UPVC Window Repairs
Upvc windows are energy efficient and can aid in reducing heating costs. However, as they age, problems may arise that require fixing. This can include faulty handles, hinges or locks.
Wooden window repair is fairly easy for DIY enthusiasts to complete themselves. It can also be cheaper than a new replacement window.
Cracks
Cracks and fractures can be a major problem. Leaving them unrepaired can cause water infiltration, less effective protection against cold weather and even the potential for structural damage. Find a local builder who is skilled in the repair of uPVC frames. They should have the necessary skills and experience, as well as the equipment needed to achieve the most effective results. This will ensure your crack is repaired quickly before it gets any worse, and you won't have to replace your window unit or glass.
There are numerous home remedies that can be used to repair small cracks in glass. Masking tape and super glue are among the most popular products that will hold cracked glass in place for a time. For more severe cracks, the tape might need to be extended on both sides.
You can also make use of two-part epoxy for repairing damaged or cracked glasses. It's available at a lot of hardware stores and can be bought for around $10. Ensure that your workspace is prepared prior mixing the epoxy. Make sure you have the right tool for the job for example, a soldering tool.
If your lower or upper sash is difficult to raise it's because the cords that connect the sash weights are damaged. It's an easy fix that can be made using an extension ladder and a flat-head screwdriver. Replacing a drip cap that has rot is another simple repair that can be completed at home. The drip caps that are not rot-free are available at a majority of home centers and can be nailed and caulked in place with ease. Also, if you have a double or triple-pane window, make sure to make sure that one of the panes are not broken. The reason is because the gases that are trapped between the windows are responsible for enhancing the efficiency of the window and must not escape.
Water Leaks
If your uPVC window is leaking, it could cause damage to your interior and cause costly repairs. Water leaks can also weaken the structure of your home and cause mold growth. To prevent damage, it's important to repair any issues caused by leaky windows immediately.
One common cause of window leaks is damaged sealant around the frame. Utilizing silicone caulk can help restore the condition of the seal back to its normal condition and stop water leakage. It's also important to check for cracks and gaps in the frame, as well as in the brick or stone walls that surround your windows.
Another common reason for leaking windows is the drainage hole is blocked or a defective flashing. Make sure that the drainage holes have not been blocked or blocked, especially after heavy rain. It is also important to check the window's flashing to ensure it is properly sealed.
It's also crucial to make sure that your drip cap doesn't have any decay or is missing. A rotten or missing drip cap will allow water to enter the window from above and cause damage to the structure of your home. Replacing the drip cap isn't an arduous task and typically a simple task of buying the new one and nailing it into the right spot.
It's also a good idea to have your windows tested for water-tightness by a professional. They can use a special tool to determine the water-tightness of your windows and make sure that they meet industry standards. If your windows fail the test, you'll have to replace them. It's a costly repair, but worthwhile to ensure the safety and comfort of your family.
Sagging
If your windows don't shut properly, it could lead to a number problems, including condensation, drafts and an increase in your energy bills. It could also be an indication that the windows were not installed correctly or that the sealant is worn out. Fortunately, there are a few ways to correct the issue.
To fix your window properly, you need to set up a work space that is well-lit. Start by laying newspaper or an old blanket on the floor to shield it from any splinters or drips that could be leaking from the window as you work.
You will also want to make use of a white cloth that has been submerged in a solution containing water and detergent. This will stop any stains of color from appearing on your windows. Mark 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 the screw holes using epoxy (for uPVC windows) or wood filler (if the frames are made from 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. Make sure that it is aligned with the window jamb. Also, make sure make sure you drill the new holes approximately one quarter inch away from the original locations.
Next, measure the spindle that protrudes from the underside of your handle. You can either order an replacement or take it to a hardware shop for a replacement. Finally, back out the setscrew on the shaft of the operator and file it flat so the set screw will secure itself to the shaft (photo). Then, your uPVC windows should close without a hitch.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges have broken or aren't functioning properly, you will find it difficult to open or close the window. This could create an issue with security and stop your home from staying warm or cool. You can easily purchase an entirely new hinge for your uPVC window. It's crucial to choose the right type for your windows.
This is because the hinges need to be the same size to fit in the frame of the window. The most common type of hinge used in Upvc windows is an 15mm or 18mm UPVC window hinge. There are also specialised hinges for wooden frames. The right type of hinge can help you avoid the common issues with your windows.
The hinges of your window may be loose or stiff due to a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is that the hinges are not tightened enough. You can test this by using a screwdriver to locate the friction screw at the end of the hinge and then loosen it. You can then adjust it by turning it either way.
Call Preston Glass Fix if your UPVC window's hinges don't work correctly. We can provide an immediate solution. Our experts will assess the condition of the hinges on your windows and recommend the best solution for you. We can replace hinges on windows and retension them. We can also install new lock mechanisms to ensure your UPVC Windows are secure and safe.
Faulty locks
UPVC window mechanisms and locks are an important component of security for your home. They make it very difficult to open windows without breaking into the house. If a lock fails, it can be frustrating, but it's an simple fix and you don't need to replace the entire window.
It's usually an issue that is minor and could have been easily prevented with regular maintenance. This is why we recommend that you have your uPVC windows checked regularly by our yearly maintenance package to help reduce the likelihood of issues.
Modern uPVC windows come with espagnolette locks that work by pushing the handle's nose across a wedge block and then turning the handle to close the lock. They are efficient in locking the window, however should they not be maintained in a timely manner, they may start to fail. We recommend lubricating them with WD-40 a couple of times a year.
If you notice that your uPVC windows don't open and shut as easily as they used to or If the lock isn't functioning properly, it's likely that there is a problem with the locking gearbox inside the window frame. It can be difficult to access as it requires removing the seals that surround the frame of the window and then taking off the handle.
A locksmith who specialises in UPVC repairs will have the expertise to diagnose this fault quickly and will then be able to replace the damaged gearbox for locking with a precise replacement. This quick and simple fix could save you hundreds by avoiding the need to purchase new windows.