UPVC Window Repairs

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

Wooden window repairs can be fairly easy for DIY enthusiasts to do themselves. It can also be much less expensive than a brand new replacement window.

Cracks

Cracks and fractures in uPVC windows can be a serious issue. If they are not repaired, they can cause water infiltration, less effective protection against cold weather and even the possibility of structural damage. It is important to find an expert local repair or builder who specializes in the repair of uPVC frames and can demonstrate the expertise, experience, and tools required to deliver the best results. This will ensure that your shattered window is fixed before it gets worse and you don't need to replace your window glass or unit.

There are numerous home solutions that can be utilized to repair small cracks in glass. Masking tape and superglue are two of the most commonly used solutions to hold glass damaged in place for a short time. For more severe cracks, the tape may need 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. It's available at a lot of hardware stores and can be bought at a cost of around $10. Make sure that your workspace is ready before mixing the epoxy. Also, ensure you have all the tools required for the job.

If your upper or lower sash is hard to raise it's most likely because the cords that connect the sash weights have become damaged. Thankfully, this is an easy fix that can be made using a ladder and a flat-head screwdriver. Replacing a damaged drip cap is a second repair that can be done at home. Drain caps that are free of rot are available at a majority of home centers and can be secured with nails and put in place using caulk. Verify that the glass in double or triple-paned window doctor is not cracked. The reason for this is that the gasses in the space between the windows are responsible for improving the energy efficiency of the window. This should not escape.

Water Leaks

If your uPVC windows are leaking, it can damage the interior of your home and cause costly repairs. Water leaks can also weaken the structure of your home and can cause mold growth. To prevent damage, it's important to repair any issues caused by leaky windows as soon as you can.

The most 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.

Another reason that can cause leaks in windows is blocked drainage holes or a defective flashing. It's important to check that the drainage holes are clean and unclogged, especially in the aftermath of a heavy downpour. You should also look at the windows' flashing to ensure that it's well-sealed.

It is also important to make sure that your drip cap isn't damaged or decaying. A drip cap that is rotten or one that's missing allows water from above to get into your window and cause structural damage. Replacing the leaky drip cap isn't a daunting task. It's as simple as buying the new one and UPVC repair nailing it in place.

A professional can also test your windows for watertightness. They can employ a specific tool to measure the water-tightness of your windows and ensure they meet the industry standards. If your windows fail the test, they will require replacement. This is a costly fix but it's worth it for the security and safety of your family.

Sagging

If your windows do not close 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 at installation or the sealant is no longer working. Fortunately, there are a few ways to fix the issue.

In order to repair your window properly, you need to create a space that is well-lit. Begin by laying down newspaper or a blanket to shield your flooring from any splinters and drips from the windows as you work.

Use a white cloth, soaked in a mix of detergent and water. This will help prevent any stains of color from appearing on your windows. If you're ready to begin working on your uPVC windows, start by making note of where the hinge channel should be located. Then, remove the channel from the frame and fill in the screw holes with epoxy (for uPVC windows) or wood filler (if frames are made from wood). Make sure you smooth the hole that you have filled before it sets.

Install the hinge channel after the holes are filled. Be sure to center it on the window jamb and then drill the new screw holes approximately a quarter-inch from the original locations.

Then, measure the length of the spindle protruding from the underside of your handle and then order a replacement online or bring the old one in to the hardware store to purchase a new. Then, take out the setscrew on the shaft of the operator and file it flat so the set screw can lock onto the shaft (photo). Now, your Upvc Repair window should shut without difficulty.

Broken Hinges

There will be a problem opening or closing your uPVC windows in the event that the hinges are damaged or not working correctly. This can be a security risk and could also hinder your home from staying warm or cold. It's easy to get 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 have to be the same size to fit in the frame of the window. The most commonly used hinges for uPVC windows are standard 18mm or UPVC 15mm hinges for windows. There are also hinges specifically designed for wooden frames. Finding the right window hinge for your windows can assist you in avoiding the common issues that homeowners have with their windows, for example, not closing properly.

There are many reasons why your window hinges could have become slack or stiff. The most common reason is that the hinges are not sufficiently tightened. To test this, take a screwdriver and locate the friction screw on the hinge's end. Release it. Then, you are able to adjust it by twisting it either way until you achieve the desired result.

If your UPVC window hinges aren't functioning as they should, you can call 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 hinges on windows and retension them. We can also install new lock mechanisms to ensure your UPVC windows are secure and safe.

Locks that aren't working

UPVC window locks and mechanisms are an essential component of your home security, they make it extremely difficult to open the window without breaking in. When a lock fails it could be frustrating, however it's an easy repair and you don't have to replace the entire window.

It's often an issue that could have been easily avoided with regular maintenance. We suggest that you have your uPVC window maintained regularly as part of our annual maintenance plan to minimize the chance of any problems.

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 effective at locking the window, but if they are not maintained properly, over time they could begin to fail. We recommend applying WD-40 to them a few times per year.

If you notice that your uPVC windows don't open and shut as quickly as they used to or If the lock isn't functioning properly, it is likely that there is an issue with the gearbox that locks the window frame. The process of removing this gearbox can be difficult because it requires the removal of the seals that surround the frame and UPVC repair removing the handle (be careful not to scratch these).

A locksmith who specializes in UPVC repairs is able to identify the problem quickly and be able replace the failed locking gearbox with a precise replacement. This is a fast and simple fix that could save you hundreds of dollars by cutting out the need to purchase new windows.