How to take care of plastic windows: what you can do yourself and when to call a master

Plastic windows are constructions that need care in order to remain serviceable. There are many things you can do yourself, but there are some that are worth trusting a handyman. Consider a few tips for cleaning your windows. Also, what you can adjust yourself and what you can trust the professionals to do.

Self-care for plastic windows

The simplest thing that is important to do is to wipe dust from the surface of the frames, windows, rubber seals and mechanisms. This is done with a damp cloth. If a lot of dirt has accumulated, the frame is wiped with a soapy solution. Then it is removed and wiped with a wet rag.

Means with abrasives and acetone should not be used. They can damage the plastic. When cleaning, check if the holes for moisture drainage are not clogged. In winter, wipe windows dry after wet cleaning.

What you can do yourself when taking care of a plastic window:

• Apply silicone grease or other rubber care product to the rubber seal twice a year. This is to keep it from drying out and to keep it elastic. The seal is washed and dried before the application of the lubricant.
• Metal mechanisms of a plastic window are treated once a year with machine oil or a special lubricant. Then they do not squeak and keep smoothly running.
• If the handle loosened, you need to move aside the bar under it and tighten the bolt.
• Change the operating mode of the sash from summer to winter or vice versa. At the end of the sash windows are eccentrics or clips with a hole for a hexagonal screwdriver. To switch the window to the winter mode, the clips on the window sash is slightly pulled toward you and turned clockwise. In the spring, they are turned counterclockwise.

Properly maintained windows can prevent many breakdowns:

• To prevent the sash from sagging, do not hang heavy things on it, such as a bedspread.
• Do not place books under the sash. As it moves, it may bump and shift.
• If the mechanism is jammed or has a rigid stroke, it is not necessary to push and overcome resistance. The mechanism may break. It is important to adjust it correctly.
• The room is ventilated in the tilt mode of the window, not by opening the sash wide open.

When to call a master for plastic window repair

Sometimes there are breakages in the mechanisms or other elements of plastic windows. Self-repair without experience, skills and suitable tools can lead to the fact that the part will have to be replaced completely. It is worth calling a technician when the plastic windows malfunction:

• The handle jams, it has a stiff stroke. It will be necessary to disassemble the mechanism, lubricate and check the serviceability of parts.
• Sash is sagging. You need to fix its position in the places of fixation to the frame.
• Window doesn't open in ventilation mode because of breakage of locking mechanism. The free movement of the system will need to be restored.
• Replacement of the seal. The master will correctly select the diameter of the seal, remove the old material and fix a new seal. There are peculiarities in how to properly install the sealing rubber, so that it reliably seals the window.
• Handle breakage. The specialist will determine whether it is necessary to replace certain parts or the mechanism completely. He will select the appropriate parts and install them correctly.

If the mechanism is broken or the sash is sagging, it is better to entrust the repair to a professional. On your own, you can spoil the window even more, and then the repair will cost more.