How to properly care for plastic windows with your own hands, a review of the best tools
If you follow the rules for caring for plastic windows, it will be possible to extend their service life for many years. Each structural element must be periodically checked, adjusted and treated preventively. If a part breaks down, they replace it themselves or call in professionals. Special tools will help keep the windows in good condition.
Rules for maintaining a double-glazed window
In order for plastic windows to retain their original appearance and functionality for a long time, certain requirements and maintenance tips must be observed:
- It is enough to wipe the profile with a damp cloth from time to time. In case of contamination, use a soapy solution.
- Glass washing is carried out in two stages. First, the deposited dust is washed off with a cloth and warm water.
- Then the glass is wiped with special detergents. In addition to ready-made preparations, the composition is easy to prepare yourself.Vinegar, ammonia or salt solutions are effective.
- The rubber seal and fittings are cleaned separately.
The main thing is not to use formulations containing abrasive particles, acid components and solvents.
How to take care of fittings
Construction fittings are designed to facilitate the use of the window. Using the handle, it is possible to turn and tilt the sashes, adjust the ventilation mode. Some models offer a sag protection mechanism.
General rules
Gentle care is required for metal elements and mechanisms. It is necessary to remove accumulated dirt every year and remove old grease. This can be done with soapy water.
After cleaning the parts, they are oiled again.
Basic rules to follow when servicing PVC construction fittings:
- do not use water, as rust may appear;
- it is forbidden to lubricate the parts with solvents containing acids and resins;
- wipe metal parts only with soft brushes or soft, short-haired cloths;
- Moving parts should be lubricated with oil every three years.
Lubricants
The lubricant is applied to all places where there is friction on all surfaces.
Solidol
A well-known lubricant is grease. The layer that remains after applying the composition to the surface protects against moisture and dust. The components are non-toxic and are characterized by high anti-corrosion activity.
Vaseline
The product is suitable for the lubrication of rubber seals. It is strictly forbidden to use petroleum jelly to treat the mechanisms:
- The oily base perfectly softens the rubber.
- The composition does not dissolve when exposed to water, which is good in rainy weather.
With significant temperature changes, reapplication of the product is necessary. At temperatures above +26 degrees, it begins to melt, and at temperatures below -24, the composition begins to freeze.
Machine oil
A popular type of lubricant is machine oil. The composition is viscous, but at low temperatures it exhibits the property of fluidity. Therefore, it can run away from the freezing winter days. In this case, impurities of metal dust are observed, which appeared during the friction of the mechanisms. When using machine oil, the dosage must be observed. On moving parts, just apply a few drops of the selected product.
Silicone based oil
Silicone-based lubricants have many advantages:
- withstand low and high temperatures;
- the formulations are resistant to oxidation;
- as part of components that are safe for people;
- have high moisture resistance;
- protect the surface from corrosion;
- silicone grease is not a flammable substance.
The only drawback of the silicone composition is that it is difficult to wash off even with the use of solvents. It is better to choose a product in the form of an aerosol. A small amount of oil is evenly distributed over the entire surface to be treated. Famous silicone lubricants include: EFELE UNI-S Spray, Liqui Moly Silicon-Spray, Silicot, Eltrans.
Special means
The best solution is to select special formulations to lubricate all parts. Well-known companies, such as Kaleva, Rehau, offer effective and safe formulations.A special grease is produced for the joint. Products from the Fenosol company are popular.
WD-40
This aerosol has several advantages:
- the lubricant provides long-term protection against dust and moisture;
- protects against corrosion;
- a thin layer is created, which quickly activates all mechanisms;
- contains ingredients safe for others, including white spirit.
A small amount of the composition is evenly distributed over the treated surface. The liquid quickly penetrates all the holes and solidifies.
How to lubricate
Before lubricating the parts, they are cleaned of dirt and old grease. The most convenient way to use lube is in spray form. The composition is sprayed from a distance of 16 cm. It is recommended to apply the liquid composition using a syringe without a needle. Simply apply a few drops to desired areas.Do not allow oil to come into contact with the sealing strip.
Seal maintenance
Gaskets should also be periodically treated with special compounds that protect them from wear, damage, drying out and deformation. If you do not carry out preventive treatment, the rubber loses its protective properties. The sash begins to lean heavily against the frame, and dust, odors and noise enter the house.
Preventive treatment
First wipe the rubber seal with a damp cloth. Then wipe with a cloth soaked in a few drops of silicone oil. After 35 minutes, remove excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
How to replace
Even with proper care, the gasket can lose its properties. Elasticity decreases, cracks appear. You will be able to replace the gasket yourself if you follow a series of sequential steps:
- determine the type of seal and take action;
- carefully remove the old seal;
- clean the surface from contamination, carry out degreasing;
- the corners of the frame should be smeared with glue;
- start installing the seal in the grooves;
- at the last stage, the rubber insert is wiped with silicone grease.
