How to repair a plastic window with your own hands at home: advice from a professional master

Tags:Balcony and loggia, Living room and bedroom, Children's room, Kitchen

Despite all the reliability of plastic windows, they periodically require preventive maintenance and sometimes repair. Many works can be done by hand at home. To do this, you need to understand the principle of functioning of the mechanisms, as well as prepare the necessary tools. In this review, we will talk about the most common problems with window frame designs and how to fix them.

Many renovations can be done at home

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1 What tools will you need to repair plastic windows with your own hands at home
2 Adjustment of the PVC window sash when sagging
- 2.1 Horizontally
- 2.2 Vertically
3 What to do when blowing
- 3.1 Adjusting the pressure unit
- 3.2 All ways to adjust the buttonhole pressure
4 There is a skewed profile - you need to replace the straightening plates
5 How to clean and debug fittings when clogged
6 Replacing the sealing gum with your own hands
7 What to do when the PVC window handle is faulty
8 Damaged double-glazed window - it doesn't matter, step-by-step guide to action
- 8.1 Complete replacement of a glass unit
- 8.2 How to replace glass in a glass unit with your own hands
9 Conclusion
10 Video with recommendations for the care of plastic windows

What tools will you need to repair plastic windows with your own hands at home

You must first prepare a minimum set of tools:

screwdrivers with different tips;
4mm hex key. It can be found in any cyclist's kit;
WD-40.

DIY tool kit

Adjustment of the PVC window sash when sagging

Sometimes, when the window is closed, the sash does not fit well. Most likely, there was a sagging of the movable part of the window structure, and it is required adjustment.

Horizontally

To adjust the lower part of the movable PVC sash, you must perform the following steps with the lower hinge.

Open the window.
Remove the trim.
Install the key into the groove located at the bottom.
If it is required to move the movable part of the window to the left, the hexagon is turned clockwise, and vice versa, when rotating counterclockwise, the sash moves to the right side.

For the upper part, all manipulations are performed with a loop located in the upper part.

Bottom Buttonhole Adjustment

Top loop manipulation

Vertically

To adjust the movable part of the structure vertically, the procedure is as follows.

Open the sash.
Remove the PVC cover from the lower hinge.
Insert the key into the groove located higher and adjust the opening of the sash: clockwise - the window will rise, counter - it will lower.

Adjusting the moving part vertically

Related article:

How to regulate plastic windows yourself? In a separate publication you can find detailed instructions on adjusting windows in different situations.

What to do when blowing

If there is a feeling that the sashes are not tightly pressed, and it is blowing from the window, and you can check this with a candle, a lighter or a match, carrying them along the perimeter of the frame. Where the deviation of the light will be observed, it means that repairs are required there, which you can do with your own hands.

Diagnostics of the blowing of the window frame

Adjusting the pressure unit

First of all, to eliminate inflation, you can adjust the pressure unit. There are two options here.

The key is to change the position of all eccentrics that are located at the ends of the movable structures. They only need to be rotated a few millimeters.
If it is impossible to turn the eccentrics, then first you need to slightly loosen the fasteners of the striker and slightly displace the knot.

Eccentric of the movable sash

Response adjustment

All ways to adjust the buttonhole pressure

If blowing through the swing-out sash is felt from the hinge side, the trim must first be removed. Next, you should look at the shape of the adjusting screw located below. Then you need to pick up a screwdriver and, holding the sash from below with one hand, adjust the tightening mechanism to the right or left.

A video about pressing the loops in case of inflation can be seen on the video:

If the movable part of the window is only rotatable, there may be no clamping fittings on the hinge side. In this case, you should fix it yourself. Manufacturers produce two types of fasteners:

external pressure devices, which are installed on the outside of the swing sash;
internal, they are installed from the inside of the sash.

Previously, it is necessary to determine at which points of the window structure it blows, and mark these places. Further, all work is performed in the following order.

Illustration	Action Description
	Remove the linings from the hinges, move the pin, remove the sash from the hinges.
	Install the outer clamp on the sash, the edge should not go over the elastic.
	The inner clamp consists of two parts. First, fasten the clamp to the inside of the sash using self-tapping screws.
	Put the window in place and fix the outer clamp to the self-tapping screws.
	Close the outer clamp with a decorative strip.
	Open the sash, mark the installation location of the counterpart from the inside and fix it on the screws.

In more detail, the whole process can be seen in the video:

Related article:

The plastic window won't close: possible malfunctions, their causes and remedies, prevention of malfunctions of plastic windows, useful tips and tricks - in this publication.

