Plastic windows and doors are already an integral part of our homes. Moreover, their service life is not always as long as the advertisement shows. Some problems can be quite easily fixed on their own, and sometimes, unfortunately, the problem cannot be solved without the help of a wizard. The method of repair work is selected based on the material and type of construction. The most popular products are PVC, so we will pay special attention to its repair.
The main properties of plastic windows
Windows made of PVC materials have many properties and advantages that cause such popularity among buyers. Plastic window blocks have high noise reduction and tightness, which ensures a warm temperature in the cold season. Frames do not require complicated maintenance; regular wiping with a damp cloth is enough.
The period of operation of plastic windows is usually very long due to the fact that their material is resistant to weather conditions, light, temperature extremes. They have only one drawback - damage to mechanisms and parts during use. However, it is not difficult to cope with many of them on their own by repairing and adjusting plastic windows. How to do this - next.
How to repair a plastic window yourself
Serious damage and breakdowns can be prevented once every 3-4 years. Before you repair and adjust plastic windows, you must:
- Check the condition of the installation joints and the degree of wear of the insulation. Probably, if necessary, it will be necessary to replace unsuitable materials.
- Adjust the leaflet movement. When moving, there should be no friction or interference.
- Lubricate and change mechanical parts unsuitable for use in time.
If preventive measures are taken on time, the period of use of plastic window blocks can be up to five decades.
If the operation of the products is correct, the number of faults can be reduced to a minimum. Further we will consider how to repair a plastic window in case of various breakdowns.
The most common breakdowns
The most common failures include:
- breakdown of mechanisms;
- sagging sashes;
- shrinkage or rupture of the seal;
- transformation of the geometry of the profile of the window structure;
- condensation product isolation;
- with a closed PVC window, the room is too tight.
Regular inspection for these problems will eliminate the need to purchase a new window unit.
Next, consider the instructions for repairing plastic windows.
Repair of fittings mechanisms
Of the entire window construction, the fittings are subject to the greatest loads when used. The pen is most often used, so it most often fails.
Consider how to repair a handle on a plastic window
How to remove the looseness of the handle?
Typically, window hardware repairs do not cause much difficulty. If during operation of the handle there is a slight swaying from side to side, it is only enough to tighten the fasteners:
- To repair a plastic window, you first need to lift the protective plate under the handle. Performing this action requires accuracy, you can not use sharp tools, because they can harm the surface.
- Then the handle is turned over and fixed at a right angle, and the bolts inside are tightened with a Phillips screwdriver.
How to replace the pen?
If it is impossible to repair the hardware of plastic windows, it will have to be replaced. Changing the handle is a time-consuming and time-consuming job, but this action can also be performed without the help of masters. How to repair a plastic window in this case?
- The first step is to, as in the previous case, raise the rectangular pad, turn the handle to a position at right angles and remove the mounting bolts.
- Next, you need to slightly loosen the part and pull it out of the grooves.
- The new product is placed in place of the previous one, fastened and covered with a protective plate.
How to increase the ease of movement of the leaves?
Consider how to repair a plastic window sash. The hard course of the flaps is a fairly common malfunction, but nevertheless easily resolved. The work plan includes:
- Removing the previous handle.
- Cleaning the mechanism of dirt.
- Oil lubrication (e.g. WD-40) of moving parts.
- Assembly of the system and installation in the reverse position.
If jamming occurs when the locking mechanism malfunctions, there is inconvenience when changing the position of an open window. How to repair a plastic window? To solve the problem you need to produce:
- The removal of the locking lever located at the end of the window structure.
- Ensuring easy operation of the lever system.
To reduce the likelihood of malfunctions, you need to choose high-quality windows from well-established manufacturers and purchase high-quality hardware parts. Mechanisms should be checked about two times during the year.
Seal installation
The rubber seal is located along the full perimeter of the window frame. Thanks to him, the room is sealed and soundproofed. Over time, the sealing gum wears out and its volume decreases. Because of this, gaps appear in the sashes, which violates the properties of the plastic window, and there is a possibility of deformation of the product.
Regular adjustment of the wings can prevent wear. Increasing the sealing is facilitated by turning the convex part of the trunnion or eccentric towards the inside of the window unit. If you want to make the gap larger, you need to turn the part in the opposite direction. How to repair a plastic window in case of such a breakdown?
The most common ways to adjust parts:
- Raising the trunnion (by hand or using a tool) and turning it.