When inserting the gasket into the holes, you don't need to pull and squeeze too much. The excess part of the rubber is cut off and the joints are glued with glue.
Drain hole maintenance rules
Particular attention should be paid to the maintenance of drainage holes. They are located at the bottom of the frame behind the window sashes.
The holes are designed to drain accumulated water that has seeped inside the window frame due to bad weather.
Dirt particles enter the drainage holes with the water. Therefore, the holes should be cleaned from time to time. If the holes become clogged, moisture will accumulate, causing fogging and frosting of the glass. Use a fine brush or a knitting needle to clean the holes. A simpler option is to use a vacuum cleaner.
mosquito net
A mosquito net protects the apartment from small insects during the summer months. The mesh is easy to maintain. It is enough to prepare a soap solution and rinse the structural part with it. For the winter, the mesh is removed from the window and stored on the balcony.
Pens
The handles are plastic. If it moves with difficulty, the material is clogged. The structure is disassembled and dirt particles are removed with a damp cloth. You also need to tighten all the bolts:
- the bar under the handle is slightly raised;
- turn it to a horizontal position;
- tighten the screws;
- put the bar in a vertical position.
Special attention is required in order not to damage the handles and maintain their functionality for a long time. You don't need to forcefully press the handle, hang anything on it.
window sills
To keep the window sill clean, it should be wiped down regularly. Rules to help you do this without errors:
- cleaning is carried out with special compounds or soapy water;
- do not use formulations containing acetone and abrasive components;
- it is not recommended to rub the surface with a dry cloth, as dirt will accumulate more;
- yellowing will help remove a solution with lemon juice;
- to remove traces of flower pots, soak them for 25 minutes in soapy water.
Adjustment
In addition to cleaning all parts and lubricating, it is necessary to adjust the mechanisms.
Why should we regulate
Tuning is carried out in order to reduce the level of noise from the street, as well as to maintain heat in the room. With strong temperature fluctuations, the profile changes its properties:
- When sunlight hits the profile in warm weather, it begins to expand. As a result, the friction of the flaps increases.
- In winter, on the contrary, the profile narrows. As a result, the sash is slightly squeezed, and cold air easily enters the apartment.
How often is an adjustment necessary
It is advisable to adjust the windows in the fall and spring. Seasonal adjustment involves the transfer of mechanisms to a certain item. Change and adjust the flap pressure mode on the profile. In addition to seasonal adjustment, work is done as needed.
How to regulate
There is nothing complicated in the adjustment mechanism of the mechanism. Just follow a few rules.
For winter
Before the winter cold, tighten the clamps of each sash. As a result, when the window is closed, the sash will be firmly pressed against the profile.
From winter to summer
In the spring, the clamps should be loosened to reduce wear on the mechanisms. As a result, the leaf pressing force will decrease.
plastic balcony door
When adjusting a plastic door, you yourself need to take into account the problem that arose, for example, the door leaf is not tightly pressed or sagging is observed:
- The easiest way is to adjust the door handles. The cap under the handle is turned to a horizontal position and the screws are tightened.
- Adjustment of the door restraint is most often carried out seasonally. For the summer, the clamps are loosened, and for the winter, on the contrary, they are tightened.
- If there is a problem with the movement of the sash relative to the door frame, adjust the bolts in the hinges.
Care products
The complex set includes products that gently and effectively care for the surface, removing yellowness and other dirt.
Special set
A special kit contains compounds that take care of every detail and element of the whole structure. All formulations are safe and specially designed for gentle maintenance of all window parts.
Profile Cleaner
Detergents do not contain abrasive and powder components. Their basis is water or water-alcohol, which allows gentle cleaning of the surface.
Seal grease
In the composition of grease, in most cases, silicone, which protects the gasket from contamination, drying out and wear. Not only cleans the rubber, but also makes it elastic and water repellent.
Hardware grease
Assembly oil ensures a long service life of all parts. The product offers anti-corrosion and antioxidant properties. Treatment is carried out every six months.
Ready-to-use kits
Ready-made sets for the maintenance of plastic windows, which have proven themselves only from the best side: Rehau, Faizer, EdelWeiss, Roplex, Bauset. These kits come with detailed instructions to help you use each product correctly.
How to avoid fogging
The care consists of following the recommendations that do not allow fogging:
- the humidity in the apartment should be 55%;
- airing the room should be carried out daily;
- it is recommended to install ventilation inside the profile or special valves;
- a good option is to mount fixtures that absorb moisture;
- good results are achieved by processing the glass with special means.
Fog can lead to mold growth and structural deterioration. It is therefore important to follow the prevention advice.