uPVC Windows Guide

If you are interested in learning how to clean uPVC doors and windows , then this article will be of interest to you.   uPVC is a very durable product, which will not rot or warp during its lifespan, which experts estimate to be in the 20 – 30 year bracket.

However a uPVC window does need to be maintained and this article aims to inform you as to what you should do to your windows to maintain them and perhaps more importantly, what you should not do when maintaining and cleaning your windows.  After reading this article, you should be able to clean and maintain your uPVC window frames and replacement uPVC doors and windows with confidence.

One factor that you should consider before cleaning your uPVC doors and windows is that you may wish to remove any vertical blinds, temporary paper blinds, or close hanging curtains, so that they do not get wet while you are cleaning.  You do not want your beautiful black and white curtains to be all black by the time you are finished.  These items are usually easy to remove temporarily and replace again when you have completed your cleaning.

There are quite a few actions that you can take to keep your replacement windows and doors clean and maintained.  If you want to use a cleaning agent on your windows, be sure to use a non-corrosive and a non-abrasive product.  A uPVC window frame can be scratched or stained quite easily if a harsh cleaning agent is used.  Soapy water works very well to give your windows a wash and a shine.  Even using a dry cloth can scratch these frames, so use a wet, lint free cloth to bring up a great shine on your windows.  One tip that I have heard of and I have used it myself is to try baby wipes on your window frames.  Well, you know the saying, ‘If it is soft enough for baby…’

Hi-Reach Cleaning Kit with 10-Foot Extension Pole (click on image for details)

If your windows are stained for some reason you can get a specialist uPVC cleaners and stain removers.  uPVC window suppliers would be able to provide you with these products or at least tell you where you can get them.  There are many websites regarding uPVC windows online and you may be able to purchase these products from these sites.

Do not paint your uPVC windows and doors.  When you purchase your products from your supplier, you will find that there is a large range of colours to choose from.  Choose carefully, as you will have to keep that colour for the lifetime of the windows.

Avoid scratching uPVC doors and windows if at all possible.  uPVC window repairs can be carried out on small marks, but if you get a larger scratch on your window frames, it may be there always.  Remove jewelry before you embark on cleaning or other work on your windows.  It is bad for your jewelry and it is definitely bad for your windows!

Regular maintenance of all moving parts in your uPVC windows is to be encouraged also. Lubricate uPVC window locks with WD40 or a silicone spray and then use Vaseline or some other light grease to keep the metal parts protected.  uPVC sash windows like an application of silicone spray on the runners to keep them opening and closing smoothly.  Finally check that all uPVC window handles are opening and closing, that they have not loosened and that they are working the multi-point locking system properly.  If your  windows and doors are not closing properly, try using a vacuum cleaner in those hard to see parts of the framework, as there could be a piece of grit or dirt caught that is causing a problem.

Cleaning and maintaining uPVC windows and doors is much easier than trying to maintain other types of windows and doors and remember that well maintained front doors for homes create a good first impression. That is not to say that uPVC back doors , uPVC patio doors and uPVC French doors should not be maintained also – these are the doors that are used most often in the majority of homes.  If you keep in mind what you should use on these windows and doors and also what you should not use, you should have very few problems with your uPVC doors and windows for many years.

Over the recent years uPVC has become one of the most used products in the manufacture of all types and styles of windows and doors, by the large double-glazing manufacturing companies.  After weighing up the differences between timber and uPVC windows, if you do decide on uPVC, you can purchase the windows and self-install uPVC windows yourself if you wish.  There are various cost and effectiveness reasons for this take over by the humble uPVC (un-plasticised Polyvinyl Chloride to give it it’s proper title), and we can outline some of these reasons in this article.  As well as benefits of uPVC windows, there are also disadvantages to uPVC windows but they are for another time.

• A uPVC window gives you very good insulation around the frame and employs the usage of thermal breaks. A uPVC window frame helps to keep cold out during the winter and conversely keeps the property cooler in the hotter months of the year, more important if you are living in an area which is affected by such extremes.  An obvious advantage to this, apart from your personal comfort, is the savings you can make in your heating and cooling bills by having uPVC window frames and glazing fitted.
  

  The Series 2900 New Construction Single Hung Window (click on image for details)

• The excellent seals and aforementioned insulation present in uPVC windows means that dust particles and pollen are kept to a minimum in a building.  At high pollen times, hay fever sufferers will be thankful for the extra protection that they receive from this reduction of external allergens entering the home or office .
• During the life span of these windows, very little maintenance is required.  Of course they will look better with the odd wipe or wash to the window frames, but there should be no painting or weather-proofing required.
• Most uPVC window handles are durable and are of excellent quality and upvc windows have a very secure multi-point locking system, which gives a building more security than traditional types of window clasps such as old style, sash window locks for example. It is also very difficult to break through a uPVC frame.  If you are going to undertake security measures such as installing security cameras, or even fake security cameras and a house alarm, having double glazing and good quality multi-point locks in your windows certainly also helps.
• Cost is always a factor when installing such features as windows, doors, guttering, etc.  uPVC is well up there in the cost effectiveness stakes and this means that for a lot of people, cheap uPVC windows will be given serious consideration.  An alternative to both a timber and uPVC  type window with regard to cost effectiveness could be an aluminum window.
• Consumers worry about gas furnace prices when really they should be worried about the cost of their gas bills when their windows are not sealed properly and heat escapes through them.
• As well as keeping heat in and cold out, uPVC windows keep out a lot of sound also.  This is why they are often preferred in locations where sound suppression is of a high priority, for example, close to a motorway or busy road, train track, etc.
• Production of uPVC doors and windows has come a long way from the choices of colours that were available, namely white or white.  They are now available in many different colours, and in addition can be finished in wood lookalike styles with a wood-grain feel, they can also be manufactured with a different colour on the outside to the inside – in short, almost anything is possible!  you can put uPVC windows in most any building.  We have seen plenty of log home builders using these windows for their insulation properties.
• In many cases customers want a product that has the traditional look and style of wooden window frames but with modern operating technology, so products such such as uPVC windows, modern cast iron radiators other quality products and will always be in demand with consumers.