15 Shocking Facts About UPVC Window Repair That You Never Knew
uPVC Window Repair
Although uPVC windows are tough and resistant to harsh weather conditions they are not immune to issues that require fixing. Fortunately, these issues are easily fixed at a fraction of the cost of replacing a window.
It is typical for windows to be difficult to open due to its hinges are rigid. Fortunately, this issue can be easily fixed by lubricating the hinges with something like WD-40.
Cracked or Broken Glass
Glass is everywhere in our homes: on doors, windows and tables as well as in microwaves and stoves even in frames for pictures. A well-hit baseball game or rough-housing with your friends can cause cracks in your windows that need to be repaired quickly before they become worse. Cracks of this kind can be easily repaired without having to replace the frame or glass of the window.
First, clean out the area using a moist cloth to get rid of any dust, dirt or fingerprints. Then, use a small amount of epoxy to seal the the crack. Allow the epoxy to dry completely before moving the window again. This repair is easy and will save you money replacing your uPVC window.
The window gasket can also be brittle or split from the frame. This could lead to loss of insulation and the ingress of cold air or water into your home. You can easily repair this issue by using a flat blade like a credit card to cut the gasket and the window frame. If you have time, you can add a little more epoxy to the crack, so it appears as if it never existed.
If the crack is more than you are able to reach with your fingers, you can use tape to protect the area from further damage. You could also use clear nail polish to fill in the crack to stop the crack from spreading. The most important thing is to do this immediately after you detect the crack, or it will quickly spread and become more difficult to fix.
If you are looking for a long-lasting solution, you can use uPVC epoxy. This is the longest and most demanding of all alternatives but it will provide the most efficient results in terms durability and appearance. Follow the manufacturer's directions for applying the epoxy. Once it is dry, use a rag soaked in acetone to polish the surface.
Water Leaks
uPVC Windows are durable, but they require some care and maintenance. If they're not maintained correctly, a number of problems can arise. These issues could range from water leaks around the frame to condensation within the glass units.
A uPVC window specialist can help identify the issue and fix it.
upvc repair can also give tips on how to avoid it from happening again in the future.
Leaking uPVC Windows can be a major issue and should be repaired as soon as they occur. If the damage is not taken care of, it could cause major damp issues within your home. This could lead to expensive repairs as well as a reduction in energy efficiency.
In a majority of cases, a leaky uPVC window can be repaired by applying a leak patch. The sealant is sprayed inside the window to stop water from entering the home through the damaged area.
Misty or cloudy double glazed units indicate that the seal between the glass panes has failed. It could be due to a variety of causes, including age, weather conditions or just wear and tear.
You can avoid this by having your windows regularly cleaned. It is recommended that you clean your windows at least twice every year with an uncolored soft cloth that is soaked in warm soapy water. Avoid using colored cloths as they can leave dye stains. Solvent PVC cleaner is the best way to remove stubborn stains. It can be purchased from any hardware store and is easy to apply. To prevent streaks, clean the window frames clean of direct sunlight in a shady area.
Faulty Hinges or Locks
Over time a window hinge can become damaged or bent out of shape. This can cause a gap to form in the frame which allows in draughts, and reduce the efficiency of your heating. A draught will also make your home cold and uncomfortable, and increase the cost of heating.
A gap in a window made of uPVC is a problem that can be resolved easily. A uPVC window repair specialist will be able to identify the problem and fix it for you. A small hole can be fixed using carpenter's glue and a wooden stick that is inserted into the gap. The dowel should be positioned so that it is in line with the hinge leaf and has a smooth surface to it. Then, the glue of a carpenter is applied to the dowel's wood surface and then tapped in to place. After it has dried it is possible to screw installed to secure the hinge.
UPVC window hinges or locks can become stiff over time because of wear and tear, or due to blockages caused by dirt or other debris. These should be checked regularly and cleaned to ensure they function correctly. Use WD-40 to ensure that moving parts are in good condition.
It is recommended that UPVC windows are cleaned at least twice a year. This can be done using a damp cloth that has been dipped into an emulsion of mild soap and water. The areas around the corners of the window should be cleaned more often to avoid build up of dirt and corrosion.
The handle of a uPVC window may also become stiff when opening or close. This could happen when the handle is thrown or if there is a problem with the locking mechanism. It is usually a quick and easy repair to make and can be accomplished by the homeowner themselves by following the steps.
A broken lock can pose a real security risk as it indicates that your home isn't secured and could potentially be vulnerable to intruders. A faulty lock can also cause your uPVC window or door difficult to open, which can be an inconvenience for you. A new handle or a adjustment of the multipoint locking mechanism may be required if this is the case.
Stuck Handle
It can be quite frustrating when your upvc window handle is stuck, especially when you attempt to open the window and it seems to require a lot of force or won't open at all. This is usually caused by an electrical wire that is inside the handle holder and has become rough. You can usually solve the issue by pulling the handle out to examine the wire.
Another method of getting this addressed is by putting the lubricant graphite or paraffin on the pole sliders, which will allow the handle to move upwards and downwards. It is also a good time to clean your handle as it will stop any future issues.
Superglue can be used to repair the button if the issue is actually the push button. Make sure that the superglue is dry prior to trying to use it again. If the handle is completely damaged or broken you can repair it by requesting an alternative and screwing it into the frame. You can fix the issue yourself if have the appropriate tools.