DIY plastic window repair at home

Currently, PVC windows are found everywhere: they are installed in residential buildings, office rooms, 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 the reason for this? 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 opened in two positions at the same time. The problems you may have can be solved in two ways: seek the help of specialists or repair the plastic windows with your own hands. Please note that not all malfunctions can be fixed by yourself. Consider how to solve common problems.

Handle defect

A common problem with plastic windows is that the handle is loose. As a result, the casement windows do not close or open at once in several positions. In addition, the handle may loosen or be too tight, which also negatively affects its performance. At first glance, this element looks monolithic, so the first thought: call the wizard and replace the mechanism. In fact, problems with the pen can be solved independently. Here's how to do it:

• Backlash. With frequent use, the fixing bolts can loosen at the handle; accordingly, the design is loose and cannot fulfill its functions. You can fix the problem this way: at the base of the handle is a rectangular plate, you need to pry it and turn it. This opens up access to the mounting bolts, which must be tightened to the stop with a Phillips screwdriver.

• Seizing up. If the handle does not rotate well, this indicates a contaminated mechanism or excessive tightening of the mounting bolts. You can correct the situation according to the above diagram: remove the decorative cover, only the bolts need not be tightened, but loosened. If this does not help, the handle is completely dismantled, all the elements are cleaned of dust, lubricated and replaced.
• Breakage It also happens that the handle just broke, so you can not repair it. In this case, you need to remove the failed element. To do this, the broken handle is turned to the “open” position, pick up and unfold the decorative plate, allowing access to the mounting bolts. Unscrew the fasteners completely, remove the old handle and install a new element.

Clamp Adjustment

If blowing from plastic windows, this indicates the need to adjust the clamping mechanism or wear of the seals. To begin, consider how to adjust the fittings. Blowing out of plastic windows only in case of a violation of the tightness of the double-glazed window: there is no alignment of two adjacent wings. To fix the problem you need to adjust the eccentrics located on the ends of the frame. To do this, you need a hexagon of 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 with the sashes fully open. Alternately insert the hex into the upper and lower eccentric, turn clockwise and the glass rises noticeably. If you turn in the opposite direction, the sash will lower.

Sometimes eccentrics cannot be adjusted. Then you need to configure the response mechanism, which is located on the opposite side. This element is fixed to the frame with two bolts, loosening which you can move the locking device in the desired direction.

Please note that eccentrics and locking trunnions have special notches that simplify the seasonal adjustment of the double-glazed windows. For example, in winter, the notch should look towards the street, in summer - inside the room.

Typically, windows work in three positions: open, closed and airing. Sometimes the sash triggers simultaneously in two positions, which indicates a malfunction of the folding mechanism. This item can also be adjusted by yourself. It is done like this:

• Open the window.
• From the end, the locking mechanism will be clearly visible, which must be pressed, and at the same time turn the knob to the ventilation position.
• The window shutter will come out of the groove and the folding mechanism will appear before your attention.
• Adjustment is carried out using a hexagon, with small turns in the right direction.

Hardware cleaning

The main problem of plastic windows is hardware contamination. The ingress of dust into friction mechanisms disrupts the operation of the entire PVC structure. To remedy the situation, the hardware must be completely removed from the sash and thoroughly cleaned. Please note that before starting work it is better to photograph the end part of the window so that there are no problems with installing the hardware in place.

Taking precautions, we unscrew the elements with a screwdriver, lay them out on a flat surface, then carefully wipe each element with a rag. Then we lubricate the parts and install in place. Manufacturers recommend cleaning hardware at least twice a year. With scheduled maintenance, the elements can not be removed from the frame design.

You can completely change the fittings. To do this, remove the item, look at the markings and place an order on the manufacturer’s website or in the store.

Replacing rubber bands

If the adjustment of the fittings did not help and still blows out of the plastic window, you need to change the elastic bands that ensure the tightness of the glass. Manufacturers strongly recommend that you take care of the rubber bands, wipe them regularly with a damp cloth, and lubricate 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.

It is not difficult to change the sealant: it is commercially available at any hardware store. Before buying, you need to remove the dimensions from the old gum. Please note that usually two seals are installed in plastic windows: external and internal. We recommend replacing two circuits at once.

Replacing the seal is as follows:

1. We remove the old rubber bands.
2. We wash the groove, eliminating traces of contamination.
3. We insert a new seal, driving it into the groove with any suitable tool.
4. We glue the joints.

Glass replacement

There are situations when the glass was broken by negligence. It will not be possible to repair such damage: a glass replacement is needed. Please note that this is the most expensive case of repairing a plastic window, so contacting specialists will cost you a pretty penny. In order to repair a double-glazed window, you will have to order glass, and you can save on the services of specialists if you do the replacement 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 size of the glass. To measure the glass, it does not need to be pulled out, it is enough to measure the distance between the glazing beads and subtract 15 millimeters on each side from the result. Having made an order for the received sizes, it remains only to wait for delivery. When the new glass is delivered, you need to dismantle the old. To do this, dismantle the clamping beads. To remove the glazing bead, you will need a spatula and a rubber mallet. The procedure is as follows: a spatula is inserted into the gap between the glass and the frame, with a light tapping of a mallet, the glazing bead is disconnected. The procedure is repeated around the perimeter of the window.

It is better to change glass together: it is rather heavy. Please note that under the glazing bead there is usually a gasket that 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.

DIY plastic window repair is a rather time-consuming process. It should be approached with all responsibility, usually the 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 the 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.