A Complete Guide To Window Repairs Dos And Don'ts

UPVC Window Repairs

uPVC windows are energy efficient and help to reduce heating bills. As they get older, however, issues may develop that need to be addressed. This can include faulty hinges, handles, or locks.

Wooden window repair can be fairly simple for DIY enthusiasts to tackle themselves. It's less expensive than purchasing a new window repair.

Cracks

Cracks and fractures can pose a serious problem. Unrepaired windows can cause water intrusion and weaker barriers to cold weather, or even structural damage. It is important to find an expert local builder or repair service who specializes in repairing uPVC frames and can demonstrate the skills, experience and tools needed to produce the best results. This will ensure that the crack is repaired before it gets any worse and that you don't need to replace the window glass or window unit.

There are a variety of home solutions that can be utilized to repair small cracks in glass. Super glue and masking tape are among the most common products that can keep cracked glass in place for a few minutes. For deeper cracks, tape may need be extended on both sides.

You can also make use of two-part epoxy for repairing damaged or cracked glasses. It is available at most hardware stores and can be bought at a cost of around $10. Make sure your work area is properly prepared before mixing the epoxy. Also, ensure you have all the equipment needed to complete the task.

If your lower or upper sash is difficult to raise it's because the cords on the sash's weights have been damaged. This is a simple fix that is done with a ladder and a flathead screwdriver. Replacing a drip cap that has rot is a second repair that can be completed at home. The drip caps that are not rot-free are readily available at many home centers and can be secured with nails and caulked in place with ease. Make sure that the glass of double glazed window repairs or triple-paned window isn't damaged. This is because the gasses that fill the space between the panes are responsible for enhancing energy efficiency and should be retained and not released.

Water Leaks

If your upvc window repair window is leaking, this can cause damage to your home and cause costly repairs. Water leaks may also cause structural damage to your home, as well as the growth of mold. It is crucial to address any problems caused by leaking windows immediately to prevent the damage.

A damaged sealant around window frames is a frequent reason for leaks. Silicone caulking will restore the seal to its original condition and stop leakage. It's also important to check for cracks and gaps around the frame, as well as in the brick or stone walls that surround your windows.

Another reason that can cause leaks in windows is blocked drainage holes or faulty flashing. It's important to check that the drainage holes are clean and free of obstruction, particularly after a heavy rainstorm. It's also a good idea to inspect the flashing that runs around the bottom of your window and ensure that it's sealed properly.

It's also crucial to make sure that your drip cap doesn't have any decay or is missing. A rotted or damaged drip cap could allow water to enter the window from above and cause damage to your home's structure. Replacing a drip cap isn't difficult and usually a straightforward process of purchasing a new one and putting it in place.

A professional can also test your windows for watertightness. They can use a special instrument to test the water-tightness and strength of your windows and make sure they are in line with industry standards. If your windows fail the test, they'll need to be replaced. It's a costly fix however it's worthwhile to ensure the safety and comfort of your family.

Sagging

If your windows aren't closing properly it can cause many issues, including drafts, condensation, and an increase in energy costs. It could also indicate that the windows were not installed correctly or that the sealant has worn out. There are a few options you can do to solve the issue.

The first step is to prepare a workspace in a room with ample natural light to repair your window correctly. Begin by laying down newspapers or an old blanket to protect the flooring from any splinters or drips that might fall off the windows as you work.

Use a white cloth, soaked in a mix of water and detergent. This will prevent any color stains from appearing on your windows. Note the the hinge channel on your uPVC window when you are ready to start working. Unscrew the channel and fill the screw holes in the frame with epoxy (for uPVC frames) or wood filler. Be sure to scrape the filled hole smooth before it sets.

Reinstall the hinge channel after the holes have been filled. Make sure that it is centered on the window jamb and make sure you drill the new holes approximately quarter inch away from the original locations.

Then, measure the length of the spindle protruding from the underside of the handle. You can then order an alternative online or bring the old one to the hardware store to purchase a new. Then, remove the setscrew from the operator shaft. Flatten it to allow the set screw to secure onto the shaft. Then, your uPVC windows should be closing without a hitch.

Broken Hinges

If your uPVC window hinges have broken or aren't functioning properly then you'll find it difficult to open or close the window. This can cause a security problem and prevent your home from being cool or warm. You can easily purchase an entirely new hinge for your upvc window repair near me window. It's crucial to choose the right type for your windows.

The hinges must be the same size to fit inside the frame of the window. The most popular hinge for windows made of uPVC are standard 18mm or UPVC 15mm window hinges. However, there are specialised types of hinges for windows that can be used on different kinds of frames like wooden frames. Choosing the correct window hinge for your windows will help you avoid the typical issues that homeowners encounter with their windows, like not closing properly.

The hinges of your window could be slack or stiff due to a variety of reasons. The most common reason is that the hinges are not properly securing. You can check this using a screwdriver to locate the friction screw that is at the end of the hinge, and then loosen it. Then, you can adjust it by turning it either way.

If your UPVC window hinges aren't functioning as they should, call Preston Glass Fix for a quick repair. Our technicians will examine the condition of the hinges on your windows and recommend the best solution for your needs. 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 years to come.

Locks that aren't working

UPVC window mechanisms and locks are a crucial component of home security. They make it extremely difficult to open windows without breaking into the home. It can be frustrating when a lock fails however, you don't have to replace the entire window.

Often the problem can be a minor issue that could have been avoided by regular maintenance. We suggest that you have your uPVC window cleaned regularly as part of our annual maintenance plan to minimize the chance of having any issues.

Modern uPVC windows are equipped with espagnolette locks. They work by pushing the nose of the handle onto the block with a wedge, and then turning it to close the lock. They are effective at locking the window, but should they not be maintained in a timely manner, they could begin to fail. We recommend applying WD-40 to them a couple of times a year.

If you're noticing that your uPVC window isn't opening and closing as quickly as it did in the past, or if the lock doesn't function properly, there could be a problem with the locking gearboxes within the frame. This can be difficult to access because it requires the removal of the seals that surround the frame of the window, and removing the handle.

A locksmith who specializes in UPVC repair will be able to detect the issue quickly and replace the broken locking mechanism with a precise replacement. This simple and quick fix could save you hundreds of dollars by not having to purchase new windows.