Currently, PVC windows are found everywhere: they are installed in residential buildings, office buildings, and even in garages and bathhouses. Accordingly, more and more companies offer their services for the installation and maintenance of such products. It would seem that such popularity should serve as a guarantee of the quality of the goods, however, one of the most popular Internet queries is: how to repair plastic windows at home with your own hands. What is it connected with? The fact is that plastic windows need regular maintenance, which people often neglect. As a result, the seals wear out, the locking mechanism does not work well, the handles fail, the plastic window does not open or the window opens in two positions at the same time. The problems that have arisen can be solved in two ways: seek help from specialists or repair plastic windows with your own hands. Please note that not all faults can be repaired by yourself. Let's look at how to solve common problems.
Handle Defect
A common problem with plastic windows is a loose handle. As a result, window sashes do not close or open in several positions at once. In addition, the handle may become loose or too tight, which also adversely affects its performance. At first glance, this element looks monolithic, so the first thought is to call the wizard and replace the mechanism. In fact, pen problems can be solved by yourself. Here's how to do it:
- backlash. With frequent use, the fixing bolts may loosen at the handle, respectively, the design has become loose and cannot perform its functions. You can fix the problem like this: at the base of the handle lies a rectangular plate, you need to pry it and turn it. This opens access to the mounting bolts, which must be tightened to the stop with a Phillips screwdriver.
- Jamming. If the handle does not turn well, this indicates contamination of the mechanism or excessive tightening of the mounting bolts. You can correct the situation according to the above scheme: remove the decorative cover, only the bolts should not be tightened, but loosened. If this does not help, the handle is completely dismantled, all elements are cleaned of dust, lubricated and reinstalled.
- Breaking. It also happens that the handle just broke, so it can not be repaired. In this case, you need to remove the failed element. To do this, turn the broken handle to the “open” position, pick up and unfold the decorative trim, opening access to the mounting bolts. Unscrew the fasteners completely, remove the old handle and install a new element.
Presser adjustment
If it blows from plastic windows, this indicates the need to adjust the clamping mechanism or the wear of the seals. First, let's look at how the fittings are adjusted. It blows from plastic windows only in case of violation of the tightness of the double-glazed window: there is no alignment of the two adjacent sashes. To fix the problem, you need to adjust the eccentrics located at the ends of the frame. To do this, you need a hexagon of a suitable diameter.
When adjusting, we advise you not to be too zealous: you only need to tighten the fittings by a couple of millimeters. Thus, you will have a reserve for subsequent adjustments. Adjustment is only necessary when the doors are fully open. We alternately insert the hexagon into the upper and lower eccentrics, turn it clockwise and the glass rises noticeably. If you turn in the opposite direction, the sash will lower.
Sometimes eccentrics are not adjustable.Then you need to adjust the response mechanism, which is located on the opposite side. This element is fixed to the frame with two bolts, by loosening which you can move the locking device in the desired direction.
Please note that there are special notches on the eccentrics and locking pins that simplify the seasonal adjustment of double-glazed windows. For example, in winter, the notch should look towards the street, in summer - inside the room.
Usually windows work in three positions: open, closed and airing. Sometimes the sash works simultaneously in two positions, which indicates a malfunction of the folding mechanism. This element can also be adjusted by hand. It is done like this:
- We open the window.
- From the end, the lock mechanism will be clearly visible, which must be pressed and at the same time turn the handle to the ventilation position.
- The window sash will come out of the groove and the folding mechanism will appear to your attention.
- Adjustment is carried out using a hexagon, small turns in the right direction.
Hardware cleaning
The main problem of plastic windows is the contamination of fittings. The ingress of dust into rubbing mechanisms disrupts the operation of the entire PVC structure. To remedy the situation, the fittings must be completely dismantled from the sash and thoroughly cleaned. Please note that before starting work, it is better to take a picture of the end part of the window so that there are no problems with installing the fittings in place.
Having taken precautions, we unscrew the elements with a screwdriver, lay them out on a flat surface, then thoroughly wipe each element with a rag. Then lubricate the parts and install in place. Manufacturers recommend cleaning accessories at least twice a year. During scheduled maintenance, the elements can not be removed from the frame structure.
You can completely change the hardware. To do this, you need to remove the element, look at the marking and place an order on the manufacturer's website or in a store.
Replacing rubber seals
If adjusting the fittings did not help and still blowing from the plastic window, you need to change the rubber bands that ensure the tightness of the double-glazed window. Manufacturers strongly recommend taking care of the rubber seals, regularly wiping with a damp cloth and lubricating with silicone grease. People usually do not do this, as a result, the rubber begins to break down, which negatively affects the tightness of the windows.
Changing the seal is not difficult: it is commercially available at any hardware store. Before buying, you need to measure the dimensions from the old gum. Please note that two seals are usually installed in plastic windows: external and internal. We recommend replacing two circuits at once.
Replacing the seal is as follows:
- We remove old rubber bands.
- We wash the groove, eliminating traces of dirt.
- We insert a new seal, driving it into the groove with any suitable tool.
- We glue the joints.
Glass replacement
There are situations when the glass is broken by negligence. Repairing such damage will not work: glass replacement is needed. Please note that this is the most expensive case of plastic window repair, so contacting specialists will cost a pretty penny. To repair a double-glazed window, glass will have to be ordered, and you can save on the services of specialists if you do it yourself. It is not as difficult as it seems at first glance.
First you need to order a new glass. To do this, you need to know exactly the dimensions of the double-glazed window. To measure the glass, you do not need to pull it out, just measure the distance between the glazing beads and subtract 15 millimeters on each side from the result. Having placed an order according to the received sizes, it remains only to wait for delivery.When the new glass is delivered, the old glass must be dismantled. To do this, it is necessary to dismantle the clamping beads. To remove the bead, you will need a spatula and a rubber mallet. The procedure looks like this: the spatula is inserted into the gap between the glass and the frame, the glazing bead is disconnected with light taps of the mallet. The procedure is repeated around the entire perimeter of the window.
It is better to change the glass together: it is quite heavy. Please note that there is usually a gasket under the glazing bead, which is useful for installing a new double-glazed window. When the glazing beads are removed, the glass is removed, and the surface of the frame is washed with warm water. The installation process takes place in the reverse order: the glass is put in place, the gasket is installed, the glazing bead is clogged.
Repairing plastic windows with your own hands is a rather time-consuming process. It should be approached with all responsibility, usually fittings and other elements are quite fragile, so any excessive force can cause mechanical damage to the part. In order not to have to repair a double-glazed window, do not forget about the maintenance of PVC windows. Manufacturers recommend doing this at least twice a year, before the cold and warm seasons.
