How To Fix PVC windows.

Many people having previously bought double glazing may have broken parts or wear and tear after years of over use or lack of regular maintenance. 

To maintain PVC windows is important as it will prevent any further expensive outlays for minor breakages down the line. 

Spray oiling all moving parts and including hinges and shoot bolts, along with the entire underside of the openers where the small cams sit. these locate in to the window keeps on closing the window. These all need spraying as these are the first parts to seize up. With windows left open it allows the elements to attack the metal moving parts.

The most common part of a PVC window that fails is the double glazed unit that sits inside the window. This is not an easy repair for a novice to complete. It will take an accurate measure in width depth and thickness. It will also take an expert and their tools to remove and install , so its an idea to leave this to the experts.

It is easy to replace a broken handle which is one of the most common failures to a PVC window. These can be bought at PVC outlets and DIY stores.The video below demonstrates the ease of change. Most window handles should fit another regardless of age as the spacings between the fixing screws are the same. This is not the case with door handles as the spacings between the screws and the handle spindle differ a lot from brand to brand. 

The other major flaw in many windows is the silicone seals internally and externally. It is important to keep up on any gaps that appear due to the PVC window frame expanding and contracting throughout the day. Firstly remove the entire run of the silicone and clean off with a PVC solvent or similar solution. Use the best silicone you can afford and be advised by the DIY shop. It may be more beneficial to use decorators caulk internally as it easy to paint over. There is a step by step guide to silicone sealing below. 

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WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES | FASCIAS & GUTTERS | ROCKDOORS



Southport Doors & Double Glazing
Email us at     info@southportdoors.com 
call us on        01704 553 994  /  0787 601 6821



More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

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Warmer Winters With New Double Glazing ::::: Southport | Merseyside

Its unnatural to start thinking about winter when the cold weather has just gone.

But good planning and good quality products will ensure the home you're family lives in is a completely different environment next winter.





The image shows the newest style and technology in PVC windows and general A rated double glazing that is available.

Note the inside chambers of the windows are insulated as well as reinforced to prevent too much expansion in the heat.

As standard the windows are internally glazed. 1) for security reasons . 2) for ease of installation so it prevents double glazed units being carried up ladders. 3) for better U values and air leakage performance.

The image also illustrates a triple glazed unit sitting in the window as opposed to a double glazed unit people are most familiar with. These systems are available now and will be more common over the next 2 years as insulating and heat retention goes to another level. 

The panes of glass are adhered together by a compound and spaced apart by spacer bars. The spacer bars  function as conductors of heat and allow the edge of the glass to attain a 3 to 4 degrees warmer state to try to combat the effects of condensation.

This set up in the image is representative of all A rated windows being installed now except for the triple glazed status.

The profile of the actual PVC window part are also more contemporary and desirable than previously as attention to aesthetics is just as important as the functionality of new double glazing for the perfect effect.





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Beautiful Windows :: Double Glazing Make Over

With the weather getting better and many proud home owners are having a chance to get in the garden have a good look at their property. Eyeing up the potential work needed will probably involve new double glazing or fascias.

Even if the windows that are fitted at the moment are PVC the chances are that they will need replacing if they are over 10 years old or more.

The benefits speak for themselves as windows and doors are far more insulating than ever before and it will be very beneficial when the colder weather comes in the autumn. Considering the winter just gone which lasted a month or so more than expected it would be a great idea to insulate more.

Easy to keep black with white available internally

Not only will the energy conservation be beneficial but the overall cosmetics of the property as there are many different colours and styles in windows available to give that bespoke look over your neighbours. 

Make your house stand out with Irish oak effect or be bold and go for the creams or greys. Or be conservative and clever with maintenance and cleaning in mind and go for the black grained windows.

Visit the website ::  www.southportdoors.com

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Sealed Double Glazed Units And Why They Fail Or Condensate With Moisture.

Many previously installed double glazed windows from 10 to 20 odd years ago will inevitably end up having failed or misted units. There are various reasons for this failure and the first can simply be down to the construction of the double glazed units.

