges must be of the same width to fit in the window frame. The most commonly used hinges for uPVC windows are standard 18mm or UPVC 15mm window hinges. There are also special hinges for wooden frames. Getting the correct type of window hinge for your windows will aid in avoiding typical issues that homeowners have with their windows, for example, not closing properly.

The hinges of your window could be stiff or loose for a variety of reasons. One common cause is that the hinges are not sufficiently tightened. You can check this by using a screwdriver to locate the friction screw at the end of the hinge and then loosen it. Then, you can adjust it by turning it in either direction.

If your UPVC window hinges are not functioning as they should, you can contact Preston Glass Fix for a quick repair. Our experts will assess the condition of your hinges, and give you advice on the best solution. We can repair or replace the window hinges, re-tension them or install new locking mechanisms to ensure that your UPVC windows are safe and secure for the long haul.

Faulty locks

UPVC window locks and mechanism are an essential component of the security of your home, they make it very difficult to open the window without breaking. It can be frustrating when a lock fails, but you don't have to replace the entire window doctor.

It's usually an issue that is minor and could have been easily avoided with regular maintenance. This is the reason we recommend that you have your uPVC windows serviced regularly with our annual maintenance program to help reduce the likelihood of problems.

Modern uPVC windows come with espagnolette locks. These work by pushing the nose end of the handle over the block with a wedge, and then turning it to close the lock. They are effective at locking the window, but when they are not maintained correctly, over time they may start to fail. We recommend that you lubricate them with WD-40 every couple of times a year.

If you notice that your uPVC windows aren't opening or shut as quickly as they used too, or if the lock is not functioning properly, it is likely that there is a problem with the gearbox that locks the window frame. It can be difficult to access this since it requires the removal of the seals around the frame as well as the removal of the handle (be cautious not to damage these).

A locksmith who specializes in UPVC repairs is able to identify the problem quickly and will then be able to repair the failed locking gearbox with an exact replacement. This is a fast and easy repair that can save you hundreds of dollars by avoiding the need to buy new windows.