There is a skewed profile - you need to replace the straightening plates

In everyday life, another big problem is often encountered - sash skew. There are quite a few reasons for this, for example, poor-quality installation, when the window frame could be stretched with anchors, because of which the clamping units simply did not function. The second option: in production, the straightening partitions were simply not installed or they fell.If the design is under warranty, it is better to entrust the repair to the craftsmen.

If service is not possible to restore the geometry by replacing the straightening plates, the procedure is as follows.

Illustration	Action Description
	With the window closed, draw a line at the top and bottom of the sash.
	Opening the frame, measure the distance to the line. According to the norms, it should be no more than 8 mm on each side.
	Remove all glazing beads from the sash, starting from the vertical, then from the corner adjacent to it.
	Remove the glass unit from the frame.
	Place bridges of the required size at a distance of no more than 5 cm from the corner. Technology demands it. Then insert the glass unit into place.
	Slightly pushing the glass unit with a plastic spatula, install bridges of the required size in all corners.
	Knock in the glazing beads in reverse order until you hear a characteristic click and check the swing-out mechanism.

In more detail, the entire course of work can be seen in the video:

How to clean and debug fittings when clogged

PVC window fittings require careful treatment, they can be called the "muscles" of the system. During operation, street and household dust gets into it. If repair work was carried out in the house, their consequences pose a serious danger to the functioning of the entire structure.

Advice! Manufacturers recommend cleaning and lubricating the fittings and movable mechanisms of plastic windows twice a year: in spring and autumn, as well as after repair work. This will provide the product with a long and flawless service life.

The cleaning sequence is as follows.

Remove the movable frame from the hinges.
It is most convenient to start cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, this will prevent dirt from getting even deeper into the grooves.
After mechanical cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, remove dirt and dust residues with soft cloths.
Fill the inside of the fittings with grease. For sealing gum a special product should be used.
Reinstall the sash.

Replacing the sealing gum with your own hands

The service life of the sealing gum is 5-10 years. Its wear is easily determined visually. When purchasing a new element, it is advisable to give preference to German manufacturers, the quality of their products is always on top. In addition, the elastic will have to be replaced both on the side of the frame and on the sash.

The work algorithm is as follows.

Illustration	Action Description
	Remove the sash, unfasten the scissors and remove the seal starting from the top.
	Insert the sash seal into the profile groove with the protruding “foot”. You cannot pull it on. Installation always starts from the middle of the top. Grease the edges when joining with glue.
	Replace the scissors.
	The seal is removed from the frame from the corner.
	Insert the seal into the grooves. In this case, the thick side should be directed towards the edge of the frame. Glue the edges of the elastic band, and set the frame in place.

The entire algorithm is presented in more detail in the video:

What to do when the PVC window handle is faulty

Another weak link in the designs is the handle. If it fails, it will become impossible to open or close the moving part. The following problems are most common:

the fasteners are loose;
the handle turns poorly;
jammed knot.

Let's take a closer look at troubleshooting each problem.

The handle is loose

If the handle is loose, this means that the fasteners are loose, and the mechanism may fail. For work, you need a screwdriver and 2-3 minutes of time.

Pull the cover towards you and move it to the side.
Tighten loose screws.
Replace the cover.

Loose handle repair

Problems with turning the handle

If the handle is difficult to turn, there may be several reasons for this:

the lubricant inside the mechanism has dried. This problem can be easily solved. It is enough to apply grease to all moving parts of the handle and pour it into the holes. Then it is necessary to turn the knob several times so that the composition is distributed over all the nodes;
clogged fittings, for this you need to disassemble the handle and clean it. If you cannot turn to specialists, you will have to act independently. First of all, you need to photograph the mechanism. This will make it easier to determine the order of its assembly. Then, disassemble everything, clean and lubricate. Then, reassemble the handle;
the mechanism is out of order. To fix this problem, you will need to find a suitable mechanism and replace it yourself.

WD-40 is suitable for lubricating moving parts.

Craftsmen can immediately install the handle with a security lock

Jamming has occurred

If the handle is stuck in the "open" or "closed" position, then the blocker has worked. It is installed in the mechanism in order to protect the structure from sudden breakdown, and, unfortunately, sometimes it works spontaneously and always at the wrong time.

In the open or closed position of the movable structure

You can correct this situation with your own hands. The procedure depends on the brand of fittings:

for AUBI fittings, the procedure is as follows: put the sash in a vertical position, find a plate with a spring on the end side at the level of the handle, press it against the sealing rubber, then turn the handle;
on the handles of other manufacturers on the front side, find the locking tongue. It is at an angle with respect to the opening window. To unlock, you need to turn it upright, then you can turn the handle;
in the event of a breakdown of the blocker, as well as its slippage, for adjustment it is necessary to slightly open the window, unscrew the response mechanism, put any plastic lining under it and tighten it.

