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Take care of PVCu doors and windows

Many clients are delighted with the results after installing new UPVc doors and windows in their homes and offices.
But most also ask how best to care for and maintain their new fittings to ensure they last longer and stay trouble-free.
Of course, all our doors come fitted with a comprehensive product guarantee, but with a bit of regular care and attention, the windows and doors installed by us will stay looking good and give many years of service.
Be aware that we install only top-quality products manufactured to the highest standard.
They come with a one-year guarantee against hardware mechanical failure, a five-year warranty for defective sealed units, a ten-year guarantee against PVCu cracking, flaking, or fading, and a 25-year guarantee on the paint finish for aluminium frames in typical environments.
Our fitted PVCu windows and doors are internally beaded for extra security and have plenty of industry accreditations.
But there are dos and don'ts for cleaning and maintaining windows and doors to ensure optimum performance.

Keep uPVC doors and windows clean

Always use warm, soapy water to wash and clean PVCu fittings. It usually needs to be carried out a couple of times a year. Remember to clean those hidden parts when closed and wipe with a dry cloth afterwards. If you find a stubborn stain on PVCu, use a cream cleaner with a damp cloth and a gentle circular motion using only the lightest pressure. Bird excrement can be a problem here, and it's better if this is cleaned off within a day. Ensure drainage channels are free of dirt and debris that could cause blocking. Warm, soapy water and a small soft bristle paintbrush should do the job.

Check the moving parts

Make a similar check on moving parts and tracks to keep them clear of dirt and reduce wear on moving parts. It should only be done twice a year, but be thorough and meticulous. Mechanical components will benefit from a spray with light oil from time to time, say every six months. It applies to hinges, locks and other moving parts. Use a proprietary glass cleaner on window panels and follow the manufacturer's instructions, but do not spray it on the UPVc frame or an aluminium one. And don't use it on the self-cleaning glass. Stick to soapy water at all times.

How not to clean PVCu fittings

Do not clean PVCu windows and doors with bleach or harsh chemical abrasives, especially on coloured or grained UPVc profiles. The same goes for solvents such as white spirits, methylated spirits, and varnish removers. Using brass and metal cleaners on fittings such as handles, door knockers, or letter plates can be tempting, but this will only bring trouble. Even a glass cleaner is not recommended. High-pressure water and steam cleaners will likely damage surfaces and should be avoided. Do not try to paint over a PVCu window or door frame. It rarely looks good, and it is unlikely to last very long. Worse is to try and remove paint with a paint stripper or other harsh paint solvents.

More care and maintenance tips

One of the significant advantages of PVCu doors and windows is that they need so little maintenance. They can stay looking good and perform well for many years. A gentle wipe-down with warm, soapy water is all that is required to keep profiles looking as good as the day they were installed. Light lubrication of moving parts and keeping running tracks clear of debris will ensure years of service. The only adjustment you may need is to check the friction setting on window stays if you have them. The window stay ensures windows don't close under their own weight and remain open where they are left. They are controlled by small hinges, which are factory-set, but they may get a little slack over time. A slight clockwise twist of the screw with a flat-bladed screwdriver will be enough to put them right.


More on uPVC products

uPVC or aluminium?
uPVC or PVCu: what's the difference?
Does uPVC last very long?
Maintaining doors and windows

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