Any windows need care and it does not matter, they are made of wood or from high-strength plastic. So if you have acquired modern plastic windows, then sooner or later come across the question: "What care is needed?". This article will help you save PVC windows in proper condition and maximize their service life.
Content
General recommendations
Today, plastic double-glazed windows are significantly dominated over classic wooden windows. And it is not surprising - the PVC windows are much cheaper, and it is much easier to care for them. In addition, plastic windows are not affected by parasites, unlike wood. And if earlier double-glazed windows were the subject of luxury, now they have become a mandatory attribute of any modern housing, office or commercial premises.
Plastic windows are protected from noise, dust and cold. High-strength materials are focused on many years of trouble-free service, but often owners of such windows impose too much hopes on them, thinking that this modern element is deprived of all sorts of flaws. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and the PVC windows need care, even if in the minimum one.
General recommendations for the care and operation of plastic windows:
- A protective film that is available on each new plastic window must be removed no later than 10 days from the installation.
- After installing the windows, it is necessary to carefully clean the coil space from the remnants of the installation construction work - foam, glue, etc.
- Since plastic windows are distinguished by high tightness in a closed position, the circulation of moisture and air indoor is suspended. In order to avoid the appearance of condensate, the room should be aircraft at least 10 minutes a couple of times a day. Bedroom and kitchen require more frequent ventilation.
- Since the moisture is characteristic of more cold areas, and they are double-glazed windows, do not block the streams of warm air coming from batteries. Also, the temperature in the room should not be below 15C, otherwise the probability of fogging will increase.
Washing windows
Today manufacturers of plastic windows offer to purchase double-glazed windows with any degree of glass transparency. But, whatever option you choose, the indicator of transparency will be directly dependent on the proper care, namely the presence of dust or scratches on the surface. Despite the fact that double-glazed windows have the property of dust and mud, they need periodic washing.
Window profiles are made of high-strength synthetic material of olivinyl chloride, which has excellent protective properties and is well clean. You can use the most common degreasing detergents to clean the windows. Any compounds for washing dishes are suitable - CIF, Fairy, PRILL, etc. In the absence of the above-mentioned funds, an elementary soap-aqueous solution can be used.
However, it should be borne in mind that not every detergent is suitable for the care of plastic windows. The compositions of the drugs should not be present in aggressive chemicals and abrasive materials, otherwise there will be divorces or scratches after washing on the frames, they will become rough and lose their protective qualities.
List of funds whose use is not allowed for washing windows:
- alcohol;
- acetone and acetone-containing drugs4
- acid;
- petrol;
- any preparations with chlorine content;
- concentrated alkalis.
It is also not recommended to use hard coating sponge or various faded items to remove mud clusters.
In cases of strong contamination, with which ordinary detergents do not cope, use special preparations for the care of PVC windows. They can be purchased directly from the manufacturer of profiles or in the household chemical store.
Little tricks
Several small "home" tricks that will help to contain windows in constant purity:
- after washing, wipe the windows with a solution of 30ml of water, 70 grams of glycerol and a pair of drops of ammonic alcohol - this will allow glass to remain clean and transparent longer;
- to create a pleasant greenish shade on the glasses, wipe the surface with a solution of copper sulfate at the rate of 1 teaspoon of a 1 liter of cold water;
- bulgarian shade can be given using conventional dry ultramarin;
- to fly to the glasses, flies, treat them with a regular table vinegar of 6% or 9%.
Caring for the sealant
Caring for plastic windows requires special attention. The main task of the seal is the protection against moisture, dust and cold. That is, by and large, it is he "to blame" the fact that plastic windows are so comfortable and practical, and if the seal fails, the functionality of the window will instantly fall. Urgent care for plastic windows in the winter is needed if you have noticed frost. This is the main indicator that the seal is damaged, and the window does not cope with their heat-saving functions.
In modern models of plastic windows, we usually use seals made of black or gray rubber or high-strength rubber. Sealing seals do not take a lot of time and effort. It is enough to periodically wipe them with a damp cloth moistened in soap solution. After drying, lubricate them with glycerol or any means, which contains glycerin.
To lubricate the seal, you can use:
- glycerol;
- petrolatum;
- silicone Grease;
- silicone-based hand cream;
- hand cream with high percentage of glycerin.
It is not strongly recommended to use chemical or organic solvents to clean seals, since they destroy the material.
If the seals for any reason have lost their elasticity and began to pass the air and moisture, they must be replaced with new ones. With proper care, the seal will last at least 5 years, but sooner or later it will still have to be replaced.
Care for accessories
The accessories of plastic windows is constantly exposed to heavy loads, so before ordering the windows, pay attention to its quality, materials from which it is made and reputed by the manufacturer. Timely care for the accessories of plastic windows will provide a long service life and comfort of your home. But even the most expensive and high-quality fittings it is necessary to pay attention to at least once a year.
Recommendations for caring for fittings:
- visual inspection for damage and health;
- purification with a dry cloth, a tassel or vacuum cleaner;
- processing by lithium lubricant or VD lubrication;
- machinery processing in places fixing accessories.
Lubrication It is necessary to cover all technological grooves located around the perimeter of the window. Fixation sites and all not static (moving) mechanisms should be treated with machine oil. It is not permissible to use machine oil, which contains resins, acids or other aggressive substances that can disrupt the anti-corrosion barrier of profile and accessories.
List of lubricants suitable for accessories:
- aerosol lubricant WD40;
- machine oil (Motul 8100)
- silicone machinery;
- mineral oil;
- oil for lubricating parts of sewing machines;
- graphite lubricant or "lithol";
- lubrication for bicycles.
It is best to use special lubricants for windows that can be purchased at the household chemicals store or from the window profile manufacturer. These funds include special mineral oils, antioxidant substances and elements that prevent corrosion. As a rule, such lubricants have the kind of aerosols and are very convenient to use.
It should be avoided by mechanical damage to the components of the accessories, removing all foreign objects and pollution in space between the frame and the window sash. Also, fittings may suffer if you hang clothes or other items on the open window.
Also follow the lubricant to be too much (just a few drops are enough). Otherwise, it will flock down the seal and break its protective properties.
The frequency of the accessory care procedure depends on the frequency of use of windows. According to the overall standard, accessories must be carried out at least once a year, but if you live in a big city or on the first floors of the building, then it is worth paying attention to the mechanisms - approximately every 6-7 months. It is also necessary to check the functionality of the accessories and the overall cleanliness of the windows after repair work.
Caring for windows will not be a burdensome task if you immediately take the rule to check their health and purity, say, during each "general" cleaning in the apartment. Just a few minutes of inspection and care will help extend the operating deadlines of windows several times, and your home will be reliably protected for many years.
