UPVC Window Hinge Replacement
uPVC windows can be damaged and damaged over time and cracked. This can cause gaps and drafts that allow cold air in and increase your electric bills.
It's simple to replace the window hinges, and it won't cost a fortune. Find out how.
Fixing the Hinges
Hinges are a crucial part of any uPVC window and have a significant impact on the way that the window functions. They're an intricately engineered arrangement of components that join the frame hinge to an identical hinge that is attached to the window sash. These hinges are adjustable, allowing for fine-tuning of the window's operation and durability. This guide will help you to unravel the mysteries of UPVC windows hinges, and give you the knowledge to change the way you view window functionality.
The first step is ensure that you have the right hinges for your uPVC window. There are two types of hinges that are commonly employed for uPVC window frames - top hanging and side hanging. Side-hung windows open towards the side of the frame, whereas top-hung windows are able to open from the top of the frame. You can determine the kind of window you have by the arrow that is on the hinges. The arrow should point in the direction the window opens.
The hinges could cause issues with the window opening if they're not fitted properly. This can also cause drafts, which can result in cold air entering your home. If the hinges aren't aligned to the rest of the uPVC window, it could be harder to get to the handles to open the window. This can make cleaning the window a bit of an effort.
After you've verified that the hinges are the right size, then it's time to install them. This is a relatively simple job that can be accomplished in just 10 minutes, but you must be careful as you will need to remove the handle and make sure the hinges are in the correct position before fitting the window.
You'll need several tools, including an electric screwdriver as well as a drill. Take a photo of the hinges you wish to replace before you start. You'll require a screw pack as the original screws are too big to fit. You can purchase screws in many DIY stores and online.
Greasing the Hinges
A squeaky hinge is usually caused by grime getting caught up on the moving parts. To help stop this it is important to regularly grease the hinges. You can either use white lithium grease or spray lubricant for this. If you decide to use a lubricant spray, ensure that you spray the hinge corners and around the pin. Close and open the door a few times to allow the lubricant to get into all moving surfaces.
If the squeaking persists, you might want to use a penetrating grease instead of the normal grease. The oil is designed to penetrate into crevices, loosening dirt and rust, allowing the hinge to move easily. To use it, spray a liberal amount onto the hinge and let it soak into.
Then, wipe off any excess using a cloth or paper towel. You can also cover hinges with petroleum jelly to keep them well-lubricated. Just make sure you don't put any of it on the window sash or frame, as this can cause damage.
Another effective and simple fluid to use is melted wax. You can buy this at your local hardware store, or make use of a candle. Simply light the candle and let it melt. Once the wax has melt, you can drip it onto the hinges. Then wipe it clean with a rag.
One final thing to do is remove the hinge pin and apply lubrication. You may require an instrument based on how the hinge pin is. You can try using a the hammer, however when it's rusted, this could cause damage to the wood or damage the hinge. If replace upvc window hinges occurs, try tapping the pin's ends with the screwdriver. Re-lubricate your hinge and replace the pin.
There are many window hinges to choose from. For example, you can use restrictor hinges to stop children from opening the window too much or egress hinges that are only suitable for windows with fire escapes. You can also use slimline hinges to save space.
Fixing the Sash Frame
If you have a window that won't open or close properly it could be because the frame has been sagging. This can lead to draughts or other problems. The most common cause of sagging is the application of excessive force when closing and opening the window. This can damage the internal tracks and lead to broken pulleys, stoppers and lopsidedness to the frame.
In this instance the best choice is to call in a professional who specialises in window replacement using upvc. Using a specialist can ensure that the hinges are fitted correctly and that the window is secured to the frame without any cracks or gaps. It is also possible to replace the rubber seal, which is essential for keeping out draughts.
The first step is to remove the sash from the frame. You will need to remove the screws that keep the sash in place, as well as the screws that attach it to the window casing. Once you have removed the sash, you need to clean the inside of the frame and the window sash using soapy water. This will stop dirt from causing sash to get stuck in the frame of the window and let the sash to move and close in a proper manner.
The eight screws that secure the sash onto the window casement need to be removed after that. These screws should be on the left- and right-hand sides of the window casement. You will need to use either a screwdriver or an Allen key to loosen them. After you have loosen them, you will be able to adjust the hinges to ensure that they are in the correct position. Once you are satisfied with the alignment you can tighten the screws.
Make sure to regularly lubricate your hinges. This will allow the sash move with ease, and will prevent the hinges from getting loud or cracking. Lubricate hinges with corrosion inhibitors in light engineering oil. At least twice a yearly, you should do this. It is also recommended to clean your sash and hinges regularly to keep them in good working order and functioning efficiently.
Verifying the Screws
The screws that secure the hinges in place may be loosen over time. This could affect the way the window opens and closes. Retightening a screw can fix this problem. This can be done using the screwdriver. It's important to use the right screwdriver since the wrong one could damage the thread of the screw.
It's also an excellent idea to make sure that all the screws fixing the hinge to the frame and the frame to the window are tight - they can sometimes be loose after a while. This will prevent the hinges from becoming loose or wrongly aligned, causing the window to slide or rest on top of the frame when it is closed.
This is a very common issue with upvc windows and is usually caused by hinges that are too long for the window. It can be resolved by replacing the hinges. If you know what kind of hinges you've got it's a simple task to fix. You must ensure that you get the right hinges for your windows. There are a myriad of types. If you have a narrow top-opening window, you'll need hinges that allow for egress rather than regular hinges.
Pay attention to the diagram on the packaging if you're replacing hinges on windows made of upvc. This will show if the hinges are left or right handed. Also, ensure that you follow the directions provided by the manufacturer when installing the new hinges.
It's a good idea in addition to lubricating the hinges, to inspect and adjust them frequently to ensure that they're functioning properly. This will ensure that there are no issues with the operation of your window made of upvc and will help it last longer.
UPVC hinges are vital to the functioning of double-glazed windows. By knowing their anatomy and the various types of hinges, as well as their importance, you can increase your repair and maintenance skills. This will enable your windows open and close easily for a long time.