UPVC Maintenance Tips By UPVC Spares 4 Repairs
UPVC maintenance should be carried out on UPVC products from time to time to help keep them looking and functioning like new. These basic UPVC maintenance tips are often what we tell our customers, following this advice should help to keep your UPVC Windows, Doors and Conservatories both looking and working as good as it was the day you had them installed.
White Window Frames:
Wash with warm soapy water about every four months to remove grime and atmospheric deposits, to remove stubborn stains use a strong non-abrasive cream cleaner.
Woodgrain Window Frames:
Woodgrain effect finishes should only be cleaned with warm soapy water, never sand or polish woodgrain effect profile this will damage the laminated surface. Also remember never use abrasive cleaners these will damage the laminated surface and may alter the gloss finish. Take care nothing which may cause a rust stain comes into contact with PVC-U, rust stains are not removable.
Float Glass:
Float glass, used in double glazed units is easily scratched so remove hand jewellery prior to cleaning. All Glass can be cleaned using any household glass cleaner and a soft cloth; any external grime can be removed using a solution of warm soapy water.
Take care, when cleaning leaded lights as excessive pressure might dislodge the leading from the glass surface. Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth, applying moderate pressure.
New lead work, when exposed to rain will start oxidising, which appears as white or mottled staining. This process can take a few months to complete but when it has, the leading will be dark grey in colour and will no longer stain.
Weatherseals and gaskets:
During cleaning ensure that the weatherseals fitted to your doors and windows do not become dislodged from their grooves. Should this occur, slide back into position immediately, to avoid damage when the window or door is closed. If the weatherseals are broken or damaged and draughts are felt around the window or door, contact your installer.
Gutters and Boxgutters:
On a conservatory the guttering is laid level. This is normal and in accordance with BS 63 67: 1983 Code of Practice for Drainage of Roofs. At times you will notice standing water in your gutter system.
It is important that all gutters and outlets are regularly cleaned.
Note: For your own safety DO NOT walk on conservatory roofs, always use crawl boards to spread the load. Do not lean ladders against the PVC-U frames or glass.
Lubrication:
It will be necessary during the lifetime of the window or door to make periodical adjustments and maintenance checks to the gearing. Regular maintenance of exposed metal parts by removing dust and grit will help them perform at their best. As a result of normal operating and atmospheric conditions, moving mechanical parts of windows and doors also require occasional lubrication.
Handles:
To remove dust and grime wipe all window and door furniture with a damp cloth and then dry thoroughly. Do not use liquid cleaner or abrasive on any hardware. Take care not to scratch the surface. Handles should be checked periodically to ensure that the screws holding them to the sash (opening part of the window or door) are tight. If required tighten using a suitable screwdriver. Do not over tighten as this may impair the operation of the locking mechanism. The handle can be lubricated at the joint between the handle and the fixing rose.
Patio Doors:
Tracks should be kept clean for smooth running and the drainage channels kept clear.
Locks:
Wipe down the exposed faceplate occasionally with an oiled cloth. Spray all moving parts with a lubricant.
Repairing UPVC Products:
Unfortunately even with well-maintained UPVC Products parts can still fail due to wear and tear over the years, thankfully for the average home owner it is easier to repair certain UPVC Window and Door related problems than you might think, once you know how!
Replacing a window, door handle, changing a euro lock cylinder, fitting a new letterbox, or window restrictor are all relatively simple to do.
With this in mind UPVC Spares 4 Repairs has created some informative video tutorials which can be watched on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/upvcspares4repairs/videos
The aim of these videos is to help you identify and replace the failed part in your UPVC product. Once you are confident you have gained the knowledge to repair your Upvc Window or Door, the parts can easily be identified and securely ordered on the UPVC Spares 4 Repairs website: http://www.upvcspares4repairs.co.uk/
The UPVC Spares 4 Repairs team are highly regarded for their exceptional customer service and provide an extremely fast despatch and delivery service. As they are from the upvc service side of the industry, the team understand the need for both their trade customers and also the competent DIY person to have both the parts quickly and readily available, whilst also a full technical support backup. Their vast stocked products are competitively priced and includes free UK Mainland delivery.