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Repairing of PVCU Windows
| One of the main features of PVC windows is low maintenance but this is often interpreted as no maintenance. There are two main categories of repairs: A) Surface repairs Cosmetic damage - Scratches and minor damage to the appearance of the window Structural damage - Holes, chips, knocks etc. B) Functional repairs Usually associated with the hardware such as damaged handles, locks or hinges For surface repairs – scratches, indentations etc – there are very well designed kits available. These contain everything needed to effect a good cosmetic repair – soft wax and hard wax to fill the damage - but also tools, including a tool to melt the hard wax and lacquers and touch up pens to give a finish indistinguishable from the original. The waxes can be mixed to match any particular wood effect PVC. All components are designed to weather at the same rate as the PVC and to move in harmony with the substrate Areas where large sections of profile have been removed can also be repaired. The process is to build the levels with the paste, sanding using wet and dry paper, spraying with white lacquer, and polishing the area. Resins and lacquers can generally be colour matched. There are several supplier who can provide replacement functional components -- hinges, handles, locks etc. These companies all work with insurance companies to provide a rapid response service for policy holders that suffer damage to their windows/doors. The policy of these companies is to repair rather than replace. They use companies that act as a one stop shop to provide all their needs in terms of hardware for windows and doors. Some of them are listed here. Functional repairs usually revolve around the hardware used to operate the windows/doors. It is possible to get replacement parts for most type of hardware fitted to PVC windows/doors. Locking mechanisms can breakdown especially if they have been abused and the gearbox can then break. Fortunately replacing a locking mechanism on a window/door is relatively easy. Repair screws may be necessary if the existing holes are too large. Hinges are usually accessible and straightforward to remove. PVC window systems are designed for ease of fabrication and with that comes ease of replacement. Hinges can be replaced with larger sizes should they need to be. Limitations can arise on side hung stays where typically only two sizes are used. It is also possible to pop rivet them back into place as a last resort. Keeps do not usually go wrong but again these are straight forward to replace should it be necessary. Replacement parts are also available for door locks and tilt & turn furniture There are several companies in the UK that provide repair kits, training and information to repair PVC products. These companies use the kits and have staff who have been on dedicated training courses and often provide training themselves. As we have seen PVC can be successfully repaired - Minor or extensive surface damage can easily be repaired, whilst functional repairs to hardware are also possible. |
