My uPVC Window will not close properly

Below you will find information on some of the most common problems found with uPVC windows. In most cases it is something simple and will not cost a lot of money to get fixed. But if you don't have the information you may just get charged for work that you don't need to have done. And in some cases you may be able to fix the problem yourself.

uPVC Casement Window A pvc casement window is the most common window been used these days. With these windows your window sash opens outwards ether top hung or side hung. Not a lot goes wrong with them and when something does it can be easily fixed.

uPVC Tilt / Turn Window With these windows their sash open inwards. They can tilt inwards at the top or if you turn the handle again, they will open inwards like a door. When these give trouble they can be harder to fix and in most cases it may be best to get someone in, to fix them because to replace parts on these you would really need to know what you are doing. But there is a few simple adjustment that you can make that will sort out most problems.

uPVC Sliding Sash Windows These windows are used in older houses, and if made right they can be hard to tell the different's from a timber sliding window and a pvc sliding window. But if something goes wrong. You really need to get someone who knows what they are doing. If you try to fix one of these you might end up doing more damage than good.

Casement window : HINGES - The number one problem here is the hinges. Over times hinges will wear down and just won't work properly or break altogether. How to tell if its the hinges, close your window if you are able. Than on the hinge side if there is still a small gap between the frame and the sash. Than it means your hinges are gone. To replace these is only a 10 minute job. First unscrew the hinges from the frame and lift your window sash out. Than unscrew the hinges from the window sash and replace with new ones. You will have to change both hinges on the sash and not just the one that does not work. The reason for this is, because your new hinges may run a bit different from the old ones and this will only break your new hinge if you don't replace both.

Dropped Hinges - In some top hung sashs if they are heavy they can drop on the hinges if they have not been screwed properly to the frame. All you need to do is push the sash back up into place and put new screws in the stop holes.

Dropped sash - When a window is made and when the glass is been fitted. The glass must be pack tight to the frame, this is know as toe & heeling. If this is not done properly than the window sash will drop down after a while and will start catching on the bottom of the frame every time you open and close it. If this is the case you will need to take out the window beading and pack the glass tight against the pvc sash.

The most common fault with Titl / Turn windows is they are not toe & healed properly. All this means is the glass was not packed tightly against the frame and over time the window sash will sag down and will not open or close properly.

Another option is the window may just need a small bit of adjustment. With Tilt / Turn window you have three main types of adjustments. The first one is when you open your window like a door. Than at the top, on the hinge side you will see a hex nut. Turn this one way and the top of the window will move away from the window frame, than turn the nut the other way and the window sash will move closer the window frame.

The second adjustment is when the window is closed and on the bottom hinge side. You will see the bottom hinge, just slide the pvc cap upward. Than you will see a hex nut adjustment. Turn this one way and the window sash will lift upwards and turn it the other way and the window sash will move downwards

The third adjustment is on the same bottom hinge as above. This is a hex nut on the side and it will move your window sash left or right.

If you think that none of the above will sort out your tilt / turn window problem than may it is time to call someone who know what they are doing, as the are a lot of moving parts in a tilt / turn window and if one is broke. You will need to know what you are doing before you can replace it.

If you know nothing about windows and you have a problem with one of these. Than it is best that you call someone that does know about windows. Otherwise you may just end up doing more damage and this will only cost you more money.