A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting Your Window Repairs

UPVC Window Repairs

Upvc windows are able to reduce heating costs and are energy efficient. However, as they age issues can develop that require repair. This could be due to damaged hinges, handles, or locks.

DIY people can fix wooden windows relatively easily. It can also be cheaper than buying a new window.

Cracks

Cracks and fractures can pose a serious problem. Unrepaired windows can cause water intrusion and less effective barriers to cold weather, and can cause structural damage. It is important to find an experienced local repair or builder that specialises in fixing uPVC frames and can demonstrate the skills, experience and equipment required to achieve the best results. This will ensure your crack is repaired swiftly before it gets worse, and you won't have to replace your window unit or glass.

Small cracks in glass can be repaired with a range of home-based solutions. Superglue and masking tape are two of the most commonly used products used to keep glass that has cracked in place for a short period of time. For more severe cracks the tape may have to extend past the crack on both sides to get the best results.

You can also use two-part epoxy to repair damaged or cracked glasses. Hardware stores typically sell this product for about $10. Make sure your workspace is prepped before mixing the epoxy. Also, make sure you have the proper tool for the job for example, a soldering tool.

If you find that your lower or upper sash is having difficulty lifting it could be because the cords connected to the sashweights have been damaged. Thankfully, this is an easy fix that can be done with the help of an extension ladder and a flat-head screwdriver. Replacing a drip cap that has rot is a different 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 or caulked in place with ease. Verify that the glass in a triple- or double glazing-paned window is not cracked. The reason is that the gases in the space between the windows are responsible for improving the energy efficiency of the window. They must not escape.

Water Leaks

If your uPVC windows leak, it could cause damage to the interior of your house and lead to expensive repairs. Water leaks can also weaken the structure of your home and can cause mold growth. To minimize damage, it's important to fix any problems caused by leaky windows as soon as possible.

A damaged sealant around window frames is a frequent reason for leaks. Using silicone caulking 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 in the frame as well as in the stone or brick walls surrounding your windows.

Another common reason for leaking windows is blocked drainage holes or faulty flashing. Check that the drainage holes haven't been blocked or blocked, especially after a heavy downpour. It's also an excellent idea to check the flashing around the bottom of your window and make sure it's properly sealed.

Finally, it's essential to check that your drip cap isn't missing or damaged. A rotted drip cap or one that is missing can allow water from above to enter your window and cause structural damage. Replacing a drip cap isn't a complicated job, and it's generally a simple process of purchasing the new one and putting it in place.

It's an excellent idea to have your windows checked for water-tightness with a professional. They can use a special tool to measure the water-tightness of your windows to make sure that they meet industry standards. If your windows don't pass the test, you'll need to replace them. This is a costly repair but it's worth it for the comfort and safety of your family.

Sagging

If your windows don't close properly, it could lead to many issues, including drafts, condensation and a rise in energy costs. It could also be an indication that the windows were not installed correctly or that the sealant has worn away. There are a few options you can try to resolve the problem.

In order to repair your window properly it is necessary to create a space that is well-lit. Begin by placing newspaper or an old blanket on the floor to protect it from drips or splinters that could be leaking from the window while you work.

You will also want to use a white cloth which has been immersed in a solution of water and detergent. This will ensure that you do not leave any color stains on your windows. Mark the location of 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 smooth the hole before it sets.

Once the holes have been filled you can reinstall the hinge channel. Make sure you center it on the window jamb, and drill the screw holes approximately a quarter-inch from the original locations.

Then, take a measurement of the spindle protruding from the underside of your handle. You can order an alternative or bring it to a shop selling hardware to find a suitable replacement. Then, pull out the setscrew on the shaft of the operator, and then smooth it so that the set screw can secure itself to the shaft (photo). Now, your uPVC window should shut without difficulty.

Broken Hinges

If your uPVC window hinges have broken or aren't functioning properly and you are unable to open or close the window, it will be difficult to open or close the window. This can be a security risk and could also hinder your home from being warm or cold. You can easily purchase an entirely new hinge for your uPVC window. However, it's important to ensure that you have the correct hinge for your windows.

This is because the hinges must be of the same width to fit into the window frame. The most commonly used hinges for uPVC windows is standard 18mm or UPVC 15mm window hinges. There are also specialised hinges for wooden frames. The correct type of hinge can help you avoid common problems with your windows.

The hinges on your windows could be slack or stiff for several reasons. The most common reason is that the hinges aren't sufficiently tightened. You can check this using a screwdriver to locate the friction screw that is at the end of the hinge and then loosen it. After that, you can adjust the hinge by twisting it in either direction until you get the desired result.

Call Preston Glass Fix if your UPVC window's hinges aren't functioning properly. We can provide a quick fix. Our experts will assess the condition of the hinges on your windows and provide you with the best solution for your needs. 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 years to come.

Faulty locks

UPVC window mechanisms and locks are a crucial part of security for your home. They make it very difficult to open a window without breaking into the home. It can be a frustrating experience when a lock malfunctions, however, you don't have to replace the entire window.

It is often an issue that is minor and could have easily been avoided with regular maintenance. This is the reason we recommend getting your uPVC windows maintained regularly using our annual maintenance program to minimize the risk of having problems.

Most modern uPVC windows come with espagnolette locks that work by pushing the nose of the handle across a wedge block and then turning the handle to close the lock. They are efficient in locking the window, however if they are not maintained properly, over time they can begin to fail. We recommend that you lubricate them with WD-40 every couple of times a year.

If you're noticing that your uPVC window isn't opening and closing as smoothly as it did in the past, or when the lock isn't working correctly, it could be a problem with locking gearboxes inside the frame. Accessing this can be tricky as it requires the removing of the seals that surround the frame and removing the handle (be careful not to damage the seals).

A locksmith who is skilled in UPVC repair will be able diagnose this fault quickly and replace the failed locking mechanism using a precise replacement. This is a quick and simple repair that can save you hundreds of dollars by not having to purchase new windows.