After purchasing and installing new plastic windows in a room, most owners, as a rule, calm down and forget about their existence for a long time. Questions about proper maintenance and repair arise among consumers only when the structures begin to “behave” somehow incorrectly: they do not retain heat well, let in cold air from the street, have difficulty closing and opening, etc. Unfortunately, this approach is absolutely incorrect and can lead to big problems in the operation of plastic windows, and in some cases, to their failure.
Let's figure out how much attention needs to be paid to a typical glass structure and what exactly should be done to ensure its long-term operation.
A little history
The acquaintance of buyers from the countries of the former Soviet Union with modern plastic windows began in the late 80s of the 20th century. It was at this time that the first German PVC (polyvinyl chloride) windows began to appear in the country, which aroused great interest among consumers, and then an unprecedented stir. The fact is that almost all windows at that time were made of ordinary wood (and not of the highest quality) and their characteristics, in comparison with their plastic counterparts, were not the best.
Seeing the obvious advantages of plastic windows, many consumers wanted to install them at home, but due to production abroad, these products were very expensive. Only a select few could afford such luxury.
The first stage of reduction in prices for products occurred in the first half of the 90s, when domestic manufacturers began to assemble structures using the profile of German production. Windows became cheaper, but did not become available to everyone. The second stage of the price collapse began in the 2000s, after they learned to produce profiles for PVC windows in Russia.
Today, Russian-made designs are not inferior to foreign analogues , and their cost makes it possible to create high-quality and inexpensive windows accessible to every working person. Technological processes for manufacturing plastic windows are improved every year, making the products even more reliable and convenient. And yet, without proper maintenance, even the most advanced windows will not be able to work for a long time without breaking.
Lubrication
How to prevent plastic windows yourself? In addition to washing, lubrication is performed. Use silicone oil or glycerin to wipe the hinges, handle mechanism and other moving parts of the fittings. They should be activated 2-3 times to check their serviceability.
For prevention, do-it-yourself lubrication of plastic windows is done as follows:
- VD-40 is suitable for lubrication. You need to open the doors and remove dirt with a rag. Complex stains are removed with a hard sponge or a special brush (not too rough, otherwise it will damage the surface).
- It is necessary to lubricate the brackets, bolts and metal parts.
- For hard-to-reach places, a tubular spout is used, which is included with the VD-40.
- If you use lubricant in a bottle, then apply 2-3 drops of the substance to each part.
This completes the procedure. You should not experiment with the products yourself. For example, sunflower oil is not suitable for this procedure.
The seal needs to be treated. When lubrication is completed, you need to inspect its outer and inner sides. Cracks and damage are the main causes of drafts.
Why do you need service?
Since a plastic window belongs to the category of complex products, it consists of many different elements: a frame profile, double-glazed windows, locking devices and fittings, sealing tape, as well as auxiliary parts: window sills, slopes, etc.
Blitz survey: Do you lubricate the fittings of your plastic window? From our previous article you can find out how and with what plastic windows are lubricated.
Each element, in turn, consists of a collection of simple parts, the correct operation of which depends on the regularity and quality of their care .
Most window owners prefer to service them themselves, wanting to save money on contacting specialists. This approach is only reasonable if you know exactly what work needs to be done on the window in different situations and know how to do it. Otherwise, it is wiser to turn to professionals - it will cost less than buying and installing a new window.
Replacing the seal
The seal loses its properties 3-5 years after the window is put into operation; after this period it must be replaced. Replacing the seal is part of preventive maintenance. It looks like a cord with a tubular or shaped cross-section and is made of rubber, silicone, EPDM. The materials have almost identical performance characteristics; service life depends on operating conditions and climatic conditions.
For replacement, it is better to choose European-made products. The materials you need to take are special glue and scissors for rubber.
Replacement is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- removing worn out seal;
- cleaning and degreasing of grooves;
- applying glue to the corners of the frame;
- inserting a new seal around the perimeter in one piece;
- cutting off the excess end and securing the joint with glue.
The key tip is to not pull the elastic too tightly; it should fit freely into the grooves. With a little skill, you can complete this task yourself.
Service - varieties
When used in difficult conditions, plastic windows may become partially deformed or slightly deviate from their original position. During normal inspection, such changes are invisible, but they cause difficulty opening/closing the window, damage to the profiles of the sashes or frame, as well as loss of thermal insulation and the formation of cracks in the structure.
In order to detect changes that have begun in time and avoid dire consequences, it is recommended to conclude a service agreement with the manufacturer at the same time as purchasing windows. Such an agreement provides for diagnostics of windows, their adjustment and elimination of problems at the time of detection or at a time convenient for the owner.
There are two types of service, and each type includes a specific list of works:
- One-time – after installation (or at the time specified by the client), windows are washed, fittings and seals are cleaned, adjusted and lubricated. This only happens once.
- Periodic - regular inspection of windows, their adjustment and adjustment, as well as identification of problems in the early stages and elimination of the causes of their occurrence. In addition to diagnostics and minor repairs of window elements, the contract provides for thorough cleaning of the channels, lubrication of the seal and locking mechanisms.
Expert commentary
Vladislav Dobronravov
Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media company
It is recommended to carry out one-time window maintenance at least 2 times a year. Work under a long-term service contract must be carried out at the same frequency.
