Maintenance of PVC windows

Recommendation points

• PVC window frame care
• Caring for rubber seals
• Window drainage maintenance
• Maintenance of PVC window fittings
• Maintenance of double-glazed windows of PVC windows

Of course, plastic windows, unlike old wooden ones, have many advantages. And one of them is that PVC windows are less whimsical to maintain. After all, if you remember the use of an old wooden window, then there will be few positive emotions..

Constant painting, insulation, washing gave a lot of trouble to their “happy” owners. The situation changed with the advent of plastic windows. Of course, many will say something like this: “…. I have been using windows for several years now, and I don’t do anything with them at all…. And everything is fine, everything works….”. But, as they say, for the time being. And it’s better to spend 20 minutes every six months on caring for the product than to buy a new one later or pay a decent amount for repairs. Let’s figure out how to properly care for PVC windows.

PVC window frame care

When washing the plastic window profile, first of all, you need to remove dust and dirt from the surface. Unlike wooden windows, the surface of the plastic profile is smooth, without embossing and microcracks. Therefore, it is easy to remove dust with a soft cloth (preferably microfiber) or a sponge. Do not use scouring pads and cleaning agents that contain abrasive grit (for example, “Pemolux”). This also includes acidic and alkaline solutions, solvent and acetone. The use of these chemical solutions will damage the PVC profile..

A simple soap solution or products that do not contain acidic solutions can be an excellent option for care. Such detergents can be bought in stores without any problems. It is better to purchase detergents with a liquid consistency, and use a soft cloth to apply to the frames. There are also special compositions for the care of plastic window profiles. They are most often sold through a window manufacturer’s representative. After washing, wipe the window frame with a damp or dry cloth or soft cloth. Powder cleaners are not recommended at all, as they can roughen the plastic surface. If it so happens that after installing the windows, some contamination (grease or window markings) remains on the frame, they can be easily removed in the same way with a soap solution.

Caring for rubber seals

Seals for PVC windows are located along the perimeter of the sashes and are designed to fit the windows tightly, to protect them from wind, rain and snow. As you can see, they are responsible for tightness, heat and sound insulation. Seals provide these properties due to their strength, elasticity. Seals for PVC windows are made from modern materials, but over the years any material loses its basic qualities. Care must be taken to ensure that they do not crack and lose their elasticity. You can extend the life of the seal in the following way. After removing dirt and dust from it, you need to apply a little silicone grease to the surface. If there is no such lubricant, then you can take glycerin-based products. Then rub evenly over the entire surface of the seal with a soft cloth. It is strictly forbidden to use a solvent to clean the seal, as it has a destructive effect on rubber. It is enough to lubricate the seals twice a year – in autumn and spring. Such care will keep the elasticity of the rubber. And the reward will be reliable protection from precipitation and drafts. If over time the gaskets of the seal lose their elasticity, cracks appear on them, then they must be replaced with new ones. Competent care of rubber seals allows you to extend their operation up to five years.

Window drainage maintenance

There are drainage holes at the bottom of the plastic windows, which are designed to drain water that accumulates inside. Over time, dust and dirt particles can also accumulate in these channels, a large amount of which threatens to clog. Therefore, from time to time it is necessary to clean the drainage channels and drainage holes of the window. This procedure is best carried out in the fall, when the likelihood of blockage is highest..

Maintenance of PVC window fittings

The correct operation of the window mainly depends on how well the window fittings function. This is the most difficult element of the window and at the same time the structural element that is subject to the greatest stress and wear. Care of window fittings should be given close attention. First of all, moving parts must be lubricated with special agents such as machine oils or synthetic-based fluids. This will ensure the stable operation of the entire window system. In order for the elements of the fittings to be constantly in working order, it is necessary to avoid the ingress of foreign objects into the movable units, between the frame and the sash. No need to hang clothes on the sashes (often this is done to dry) or other foreign objects.

Maintenance of double-glazed windows of PVC windows

Warm water with a liquid dish or glass detergent is ideal for cleaning windows. Do not use powdered cleaners or solutions that contain alcohol. It is strictly forbidden to remove glass contamination with sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers, etc.). For tinted glass units, exactly the same rules apply (since the tint film is installed on the inside of the glass unit). Care should be taken when choosing detergents for glass units. The best option would be to apply the detergent to a small area of ​​the glass, look at its effect, and only then proceed to completely wash the window..

These are the basic methods of caring for PVC windows. As you can see, they are not so labor-consuming and do not require spending large sums of money, and often you can generally “get off” with improvised household tools. Following these tips will significantly extend the life of a product that serves as a fine line between your home and the world around you..