UPVC Window Repairs
uPVC windows can reduce heating costs and are energy efficient. However, as they age issues can develop that require fixing. This can include faulty handles, hinges, or locks.
DIY enthusiasts can repair wooden windows fairly easily. It’s less expensive than purchasing a new window.
Cracks
Cracks and breaks can be a major issue. If windows are not properly repaired, they can result in water intrusion and less effective barriers to cold weather, and can cause structural damage. Find a local builder who specializes in the repair of uPVC frames. They should have the required skills, experience and equipment to achieve the most effective results. This will ensure that your crack is repaired before it worsens and you don’t need to replace your window glass or unit.
There are numerous home remedies that can be used to repair small cracks in glass. Superglue and masking tape are two of the most common solutions to hold glass damaged in place for a short duration. For more severe cracks, the tape might need to be extended on both sides.
You can also make use of two-part epoxy to fix broken or cracked glasses. Hardware stores typically sell this product for around $10. Make sure your workspace is prepared prior to mixing the epoxy. Also, ensure that you have all the tools needed to complete the task.
If your lower or upper sash is difficult to raise, it’s likely due to the fact that the cords on the sash’s weights have been damaged. This is a simple fix that can be accomplished using a ladder and a flathead screwdriver. A drip cap that is rotten can be easily replaced at home. Drain caps that are free of rot are available at most home centers and can be nailed or caulked in place with ease. Check that the glass of double-paned or triple-paned window isn’t cracked. The reason is because the gases in the space between the windows are responsible for improving the efficiency of the window and must not escape.
Water Leaks
If your uPVC window is leaking, it could cause damage to your home and cause costly repairs. Water leaks can also affect the structure of your home and lead to the growth of mold. To prevent the damage, it’s essential to fix any problems caused by windows that leak as soon as you can.
One common cause of window leaks is a damaged sealant around the frame. Silicone caulking will restore the seal to its original condition and stop leakage. It’s also important to look for cracks and gaps in the frame as well as in the brick or stone walls that surround your windows.
A blocked drainage hole or faulty flashing are the other two typical causes of windows leaking. Verify that the drainage holes have not been blocked or blocked, especially after a heavy downpour. It’s also a good idea to inspect the flashing on the lower part of your window to make sure it’s properly sealed.
Lastly, it’s important to make sure that your drip cap isn’t missing or decaying. A rotted or damaged drip cap can allow water to enter the window from above, causing damage to the structure of your home. Replacing the drip cap isn’t a complicated job, and it’s usually a straightforward process of buying the new one and nailing it into place.
A professional can also examine your windows for watertightness. They can use a tool to test the water-tightness of your windows, and ensure that they meet industry standards. If your windows fail the test, they’ll need to be replaced. This is a costly fix but it’s worth it for the security and safety of your family.
Sagging
If your windows don’t close properly, it could cause a variety of issues, such as condensation, drafts and an increase in your energy bills. It could also be a sign that the windows were not properly fitted when they were installed or that the sealant is no longer effective. Fortunately, there are some ways to fix the problem.
To repair your window repairs correctly it is essential to set up a work space with plenty of natural light. Begin by laying down newspaper or a blanket to shield your flooring from any splinters or drips from the windows as you work.
Use a white cloth that has been soaked in a mix of water and detergent. This will ensure you don’t leave any color stains on your windows. Note the location of the hinge channel on your uPVC window when you are ready to begin working. Then remove the channel from the frame and fill in the screw holes with epoxy (for uPVC windows) or wood filler (if your frames are made of wood). Be sure to smooth the hole that you have filled before it sets.
Once the holes are filled, you can put in the hinge channel. Be sure to place it on the window jamb and drill the new screwholes about a quarter-inch away from the original locations.
Next, measure the length of the spindle protruding from the underside of your handle and order a replacement online or bring the old one in to the hardware store to purchase a new. Then, remove the setscrew off the operator shaft. Smooth it down to allow the set screw to secure onto the shaft. Now, your uPVC windows should close without a hitch.
Broken Hinges
You will have difficulty opening or closing your upvc window repairs windows if the hinges are broken or aren’t functioning properly. This could be a security problem and could also hinder your home from being warm or cold. It’s simple to purchase an entirely new hinge for your uPVC windows. It’s essential to ensure that you have the right type of hinge for your windows.
The hinges must be the same size in order to fit inside the frame of the window. The most popular type of hinge used in windows made of uPVC is an 15mm or 18mm UPVC window hinge. There are also hinges specifically designed for wooden frames. Choosing the correct window hinge for your windows will assist you in avoiding the typical issues that homeowners face with their windows, for example, not closing properly.
There are several reasons why the hinges on your windows be loose or stiff. The hinges may not be tightened enough. You can check this 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 aren’t working as they should, contact Preston Glass Fix for a quick repair. Our technicians will inspect the condition of your hinges and give you advice on the most suitable solution. We can replace your window hinges, re-tension them or install new locking mechanisms to ensure that your UPVC windows are safe and secure for a long time to come.
Locks that aren’t working
UPVC window locks and mechanism are a very important part of your home security, they make it extremely difficult to open the window without breaking in. If a lock fails, it can be frustrating, but it is a quick and easy repair and you don’t need to replace the entire window.
It’s usually a minor issue that could have been easily avoided with regular maintenance. We suggest having your uPVC window cleaned regularly as part of our yearly maintenance package in order to reduce the likelihood of any problems.
Most modern uPVC windows have espagnolette locks that work by pushing the handle’s nose across a wedge block then turning the handle to close the lock. They are effective in locking the window, but when they are not maintained properly, over time they may start to fail. We recommend applying WD-40 to them a few times a year.
If you notice your uPVC window repair near me isn’t opening or closing as quickly as it did in the past, or if the lock doesn’t work correctly, it could be a problem with locking gearboxes within the frame. It can be difficult to access this as it requires the removing of the seals that surround the frame and removing the handle (be careful not to scratch these).
A locksmith who specialises in UPVC repairs will have the expertise to quickly identify the issue and be able replace the failed locking gearbox with a exact replacement. This quick and simple fix could save you hundreds of dollars by avoiding the need to purchase new windows.