Blocker adjustment

Response adjustment

Another option for unlocking the window can be seen in the video:

In the folding position

If the handle is stuck in the ventilation mode position, most likely an element called scissors has broken. The algorithm of action is as follows.

Remove the movable sash from the hinges.
Place the upper scissor assembly into the prepared grooves.
Turn the handle slightly to the side. Press the lock if the handle does not turn.
Check the correct functioning of the locking unit.
Replace the window.

If the adjustment did not help, it is necessary to lubricate the moving parts of the scissors with a special compound, for example WD-40.

The scissor lock is a simple button

What to do if the movable structure opens simultaneously in two positions

This can happen when the user starts to turn the handle while the window is open, respectively, the blocker is triggered. The algorithm of actions is as follows.

Turn the handle up.
Carefully, without additional efforts, press the movable window structure from above to the frame.
Holding the movable sash with your hand, lightly press the blocking bar. At this time, the handle should be turned to the opening mode parallel to the window sill.
Check the operation of the handle in different modes.

Sequence of actions in case of opening the sash in two directions simultaneously

How to replace the PVC window handle

If the handle breaks or none of the adjustment options helps, there is only one way out - to put another. When choosing new fittings, attention is paid to the following factors:

handle quality;
shape and color, which should be in harmony with the overall interior;
handles with a lock appeared on sale - this is an excellent protection against children, the mechanism will protect the window from unauthorized opening.

Let's consider the whole procedure for replacing the handle in more detail.

Illustration	Action Description
	Turn the handle parallel to the windowsill.
	Move aside the decorative strip, unscrew the screws.
	Remove the handle from the plastic window.
	Take a whole pen. Holding it with one hand by the body, turn the other at an angle of 90º.
	Bend the cover back and turn it perpendicularly.
	Insert the handle into the holes.It should fit exactly into the groove and screw it down.
	Turn the decorative strip to a vertical position.

In more detail, the entire course of work can be seen in the video:

Advice! If the decorative strip is closed, it cannot be moved to the side. At the bottom there is a recess into which you can insert a flat screwdriver or nail file, pry slightly. The bar will move away from the knot.

Damaged double-glazed window - it doesn't matter, step-by-step guide to action

In more complex cases, a complete replacement of the glass unit or glass will be required. It is advisable to invite professional specialists for such work. If desired, all manipulations can be performed at home on your own.

Complete replacement of a glass unit

A glass unit is a sealed structure that consists of several sheets of glass. Sometimes it becomes necessary to replace it. This can happen in the following cases:

glass is broken or cracked, respectively, there was a depressurization of one chamber;
Condensation has appeared on glass surfaces, and the desiccant rolls down in the form of a yellow resin;
street noise is heard in the room, it became necessary to install a sound-absorbing glass unit;
drafts appeared that are not regulated by any of the above methods. Accordingly, heat is not retained in the room;
the structure has lost its tightness, or it is required to install a glass unit with a large number of chambers.

Depressurization of a glass unit

To replace a glass unit, you must perform the following manipulations.

Determine the marking of the glass unit, which is applied to the aluminum frame and order a similar one from the manufacturer.
First remove the glazing bead from the vertical side of the glass unit, then the closest one from the free corner. After dismantling all glazing beads, remove the glass unit. It is advisable to use a spatula and a mallet in the work.
Install a new double-glazed window, after laying the straightening plates.
Fasten the glazing beads until they click.

Insulating glass unit marking

The procedure for dismantling a double-glazed window

How to replace glass in a glass unit with your own hands

Replacing glass in a glass unit requires certain knowledge and skills. Let's consider the whole process in more detail.

Illustration	Action Description
	Remove the glazing beads around the perimeter of the glass unit.
	Remove the glass unit, lay it on a horizontal surface with the broken glass facing up. Using a stationery knife, cut the sealant around the perimeter to the distance frame.
	Remove the broken glass from the glass unit.
	Cut off the sealant layer at a slight angle, wipe the new glass with a cleaning agent, remove all dirt and put the washed side inward on the glass unit.
	Thoroughly coat all joints with plumbing silicone. Acrylic sealant cannot be used in this case. Wait until it is completely dry, glue the structure around the edges with tape, insert into the frame, and install the glazing beads.

In more detail, the entire course of work can be seen in the video:

Conclusion

As you can see, there is nothing difficult in repairing plastic windows, the main thing is to know what it consists of, and also to have simple tools at hand. We hope that with the help of our recommendations, you can fix all the minor problems with your own hands at home.

If you still have questions, ask them in the comments. Our experts will be happy to answer them.