- Rotate the flat pin using a screwdriver.
- Capture of a pin with pliers and not difficult scrolling.
It is necessary to carry out such settings from two times a year. This will extend the operating time of the sealing gum, eliminating the need for complex repairs.
Mosquito net repair
Mosquito net - a necessary addition to the plastic window, which provides reliable protection of the room from insects. After some time, this product may lose its aesthetics, wear and tear.
If only one corner is broken, for example, the top, only the top bar can be removed.
Let's consider how to repair a grid on plastic windows. To do this, you need:
- Pry off the sealing cord with a screwdriver.
- Pull it and remove the upper bar from the groove.
- You can try to pull the bar up, if it doesn’t work, you need to use a wooden bar and a hammer.
- Remove the broken parts of the corner from the grooves with a screwdriver or pliers.
- Attach the corners to the upper bar, then connect the parts of the structure.
- To straighten the edge of the mesh, pull it slightly and begin to put the seal in the groove of the frame.
If the mesh canvas is torn, it is most advisable to purchase a new one and install it in the frame. To do this, you need:
- Pry the sealing cord from the back and pull it out. This will completely free the grid, easy to remove and discard.
- Attach a grid to the frame and start, on one side, insert the sealing cord back into the groove.
How to repair window construction mechanisms?
Consider what to do if the plastic window does not close. How to repair it in this case?
To successfully repair the mechanical parts of a window, the first thing to do is to correctly identify the cause of the damage. If one specific part fails, it should be replaced, and if the whole mechanism breaks down, it must be completely replaced with a new one. To buy the necessary parts, it is better to contact a special store where sellers will consult with a choice.
Let us further consider how to repair the closing mechanism of a plastic window.
How to eliminate damage and breakage of the lock
Lock mechanisms are most often used in window structures installed in the rooms of young children. This is done to provide enhanced security. The lock mechanism mounted on window fittings protects well from dangerous situations and accidents. It is required to repair it if it occurs:
- mechanical failure;
- detection of productive defects.
Changing a lock is much more economical than replacing all the fittings of a window construction. A timely repair of plastic window fittings helps the design return to its original functioning.
How to eliminate the broken tightness?
If it is noticed that the fit of the window sashes is broken, due to which the windows are blown, then the seal has shrunk and has lost elasticity. It is likely that the mechanisms of the fittings could be disturbed, because of which the sash windows can not be pressed tightly, and a gap is formed. Usually the use of additional insulation materials does not solve the problem, but only temporarily hides it. And during the onset of the cold season, all the shortcomings will certainly emerge.
How to insulate a window structure? Work Stages
- Closer inspection of the window unit to determine the cause of the problem.
- Regulation of the functionality of the hardware, cleaning it from dirt and lubricating the mechanical parts.
- Thorough inspection of the sealing material. Change of unsuitable sites, if required.
- Adjustment of clamping mechanisms that affect the level of sealing of the window structure.
- Inspection of mounting joints, removal of found problems.
What to do if tightness problems remain?
If the casement window, at first glance, fits well to the window frame, but still it is blown, you need to fix the problem. In such a situation, gluing with tape or glue will not help, but will only aggravate the problem. And this threatens with a further replacement, in addition to the hardware mechanisms of the entire window structure.
Probably, the window is blown due to the worn out accessories or parts thereof. If you can identify the problem yourself, it is better to replace the part.
The reason may be the wear of the sealing gum, which then falls out of the grooves. Due to improper positioning, more impact is exerted on the seal than necessary; the material wears out and dries. The problem can be solved by replacing the seal and further regulating its condition.
Incorrectly adjusted window sashes, loosened lower hinges or oversights when installing back plates can violate the level of tightness. Before solving the problem, it is necessary to identify the exact cause of the difficulty.
Another reason for creating problems may be improper installation of the window sill and window tide. Their installation requires mounting foam, which contributes to the creation of absolute tightness of window structures. On top of the mounting foam it is better to apply a plaster to prevent the destruction of the material. If there is a blowing from the bottom of the windowsill, it is important to inspect the external seams for violations of their condition, and if necessary, you need to reinstall the windowsill.
Conclusion
Plastic window structures are designed in such a way that they can be repaired without involving professionals, only by their own efforts. You can do almost everything with your own hands: from replacement of parts to regulation, cleaning and regular maintenance. However, if a situation arises that requires a thorough repair, it is better to seek the help of professionals who will do everything guaranteed with good and high quality.