The Reasons Window Repairs Is Everywhere This Year
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 fixed. This can include faulty hinges, handles, or locks.
DIY enthusiasts can fix wooden windows relatively easily. It's cheaper than buying a brand new window.
Cracks
Cracks and breaks can pose a serious problem. Unrepaired windows can cause water intrusion and less effective barriers to cold weather, or even structural damage. It is crucial to find a local builder or repair service that specializes in fixing uPVC frames and who has the expertise, experience, and tools needed to produce the most effective results. This will ensure that your shattered window is repaired before it worsens and that you don't need to replace your window glass or unit.
Small cracks in glass can be fixed with a range of home-based solutions. Super glue and masking tape are among the most popular products that will hold cracked glass in place for a time. For more severe cracks, the tape may need be extended on both sides.
You can also make use of two-part epoxy to fix damaged or cracked glasses. It's available at a lot of hardware stores and can be bought for around $10. Make sure your workspace is prepared prior to mixing the epoxy. Also, ensure that you have all the equipment needed to complete the task.
If you notice that your lower or upper sash isn't lifting, it is likely because the cords connected to the sashweights have been damaged. It's an easy fix that can be done with the help of a ladder and a flathead screwdriver. Replacing a damaged drip cap is a second repair that can be completed at home. Drain caps that are free of rot are available at a majority of home centers and can be nailed or caulked in place with ease. Verify that the glass in double-paned or triple-paned window is not broken. The reason is because the gases that are trapped between the windows are responsible for enhancing the efficiency of the window and should not be allowed to escape.
Water Leaks
If your uPVC windows leak, it could damage the interior of your home and result in costly repairs. Water leaks can also damage the structure of your house and cause mold growth. It is crucial to address any problems caused by leaking windows as soon as possible to limit the damage.
One common cause of window leaks is a damaged sealant around the frame. Silicone caulking can restore the seal to its original condition and prevent leakage. Look for gaps and cracks around the window frame, and also the stone or brick wall that surrounds your windows.
A blocked drainage hole or defective Flashing are two other typical causes of windows that leak. It's crucial to make sure the drainage holes are free and unclogged, especially during heavy rainstorms. Also, you should look at the flashing around your window repairs to ensure that it is well-sealed.
It is also important to ensure that your drip cap isn't missing or damaged. A damaged or damaged drip cap could let water in the window from above and cause damage to your home's structure. Replacing the drip cap isn't an arduous task, and it's typically a simple task of purchasing a new one and nailing it into the right spot.
A professional can also examine your windows for watertightness. They can employ a tool to test the water-tightness of your windows and ensure that they comply with the standards of the industry. If your windows don't pass the test, you'll need to replace them. This is a costly fix however it's worth it for the comfort and safety of your family.
Sagging
If your windows don't close properly, it could result in a myriad of problems, including condensation, drafts and an increase in your energy bills. It could also be an indication that the windows weren't installed correctly or that the sealant has worn out. Fortunately, there are some ways to correct the issue.
The first step is to set up an area with plenty of natural light to help repair your window properly. 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 as you work.
Use a white cloth, soaked in a solution of detergent and water. This will help prevent any color stains from appearing on your windows. Note the location of the hinge channel on your uPVC window when you are ready to begin working. Unscrew the channel and fill the screw holes inside the frame with epoxy (for uPVC frames) or wood filler. Make sure you smooth the filled hole before it sets.
Reinstall the hinge channel after the holes have been filled. Be sure to center it on the window jamb and drill the screw holes about a quarter-inch away from the original locations.
Then, measure the spindle that protrudes from the underside of your handle. You can request an replacement or take it to a local hardware store for a replacement. Finally, back out the setscrew that was on the shaft of the operator, and then smooth it out so that the set screw is able to secure itself to the shaft (photo). Now your uPVC window should close easily.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges are damaged or aren't functioning properly, you will find it difficult to open or close the window. This could create a security problem and prevent your home from being cool or warm. You can easily get a new hinge for your uPVC window. However, it's important to make sure you have the right hinge for your windows.
This is because the hinges need to be the same width to fit inside the frame of the window. The most common type of hinge used in uPVC windows is a standard 18mm or 15mm UPVC window hinge. There are also special hinges for wooden frames. Finding the right window hinge for your windows will assist you in avoiding the common issues that homeowners have with their windows, like not closing properly.
There are many reasons why your window hinges could have become stiff or loose. One of the most common causes is that the hinges aren't properly securing. To check, use a screwdriver and locate the friction screw at the hinge's end. Release it. Then, you can adjust it by turning it in either direction.
Contact Preston Glass Fix if your UPVC window's hinges don't work correctly. We can offer an immediate fix. Our experts will assess the condition of your window hinges and provide you with the best solution for your needs. We can replace the window hinges, re-tension them or install new locking mechanisms to ensure that your UPVC windows are safe and secure for a long time to come.
The locks are not working properly
UPVC window mechanisms and locks are an important part of home security. They make it very difficult to open a window without breaking into the house. It can be frustrating when a lock fails however, you don't have to replace the entire window.
Most of the time, it's an issue that could have been prevented if you have had regular maintenance. This is why we suggest getting your uPVC windows checked regularly by our yearly maintenance package to help reduce the likelihood of issues.
Modern uPVC windows come with locks that operate by pushing the handle's nose across a wedge block, then turning the handle to close the lock. They are very effective in keeping the window closed, however over time they can start to fail if they are not properly maintained - we recommend using WD-40 for lubrication at least once per year.
If you notice your uPVC window isn't opening and closing as easily as it did in the past, or if the lock doesn't function correctly, it could be a problem with locking gearboxes within the frame. It can be difficult to access this as it requires the removing of the seals that surround the frame as well as the removal of the handle (be careful not to scratch the seals).
A locksmith who is skilled in UPVC repair will be able to identify the problem quickly and replace the failed locking mechanism with an exact replacement. This quick and simple fix could save you hundreds of dollars by not having to purchase new windows.
