In recent years, uPVC has become one of the most popular materials used in modern doors and windows. After all, uPVC doors and windows are tough, durable, and, most importantly, non-toxic. They also add to the visual appearance of your property. Even though uPVC is known for its versatility, much like other materials, it is also susceptible to expansion.
Thus, it is important to follow maintenance procedures and care for windows to prevent expansion. Let us learn more about how to maintain windows and protect the elegant look of your uPVC doors and windows.
Maintenance of uPVC Windows
Expanding or swelling up is uPVC’s natural reaction to heat, so it is nothing to be concerned about. It won’t cause your uPVC windows or doors to break, but it can temporarily make opening and closing them difficult.
This can be a cause of discomfort for some homeowners. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that you can do but wait till the plastic cools down and retracts. If you can’t wait for the uPVC to retract by itself, then here are some l tips to help you care for windows and reduce the expansion:
#01 Spray Cold Water
You can cool your uPVC doors and windows down by spraying the outside and the frame with cold water. You can also try patting the frame down with a cold, damp cloth. By applying cold water, the uPVC will cool down and start to retract quickly.
#02 Adjust the Hinges
Another quick way to maintain windows and make sure that your uPVC doors and windows close properly is to adjust the hinges. uPVC doors and windows have easy hinges that can be adjusted for heat expansion.
Adjusting them will make it easier for you to open and close. However, this is only a quick fix, as once the uPVC door or window cools down, it will return to its normal form.
#03 Remove Dirt and Debris
You should make sure that you get rid of any dirt or debris that builds up or gets stuck in the nooks and gaps of the window frame. No matter what type of window you have, you should clean it properly, preferably with a soft brush, to reduce the chances of scratches or damage.
To prevent condensation from building up on the glass panes and maintain windows, you should also clear debris from the drainage slots between the external sill and the bottom of the window.
#04 Clean Using Warm Soapy Water
When you are carrying out your routine cleaning to maintain windows, make sure to wipe your uPVC doors and windows with warm, soapy water. This is because uPVC is a sensitive material that doesn’t gel well with many cleaning solvents and cream cleaners. Products like solvents, cream cleaners, bleach, etc., are abrasive and can end up damaging the glossy finish and the surface of your uPVC doors and windows.
Even after cleaning, if the doors and windows are still dirty and covered with smears or stubborn marks, you can use a uPVC cleaner. Before using a cleaning agent, it is always better to check with the manufacturers’ recommendations to better maintain windows.
#05 Use a Wipe
Routine cleaning of uPVC windows is vital to care for windows, but it is also crucial to pay attention to what you are using to clean them with. The cloth or wipe that you decide to use must be soft and smooth.
Do not put excessive pressure on the doors and windows and try to be as gentle as possible while cleaning. Refrain from using newspapers or scouring pads to clean your uPVC doors and windows, as they can scratch the surface and leave.
#06 Clean the External and the Internal Glass
To ensure that your uPVC doors and windows are in their best shape, clean the internal and external glass to maintain windows. Spray the glass cleaner liquid and wipe the internal glass with a clean cloth until the r liquid is completely wiped off. Then, buff the glass until it is dry and polished perfectly. Do the same for the external glass as well.
#07 Keep a Check on Your Blinds
If you are thinking about installing or have installed blinds or curtains, make sure to leave at least a 15mm space between the window and the blinds. This will provide airflow; otherwise, there is a chance of mildew or mould build-up and requires you to take more steps to maintain windows.
#08 Regular Check-up
One of the important things that you can do to care for windows is to check their condition periodically. Similarly, the locking points and hinges of the uPVC doors must be checked regularly to ensure that they haven’t become stiff.
If you find them stiff, they should be lubricated to care for windows. You should also ensure that the metal segments pivot; essentially, all moving parts of your uPVC doors and windows are greased twice a year. Regular dirt removal and occasional hardware lubrication can ensure that your uPVC doors and windows continue working properly for a long time.
Why Opt for uPVC Doors and Windows?
Even though uPVC doors and windows tend to expand, they are still a popular choice among designers and homeowners.
1. Offers Durability
Extreme durability and robustness are some of the many reasons for the widespread popularity of uPVC doors and windows.
With a long life expectancy of about 40 years, uPVC windows can withstand harsh weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind, rain, sleet, and snow. They are also equipped with UV, chemical, saltwater, high-impact, moisture, and infestation-resistant properties to keep your space looking immaculate at all times. Thus, it is important to maintain windows for their optimal efficiency.
2. Requires Little Maintenance
Apart from being durable and tough, uPVC requires very little maintenance, making it easier to care for windows. It doesn’t rot, flake, peel or corrode. When it’s dirty, all it needs is a wipe-down with a household cleaner. It is also dust-proof, termite-proof, and moisture-resistant. Another major advantage of installing uPVC doors and windows is the thermal insulation that uPVC provides.
Besides offering stylish aesthetics and impeccable functionality, uPVC doors and windows are also crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of your space. Hence, it is vital to care for windows to restore their pristine position by revamping them from time to time. Unfortunately, in some cases, they may be well beyond repair and rejuvenation. In such cases, replacement may be the only option.
3. Provides Heat and Noise Insulation
uPVC frames paired with Low-E glass can provide excellent heat insulation and keep your home warmer during winter and cooler during summer. They reduce the usage of artificial heating and cooling systems, helping you save significantly on energy bills. uPVC is also intrinsically a non-toxic material, making it an eco-friendly option.
uPVC doors and windows also provide insulation against outside noise. They are usually equipped with multi-point locking systems, providing a high level of security to your property. Moreover, uPVC and windows have galvanized steel reinforcements, making a breakthrough nearly impossible and easy to maintain windows.
When it comes to choosing the material for your doors and windows, it all boils down to your personal choice.
If you are looking for experts to help you with top-quality uPVC doors and windows solutions, AIS Windows is your one-stop source. We at AIS Windows provide cutting-edge windows and door solutions for residential and commercial purposes.
We offer a variety of innovative and elegant uPVC doors and window designs. Not only this, but with us, you can also get our designs customized to match your style, theme, and preference. Our experts will give you 360-degree support, right from the stage of product selection up until installation, tips to care for windows and after-sales support.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact with experts today!
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