How to care for plastic windows in cold weather

Life without plastic windows today is quite difficult to imagine. In new buildings, double-glazed windows are used initially, and in old houses, most residents have long ago replaced old wooden frames with plastic. They are much warmer, reduce noise from the street and look beautiful. But they also need to be properly cared for so that they last a long time and remain in their original form. In addition, the quality of the window and its ability to protect against cold and noise depend on compliance with operating rules and timely repairs.

How to switch windows to winter mode

Every spring and summer, manufacturers recommend adjusting the fittings. The fact is that a plastic product usually has a summer and winter mode.

Features of winter mode

In cold seasons, the clamps are tightened as much as possible, and the sashes fit perfectly, preventing drafts.

Important! When using the winter mode of the fittings all year round, it wears out quickly. This can lead to the window losing its performance.

In summer, the fittings weaken a little, and the windows begin to let air through, creating small drafts. For the warm season this is an acceptable situation. Manufacturers have provided for this point in order not only to provide people with a comfortable life, but also to extend the service life of the fittings.

Switching to winter mode

To switch the mode from summer to winter, it is not necessary to invite a repairman to your home. You can handle this task yourself. The adjustment scheme is very simple. And the only tool you need is a hex screwdriver.

• First you need to determine the places of loose fit. To do this, simply run your palm along the frame, determining where the cold air comes from.
• Open the sash and determine which fastenings are responsible for the draft. Each PVC product has a fitting “strap”, which has several elements for adjustment.
• Find the locking element. This will be a serrated trunnion.
• Determine the direction of the notch.

Reference. When the notch is directed towards the apartment - winter mode, towards the street - summer mode.

• Move to the side appropriate for the season. To set the window to winter mode, you need to turn it towards the room.

If, despite the efforts of the owner of the house, the windows continue to “siphon” and allow cold air to pass through, there are problems with the fittings. In this case, you should call a window repair specialist. It is advisable to contact the company that installed the windows. Especially if they are still under warranty. It is unlikely that you will be able to cope with such a problem on your own.

Winter care of plastic windows

Most companies that install plastic windows and doors position their products as the latest home equipment. It does not require special care and will delight you with its presentable appearance for a long time without any special investment.Few people tell the owners of residential premises who have decided to install PVC structures that plastic also needs to be looked after and some simple manipulations must be done.

Important! Regular maintenance and checking of connection points will keep the structure intact and undamaged for a long time.

If maintenance is not carried out, there is a risk of rapid wear of parts and drying out of seals. This leads to the structure losing its properties.

The washing up

The first thing you need to do when caring for plastic structures is wash them at least twice a year.

Dirt and dust settling on rubber bands and seals, as well as on the profile itself, can negatively affect the condition of the window and its performance.

Important! Washing is especially important if the window opening is on the south side of the house and is exposed to active ultraviolet radiation, and there is a road nearby.

Dust and dirt destroy the structural components of PVC products.

Cleaning the seals

Manufacturers also recommend regularly check the condition of the sealing rubber. It needs to be cleaned of dirt, checking the tightness of the fit.

Do not forget about the lubricants that seals are treated with twice a year. This helps maintain the elasticity of the rubber and ensure a tighter, draft-free fit.

Lubricating hardware

The fittings and metal parts of the window opening and closing mechanism also require close attention.

With prolonged use, even metal wears out and wears out. The sash begins to sag, the handle does not turn and closes with difficulty. To avoid this, you need to regularly lubricate the fittings with oil. This way it will work as usual, and the load on it will be significantly reduced.A person will not have to make any effort to cope with a simple task.

Proper and regular window care makes it possible to get a fully functional window by the winter season. It will not fail in severe frosts, insulating the room from cold and precipitation. Only competent care will allow you to preserve the presentable appearance of your PVC product for a long time and ensure the quality of its protection in the cold.