uPVC Windows Guide

If you are purchasing new windows for your home, then once these window units are of good quality you should have little to fear with regard to their security.  Manufacturers are very conscious of the need to provide secure windows for their clients, so good windows will come adorned with window locks that should be up to the job of keeping intruders out of your home.

However life is not so simple if you have older types of windows installed in your home.  These could be period sash windows, old timber windows or even uPVC windows that were installed in less security conscious times.  If this is the case you may wish to review the security measures in your home and take some action.

Some homeowners with attractive antique windows for instance are reluctant to install new locking systems as they feel that this may ruin the character of the old units.  However with a bit of research it may well be possible to source locks from salvage yards that would make the windows more secure and yet would fit in with the character and style of the windows.

A difficulty that may arise is that a sash window lock located in a salvage yard may not have enough matching comrades so that you can fit all of your windows with the same lock.

If this is the case then it could be possible to locate good reproduction antique window locks that are much easier to locate in the quantities that you need and will probably work out more reasonable in price.

Window locks that have keys are the most secure type of standard lock.  However you do have the problem of either removing all of the keys from the windows when they are locked, otherwise a thief simply has to remove the glass in order to open the lock and you are back to where you started.   If you do remove all of the keys, it is important from the point of view of your own family’s safety that everyone is aware of the location of the keys, in case of an emergency.

Some homeowners prefer to purchase unobtrusive locks that can hardly be seen by anyone for aesthetic reasons.  Others take the viewpoint that the more visible the locks on their house windows are, the less likely it is that a potential intruder will try his luck.

Larger windows in a home may require more than one lock.  This is because of the pressure that can be put on a big window frame by exerting pressure from outside.  Another point to note is that very small windows can also be attractive to burglars and that these windows should not be overlooked when a homeowners are making inventories of window locks that are needed for their homes.

All windows in your home should be regularly inspected in order to gauge their security effectiveness.  Locks for uPVC windows are usually maintenance free and uPVC window handles are strong and not prone to giving trouble, but could be in need of some lubrication or perhaps there may be dust gathering in the lock that if not removed, could cause future jamming of the mechanism. If uPVC windows and doors are kept securely locked while you are away burglars will not normally try to force them, but will move on to easier targets.

A sash window lock can be very effective if installed properly, but if your sash windows are of the older style and are not very secure, you may wish to check out what types of updated window sash locks are on the market.
You can go online and view all types of locks for windows, compare prices to see what the advantages to different types of locks are.

Remember if window locks are going to be suitable for your home they have to be very effective at their job, they should look well and naturally they should be affordable.

When you first install uPVC windows, you reckon that they will be there for ever. However time passes and certain parts of your uPVC windows and doors begin to show sign of wear – uPVC window handles, seals, damaged frames, etc – there are many reasons why you may decide to change your windows.  However with some proper research into handles for windows you may find that you can get very good quality replacements which will mean you may be able to put off replacing your windows for a bit longer.

Wear and tear may not be the only reason that you want rid of your old window handles or even your uPVC door handles.  Up to date design has meant that newer style of handles are of a more ergonomic design and more functional, but the older types of handles have can cause a variety of problems.  They may not be attractive to look at, can be awkward to use and even not very hygienic (older models tend to have a lot of angles and nooks which collect bacteria).

In addition to this they can be a risk to the security of the home, as homeowners invariably lose the keys for the handle locks.  This can also cause a safety risk for the inhabitants if windows are kept locked and there is an emergency in the home.  another security measure homeowners employ in their homes is the installation of security window screens and these also have to be easily removed from the inside.

If you have tired of your uPVC window handles, if they are damaged, or if you simply want to upgrade the security and safety measures in your home, you can consider getting new handles for your existing uPVC windows.  If you wish to do this yourself you will need to source compatible handles and this can be tricky enough to do.  There are a huge range of these handles on the market and many have different characteristics.

Types of handles may fall into different categories such as Espag uPVC window handles, Cockspur handles and Tilt n Turn handles.  Firstly you should identify the manufacturer of the locking mechanism by looking at the ‘lock strip’ (which you can see when the door or window is open).

When you have discovered the make and the model of your handles and locks and contact the manufacturer who will be only to happy to supply you with updated and much more attractive versions of your existing handles.

Many homeowners put up with their existing window handles, mainly perhaps because they do not realize that they can change them.  Major uPVC manufacturers are reporting that they are now replacing more first generation uPVC windows than those that are made of aluminum or wood.

In many cases this is not because the windows are no longer able to operate, but because some parts of the unit, such as the handles, have ceased to function properly.  So it does pay to source replacement uPVC window handles and to get someone to fit them for you, (which is not an impossible task for you to carry out yourself if you have a mind to).

By installing new uPVC window handles you could be giving your self a few more years of grace, before you have to get down to the business of replacing your uPVC windows.

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.

uPVC is a very durable material and with proper maintenance and repair can have a life in excess of 20-25 years.  There are many differences between windows with wooden window frames and uPVC windows.  Compared to products such as timber windows no matter what type and style of window , uPVC windows do not need high volumes of time consuming maintenance and painting / treatment.  There are disadvantages to uPVC double glazed windows but this is definitely one of the many advantages.  Simple twice-yearly cleaning and inspection and quarterly lubrication is most likely adequate.

• In broad general terms, any part of the uPVC double glazed window that is visible when the windows are closed should receive a wash twice yearly.  This can be done with a warm soapy solution, taking care not to use abrasive materials such as scouring pads, or abrasive cleaning solutions such as ammonia based cleansers. It is always a good idea to remove such items as jewellery and watches, before commencing cleaning work on uPVC double glazed windows as this avoids unnecessary damage (to the jewellery and to the windows!).
• here are also the options of installing windows with self-cleaning glass, such as ‘St. Gobain Bio Clean’ and ‘Pilkington Activ’.
  

  WD-40 Spray Applicator (click on image for details)

• When the windows are open, the remaining parts such as double glazed uPVC window locks, that you can then see should receive a wipe to remove dead insects, cobwebs, old oil or lubricants.  The use of a vacuum cleaner can be helpful in these situations.
• Always keep any drainage holes clear as this will ensure that any build up of condensation inside will be removed.

• All hinges and locking points should be kept clean.  This applies to uPVC double glazing windows and doors also. As with any metal moving mechanism, regular application of a light lubricant oil will help to keep these parts in good working order.  WD-40 spray is ideal for such tasks.  A light application of a product such as petroleum jelly to hinges and moving parts after lubrication will help ensure their protection.  Perhaps avoid heavier grease lubricants and avoid too much application that can result in grease oozing to the frames. It is always a good idea while cleaning to check the tightness of any visible screws at this time. Avoid getting grease or oil on curtains or window valances when you are carrying out this work.
• Clean the gaskets, weather strips and seals regularly with mild non-abrasive detergents.  While you are cleaning, inspect to ensure that all seals remain correctly fitted to the frames.  Many gaskets and seals can be removed and replaced without the complete removal of the window.  If seals or gaskets do need to be repaired, the task should probably be carried out by a trained maintenance person.
• If your frames of your windows suffer a small mark or scratch, repair kits can be available from upvc windows online suppliers, however it is best to avoid damage of the frames, as larger marks cannot be repaired.  Special care is needed if you are installing uPVC double glazed windows yourself.