UPVC Window Repairs
Upvc windows are energy efficient and can help to reduce heating bills. However, as they age, issues can develop that require repair. This can include faulty hinges, handles, or locks.
Wooden window repairs can be fairly easy for DIY enthusiasts to tackle themselves. It's less expensive than purchasing a new window.
Cracks
Cracks and fractures can pose a serious problem. Unrepaired windows can cause water intrusion, less effective barriers to cold weather, and can cause structural damage. It is crucial to find a local builder or repair service that specialises in repairing uPVC frames and has the skills, experience and tools required to deliver the most effective results. This will ensure that your crack is repaired before it worsens and that you don't need to replace your window glass or window unit.
There are a variety of home solutions that can be utilized to repair small cracks in the glass. Masking tape and superglue are two of the most popular products to hold cracked glass in place for a short duration. For deeper cracks, the tape may need to extend beyond the crack on both sides to get the best results.
Alternatively, two-part epoxy can be used to fix broken or cracked glass. It's available at a lot of hardware stores and is available at a cost of around $10. Make sure your workspace is prepped before mixing the epoxy and make sure you have the correct tool for the job, such as a soldering iron.
If your upper or lower sash is difficult to raise, it's likely because the cords that connect the sash weights are damaged. Thankfully, this is a simple repair that can be accomplished using the ladder and a flat-head screwdriver. Replacing a damaged drip cap is a different repair that is done at home. Many home centers stock a drip caps that are rot-free and can be easily nailed or caulked to be fixed. Lastly, if you have a double or triple-pane window, make certain to ensure that one of the panes is not broken. This is due to the gases that fill the space between the panes contribute to improving energy efficiency. They should be retained and not released.
Water Leaks
If your uPVC window is leaking, this can cause damage to your home and result in costly repairs. Water leaks can also cause structural damage to your home as well as the growth of mold. To minimize the damage, it's essential to address any issues caused by windows that leak as soon as possible.
A damaged sealant around window frames is a typical reason for leaks. Utilizing silicone caulk can help restore the condition of the seal back to normal and stop water leakage. It's also important to look for cracks and gaps around the frame as well as in the stone or brick walls that surround your windows.
Another reason that can cause leaks in windows is a blocked drainage hole or faulty flashing. It's crucial to make sure the drainage holes are clean and free of obstruction, particularly in the aftermath of a heavy downpour. It is also important to look at the windows' flashing to ensure it is well-sealed.
It's also essential to check that your drip cap doesn't have any rot or is missing. A rotted or damaged drip cap can allow water to enter the window from above and cause damage to your home's structure. Replacing a leaky drip cap isn't difficult. It's as easy as buying an entirely new one and nailing it into place.
It's recommended to have your windows tested for water-tightness by a qualified. They can employ a specific tool to determine the water-tightness of your windows to ensure they meet the industry standards. If your windows fail the test, they will require replacement. It's a costly fix however it's worthwhile to ensure the safety and security of your family.
Sagging
If your windows do not shut properly, it could cause a variety of issues including drafts, condensation and a rise in your energy bills. It could be an indication that the windows were not properly fitted when they were installed or that the sealant is no longer working. There are a few things you can do to solve the issue.
In order to repair your window properly it is essential to set up a work space that is well-lit. Start by laying newspaper or an old blanket on the floor to protect it from any splinters or drips that may come from the window as you work.
You should also make use of a white cloth that has been soaked in a solution of detergent and water. This will prevent any stains of color from appearing on your windows. Mark the the hinge channel on your uPVC window when you are ready to begin working. Unscrew the channel, and then fill the screw holes inside the frame using epoxy (for uPVC frames) or wood filler. Make sure you smooth the hole before it sets.
Install the hinge channel once the holes have been filled. Make sure it is aligned with the window jamb, and make sure you drill the new holes approximately a quarter inch from the original locations.
Next, measure the spindle protruding from the underside of your handle. You can request a replacement or bring it to a shop selling hardware to find a suitable replacement. Finally, back out the setscrew on the shaft of the operator, and then file it flat so the set screw can be secured to the shaft (photo). Then, your uPVC windows should shut easily.
Broken Hinges
It will be difficult to open or closing your uPVC windows in the event that the hinges are damaged or aren't functioning properly. This can be a security problem and could also hinder your home from staying warm or cold. You can easily get a new hinge for your uPVC window. But, it's crucial to make sure you have the right type of hinge for your windows.
This is because the hinges need to be of the same width to fit inside the frame of the window. The most common hinge for uPVC windows is standard 18mm or UPVC 15mm window hinges. There are also specialised window repairs near me for wooden frames. Finding the right window hinge for your windows can help you avoid the typical issues that homeowners encounter with their windows, for example, not closing properly.
The hinges of your window could be slack or stiff due to a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is that the hinges are not tightened enough. 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 are able to adjust the hinge by twisting it in any direction until you get the desired result.
If your UPVC window hinges are not working as they should, call Preston Glass Fix for a quick repair. Our technicians will evaluate the condition of the hinges on your windows and provide you with the best solution for you. We can replace your window hinges, adjust them or install new locking mechanisms to ensure that your UPVC windows are secure and safe for years to come.
The locks are not working properly
UPVC window mechanisms and locks are a crucial element of security for your home. They make it extremely difficult to open windows without breaking into the house. When a lock fails it could be frustrating, however it's an simple fix and you don't have to replace the entire window.
It's usually an issue that is minor and could have been easily avoided by regular maintenance. We suggest having your uPVC window maintained regularly as part of our annual maintenance plan to decrease the chances of having any issues.
The majority of modern uPVC windows come with espagnolette locks that work by pushing the nose of the handle across a wedge block then turning the handle to close the lock. They are efficient in locking the window, however when they are not maintained in a timely manner, they may start to fail. We recommend applying WD-40 to them a few times a year.
If you notice that your uPVC windows don't open and shut as easily as they used too, or If the lock isn't functioning properly, it is likely that there is an issue with the locking gearbox within the window frame. The process of removing this gearbox can be difficult because it requires the removal of seals around the frame and the removal of the handle (be careful not to scratch these).
A locksmith that specializes in UPVC repair will be able to detect the issue quickly, and then replace the malfunctioning locking mechanism using a precise replacement. This is a quick and simple repair that can save you hundreds of pounds by avoiding the need to buy new windows.