Plastic windows and doors are already an integral part of our homes. At the same time, their service life is not always as long as advertising shows. Some problems can be fixed quite easily on your own, and sometimes, unfortunately, the problem cannot be solved without the help of a wizard. The method of performing repair work is selected based on the material and type of construction. The most popular product is PVC, so we will pay special attention to its repair.
Main properties of plastic windows
PVC windows have many properties and advantages that make them so popular among buyers. Plastic window blocks have high noise reduction and tightness, which ensures a warm temperature in the cold season. The frames are easy to maintain, a regular wipe with a damp cloth will suffice.
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 changes. They have only one drawback - damage to mechanisms and parts during use. However, many of them are easy to handle on their own by repairing and adjusting plastic windows. How to do it - further.
How to repair a plastic window yourself
Prevent serious damage and breakdowns can be prevented every 3-4 years. Before repairing and adjusting plastic windows, you must:
- Check the condition of the mounting seams and the degree of wear of the insulation. Possibly, if necessary, it will be necessary to replace unusable materials.
- Adjust the movement of the valves. When moving them, there should be no friction and no interference.
- Lubricate and replace unusable mechanical parts in time.
If preventive maintenance is carried out on time, the life of plastic window blocks can be up to five decades.
If the operation of the products is correct, the number of malfunctions can be reduced to a minimum. Let's consider further how to repair a plastic window for various breakdowns.
The most common breakdowns
The most common breakdowns include:
- mechanism failure;
- sag sagging;
- shrinkage or rupture of the seal;
- conversion of the profile geometry of the window structure;
- isolation of the condensation product;
- when the PVC window is closed, the room is too sealed.
Regularly inspecting for these problems will eliminate the need to purchase a new window unit.
Let's consider further the instructions for the repair of plastic windows.
Repair of hardware mechanisms
From the entire window structure, fittings are subject to the greatest loads during use. The handle is used most often, so it is the most likely to fail.
Let's consider how to repair the handle on a plastic window
How to remove the shaky handle?
Usually repairing window fittings does not cause much difficulty. If the handle wobbles slightly from side to side when operating, just tighten the fasteners:
- To repair a plastic window, you first need to lift the protective plate under the handle. This action requires care, do not use sharp tools, because they can damage the surface.
- The handle is then turned over and fixed at a right angle, and the bolts from the inside are tightened with a Phillips screwdriver.
How to replace the handle?
If it is impossible to repair plastic window hardware, it will have to be replaced. Changehandles are time and effort consuming work, but this action can also be performed without the help of craftsmen. How to repair the plastic window in this case?
- First of all, as in the previous case, lift the rectangular pad, turn the handle to a right angle position 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 old one, fastened and covered with a protective plate.
How to increase the ease of movement of the leaves?
Let's consider how to repair the sash of a plastic window. Rigid leaf movement is a fairly common malfunction, but, nevertheless, easily solved. The work plan includes:
- Dismantling the previous handle.
- Cleaning the mechanism from dirt.
- Lubrication with oil (such as WD-40) on moving parts.
- Assembly of the system and installation in reverse position.
If jamming occurs when the locking mechanism fails, there is inconvenience when changing the position of the open window. How to repair a plastic window? To solve the problem, you need to produce:
- Retracting the blocking lever located at the end of the window structure.
- Ensuring smooth movement 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 fittings. Mechanisms need to be checked about twice a 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 sashes can prevent wear. The increase in sealing is facilitated by the rotation of the convex part of the trunnion or eccentric towards the inner part of the window block. If you need to make the gap larger, you need to turn the part in the opposite direction. How to repair a plastic window with such a breakdown?
Most common ways to adjust parts:
- Lifting the trunnion (by hand or with a tool) and turning it.
- Turn the flat stud using a screwdriver.
- Capture of the trunnion with pliers and easy scrolling.
It is necessary to carry out such adjustments at least twice a year. This will extend the life of the rubber seal, eliminating the need for complex repairs.
Mosquito net repair
Mosquito net is a necessary addition to a plastic window, which provides reliable protection of the room from insects. After some time, this product may lose its aesthetics, wear out, tear.
If only one is brokencorner, for example, the top, you can remove only the top bar.
Let's consider how to repair the mesh on plastic windows. For this you need:
- Pry off the sealing cord with a screwdriver.
- Pull on it and get it out of the groove of the top bar.
- You can try to pull the bar up, if not, 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 top bar, then connect the parts of the structure.
- Spread the edge of the mesh, pull it slightly and start laying the seal in the groove of the frame.
If the mesh fabric is torn, it is best to purchase a new one and install it in a frame. For this you need:
- Pry off the sealing cord from the back and pull it out. This will completely release the mesh, making it easy to remove and discard.
- Attach the mesh to the frame and start from one side to insert the sealing cord back into the groove.
How to repair window structure mechanisms?
Let's 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 step 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 the sellers will consult with the choice.
Consider further howrepair the plastic window closing mechanism.
How to fix 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 installed on the window hardware provides good protection against dangerous situations and accidents. It needs to be repaired if it occurs:
- mechanical failure;
- detection of production defects.
Changing the lock is much more economical than replacing the entire fittings of the window structure. A timely repair of plastic window fittings helps the structure to return to its original functioning.
How to fix a leak?
If it is noticed that the fit of the window sashes is broken, because of which the windows are blown through, it means that the seal has undergone shrinkage and has lost its elasticity. It is likely that the hardware mechanisms could be broken, due to which the window sashes cannot be pressed tightly, and a gap is formed. Usually, the use of additional insulation materials does not solve the problem, but only hides it for a while. And during the onset of the cold season, all the shortcomings will definitely come out.
How to insulate a window structure? Work steps
- Close inspection of the window unit to determine the cause of the problem.
- Regulating the functionality of fittings, cleaning them from dirt and lubricating mechanical parts.
- Careful inspection of the sealing material. Change of unfitplots, 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 should I do if there are leak problems?
If the window sashes, at first glance, fit well to the window frame, but it is still blown through, you need to fix the problem. In such a situation, gluing with adhesive tape or glue will not help, but will only exacerbate the problem. And this threatens with further replacement, in addition to the fitting mechanisms, of the entire window structure.
Probably, the window is blown due to worn-out fittings or parts thereof. If you can identify the problem yourself, then it is better to replace the part.
The reason may be the wear of the sealing gum, which in this case falls out of the grooves. Due to incorrect positioning, the seal is exposed to more force than necessary, the material wears out and dries. You can solve the problem by replacing the seal and further adjusting its condition.
Incorrectly adjusted window sashes, loose bottom hinges or oversights when installing back bars can violate the level of tightness. Before solving the problem, it is required to identify the exact cause of the difficulty.
Another reason for creating problems may be improper installation of the window sill and window sill. For their installation, mounting foam is required, which contributes to the creation of absolute tightness of window structures. On top of the mounting foam, it is better to apply a plaster that preventsdestruction of the material. If you feel blowing from the bottom of the window sill, it is important to inspect the external seams for violations of their condition, and if necessary, you need to reinstall the window sill.
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 replacing parts to regulation, cleaning and regular maintenance. However, if a situation arises that requires a thorough repair, it is better to seek help from professionals who are guaranteed to do everything well and efficiently.