Most service contracts also include the replacement of faulty fittings or the modernization of outdated ones, as well as the replacement of window seals.
Switching to winter (summer) mode
This is necessary for the profile to function normally and to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. Budget models rarely support this function; it is typical for the middle and high price segment.
To change the mode, do the following:
- We find the pressure rollers (their diameter is within 5-8 mm). They are located at the end of the sash at the junction with the frame. There may be several such videos, but you need to find them all.
- We are looking for risk on them. If the winter mode is set, it will be directed indoors. If it looks outside, it means it's in summer mode.
- Next, to change the mode, pull the roller towards you, and then change the position of the marks.
- We install it in its original position.
This procedure must be done with all rollers. Some models may require a hex wrench to turn.
Major repair of plastic windows
Unfortunately, not all repairs are carried out within the framework of a service agreement. Serious damage to the frame or glass, leading to cracks or destruction, is repaired at a cost and not always right away.
Replacing glass in a plastic window is not as easy as in traditional wooden structures. It is not possible to remove just one glass from a double-glazed window and replace it with another, simply securing it with a bead. The design of the double-glazed window is such that even one broken glass leads to its depressurization and loss of insulating characteristics. For this reason, a cracked or broken glass unit must be completely replaced.
The new part of the window is made to specific dimensions, so the dimensions of the window must be measured by specialists. The production of a double-glazed window, as a rule, takes 3-4 days, but then it is installed very quickly - it takes the master no more than 15 minutes.
links to materials that complement this article: How to adjust the pressure in a plastic window?
Blows from plastic windows. How to find and eliminate the causes?
What and how are plastic windows lubricated?
Adjustment
One of the most important stages of window maintenance is adjusting the sashes vertically and horizontally. During active use of the window unit, the fasteners weaken and the strips and components responsible for the tightness of the structure shift. The following problems indicate that the window needs to be adjusted:
- blowing and freezing;
- the appearance of condensation on glass;
- visible distortion;
- Difficulty closing the sash all the way.
Some adjust the sashes before the onset of the summer and winter seasons, specifically reducing the degree of pressing of the sashes before the warm season and firmly fixing them before the onset of cold weather.
Additional services for installation and maintenance of plastic windows
When ordering the installation of plastic windows, many buyers seek to save money and do not include finishing work in the contract. Of course, you can cope with sealing, finishing and decorating seams, as well as installing slopes yourself, but the result often disappoints the unlucky owners. It is not so easy to finish a window in a high-quality, neat and aesthetically pleasing manner. If you have already splurged on a good and beautiful window, then you should not save on its installation - after all, the result will please you for many years.
At the request of the client, most manufacturers can convert a blind window into an active one by inserting a hinged sash (or sashes). The service is very useful for those who do not have the funds to purchase a new product - such a transformation will cost almost 50% less.
As an additional useful accessory, all manufacturers strongly recommend purchasing a mosquito net. This is a very practical and useful element, especially for apartments on the lower floors of high-rise buildings and for private houses. Previously, many buyers refused it due to low aesthetics and inconvenient fastening, but today the mesh can be made to order and independently select reliable elements for its fastening.
Peculiarities
Prevention of plastic windows must be carried out taking into account the following nuances:
- Now there is a special kit designed for servicing structures. It usually includes profile and glass care products and lubricant for mechanisms. Sometimes it contains a rust remover and a rubber gasket elasticizer. But these products can be purchased separately, which will be cheaper.
- Polyvinyl chloride is not as strong and durable as advertised. It is harmful to exposure to alkalis, acids, solvents and other aggressive liquids. The design is easy to clean with regular dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge. But abrasive compounds are not suitable.
- To improve the appearance of glass, you can use any glass cleaner.
- Moving metal elements are perfectly lubricated with machine oil.
- If you need a liquid to remove rust, you can use an effective aerosol labeled VD-40. It is also used to lubricate window mechanisms.
- Rubber and polymer seals often deteriorate. The service life of these elements is 3-7 years. If you take care of them, you will be able to extend their service life. Therefore, in the off-season they are lubricated with silicone.
It is necessary to regularly ventilate the room. The PVC profile is highly airtight, so it almost does not let air in from the street. Because of this, moisture regularly accumulates in it. It manifests itself in cold areas in the form of condensation and fogging. In severe frosts, ice may form. To avoid this, it is necessary to reduce the humidity in the room through regular ventilation.
Why is it better to contact a specialist?
As we have already seen, you can do it yourself by switching windows to winter mode, but the demand for this service does not weaken. Why do people prefer to spend money on the services of masters? We conducted a small survey and identified the most common reasons:
- Firstly, many simply do not want to lose the quality guarantee, since the intervention of non-professionals in the window system eliminates the responsibility of the installer company.
- Secondly, owners of expensive windows are afraid of damaging a valuable structure, since the possible costs of repairing it exceed the cost of calling an adjuster several times.
- Thirdly, some simply do not understand how to regulate the system on their own, no matter how much it is explained to them. This position is understandable - it is quite difficult to understand all these terms and designations.
For whatever reasons you decide to contact the specialists of the Window Repair Service company, you can be sure of high quality service.
