Having installed new plastic windows, many believe that now the question of their operation and maintenance will disappear by itself. However, this is not quite as it might seem at first glance.
But first things first.
Appearance story
Soviet people first learned about plastic windows in the 80s of the last century. In the Union, polyvinyl chloride (hereinafter - PVC) windows were not produced for that period of time - these were single deliveries from Germany. People quickly managed to appreciate the advantages of plastic over wooden frames, and in the beginning of the 90s, based on the profile imported from Germany, they began to produce plastic windows here. The first such products were insanely expensive, they were not available to everyone.
Over time, the main elements of PVC windows have learned to make and domestic manufacturers, who made worthy competition to their German colleagues.
In the struggle for the buyer, the design of plastic windows is constantly being improved and undergoes various changes. Often, the correct maintenance of plastic windows can only be carried out by a specialist who knows their design features thoroughly.
What is it
A plastic window is a rather complicated design, which includes many components: a PVC profile, a double-glazed window with gaskets, fittings, slopes, window sills and ebbs.
Each component, in turn, consists of several smaller parts, and needs periodic maintenance.
You can do the maintenance of plastic windows yourself, but it is better to entrust this matter to a specialist, because not only the service life and appearance depend on this, but also the ease of use and the reliability of the structure as a whole.
Types of service. One-time and periodic maintenance of PVC windows
It happens that during operation, the components of a PVC window slightly change their original position. Then, in order to close the window, it is necessary to apply more and more efforts each time, as a result of which the shutters can be deformed and touch the frame, cracks appear through which the wind walks around the house or apartment, the window begins to freeze and flow.
If during the purchase or installation you entered into a contract for the maintenance of plastic windows, then you will be required to adjust the position of the wings or eliminate any other defects that arise at any time convenient for you or within the time stipulated by the contract.
Usually, all maintenance and repair work on PVC windows is divided into 2 categories:
- One-time service - washing glass and PVC profile, cleaning and subsequent lubrication of the seal and window fittings.
- Periodic after-sales service - repair and elimination of problems encountered during operation. It includes adjustment of fittings, cleaning of channels and other works that ensure high-quality operation.
Plastic window maintenance also includes hardware upgrades and the replacement of rubber seals.
One-time and periodic maintenance of PVC windows is recommended to be carried out as necessary, but not less than 2 times a year.
Plastic windows. Repairs. Service
Sometimes it may be necessary to carry out repairs not provided for by the contract.
For example, in the case of mechanical damage to the double-glazed unit, when the glass cracked or broke at all. In the old wooden windows, the glass was mounted to the frame, and it was not difficult to replace it yourself - it was enough to purchase a new glass of the right size and fix it with glazing beads in place of the old one. In PVC windows, if a crack formed on one of the outer or inner glass, the entire double-glazed window will have to be changed, since this is a one-piece hermetic design. Each double-glazed window is made according to individual sizes, and you cannot do without the services of specialists who will make accurate measurements. It will take some time to make a new double-glazed window in special conditions, but the master will need fifteen minutes to replace it.
List of additional services required for the proper operation of PVC windows
It happens that some buyers, in order to reduce the cost of installation and installation of a plastic window, try to independently carry out work on sealing installation joints and finishing slopes. Of course, this is their right. But only specialists can do everything quickly, efficiently and beautifully, since they have special tools and skills for carrying out such work. Instead of saving the family budget, you can achieve the exact opposite, plus the time and nerves spent.
At the request of the customer, many companies can also embed the sash into a dull window, turning it from a dull to a hinged window by installing a proppant and hanging new sashes. This reconstruction allows you to save up to half the cost of a new window and does not affect its further performance.
Also, consumers are advised to purchase a very practical and aesthetic accessory of any window - a mosquito net. If earlier it was a plastic frame with a stretched mesh and was attached to the window using fragile plastic parts, then in the modern version, mosquito nets, at the request of customers, can be made in swing or sliding versions, and their fasteners are made with more reliable metal corners.
Why do annual maintenance work?
Proper maintenance of plastic windows allows you to:
- extend the service life of seals and accessories several times;
- significantly save costs on maintaining a comfortable indoor air temperature due to the tightness of PVC windows;
- prevent jamming and damage to the accessories due to its heavy stroke;
- eliminates the possibility of a roll-over of the glass panes.
If you want the products during operation not to cause any complaints, entrust the service of plastic windows to specialists.