T

Fabrication

If the quality of the DGU's( double glazed units) is poor to start off with then the life of them will not be very long. Many companies expect this to happen and only give 2 to 5 years on the glazed product , but give a full 10 years on the PVC frame.

The DGU's are designed to sit within the PVC frame held in by a PVC glazing bead and sit on top of glass packers therefore allowing any water that manages to get in behind the gaskets to easily drain away around and below the DGU emptying through purposely drilled drainage holes directly beneath .
The water then works its way through the lower chamber and on to the either the PVC cill which the window sits on, or through the front of the lower part of the PVC window which is face drained.

If there is any blockage of either of these drainage holes it will cause a back up and the frame will begin to fill up.

It is not unusual to have a trace of water inside the PVC frame at the bottom as it designed to be self draining.Any water being held will mean a blockage somewhere.

The installation cause

Many older DGU's may have been sat directly in the window frame without any sort of glass packer beneath. This can be the cause of many failed units as 1)  they are sat in there own water and 2)  the hot melt that units are sealed with when heated in the sun can stick to the inside lower of the PVC frame and 3) if they are not sat on glazing packers correctly they can slip in the warmer months.

Glass Packers

The Glass packers should be suitable ones which are sat square on the lower part of the frame and be the correct width of the overall thickness of the DGU so neither of the 2 panes of glass can slip at any point when heated up on a sunny day. 

Packers should be square and touching both the inner and outer panes. The packer should be seen to reach the very outer of the glass edge and inner glass edge to give peace of mind it doesn't slip even when glazing with the beads are knocked in.

Many failed units are down to this installation overlook and even though it doesn't seem as if one of the panes has slipped, it only takes a pin hole and a drop of moisture to condense a whole double glazed unit. and ruin the look and effect of a PVC window or door.

The right way

Be sure to use a company that gives 10 years on the Double glazed units as well as the PVC windows and doors.

Make sure the glass units are sat correctly on the correct width glazing packers.

Make sure the drainage holes are all clear for water to run through.


Interesting links:

New Rockdoors | PVC windows  | ultimate conservatories | high security door products 

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

combating condensation

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean

Window Quotes And Double Glazing Installation

In a world that is for ever increasing in speed and less time to do anything, we seem to be cramming more and more in to the hours of our day.

During work and also the small free time we have at home in the evening. So how do you get and an idea of price for some nice new double glazing or a couple of doors for your home that you are working so hard for.


The Dinosaurs of the industry will still be sending round a representative to talk the back legs off you before you ultimately decide that they are either too annoying, overpriced or just taking up too much of your precious time. After all all you wanted was an idea of window and door cost including fitting, some time to think it over and maybe get a couple more quotes in.

There is an alternative to this from a few forward minded operators were you can get a window quote on line and receive it back pretty quickly. Usually the same day, most of the time within 24 hours.

Compare this to the old school scenario of sending a rep round and waiting a couple of weeks while they process the quote and eventually get round to posting it. Wait a day or 2 for it to arrive and then you finally you get the opportunity to compare quotes like for like.

Chances are that there has been so much time spent on the process and the wages it took from both the rep and the employee who actually did the quote and posted it,  that it will be the least competitive of the lot.

With most people now shopping on line and being use to using email, the far easier way to get quotes for double glazing and beautiful replacement doors is use an on line window quoter system which will give you a quick answer to what you require. It takes away the nonsense of dealing with annoying reps who cant keep to their times and wont leave the house until you sign for the work you need.

The opportunity is also there for as many follow up emails as you like for questions and request more advice.

Surveying the job will be a different issue as access will be needed.

Tip:: Always slightly oversize the size of windows and be accurate with the style you require to make sure the quote will cover any wrong measuring on your behalf. Be detailed about where the windows are such as 3rd floor or over a conservatory.


Interesting links:

New Rockdoors | PVC windows  | ultimate conservatories | high security door products 

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

combating condensation

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean