Why do you need lubrication?
The tightness of plastic windows is ensured by movable mechanisms, thanks to which closed sashes fit tightly to the frame, and elastic seals that prevent the formation of cracks. When manufacturing windows at the factory, these structural elements are necessarily treated with high-quality professional lubricants, which perform their function for quite a long time - up to 5 years.
However, they gradually dry out, and dust, sand and other dirt with abrasive (scratching) properties accumulate in the mechanisms and grooves of the window unit. The doors may begin to creak, jam, or close poorly. Simply washing the window, removing visible dirt, is not enough; you need to think about how to lubricate plastic windows yourself.
Washing windows is mandatory, but not the only way to care for them. Source cleanadvice.ru
Having gotten used to the fact that windows have been working flawlessly for many years, many do not think about the need for special maintenance procedures, and miss the moment when they can still protect the mechanisms and fittings from damage by simply updating the protective coating. If the structures are modern, they can be replaced as a last resort. But for windows installed 15 or more years ago, when they first appeared in our country, it is difficult to select suitable fittings and spare parts, since they are no longer produced. Sometimes you have to completely replace the entire block.
Regular lubrication of plastic windows is necessary to:
- increase the resistance of mechanisms to wear, reducing friction of parts against each other;
- create a film on the metal surface to protect against moisture and corrosion;
- make the process of movement of the valves, their opening and closing smooth and silent;
- maintain the elasticity of sealing gaskets, preventing them from drying out and cracking.
Preventive lubrication is carried out at least twice a year, at the beginning and end of the cold season Source vid-pl.net
What happens if you don't lubricate?
Any lubricant dries out over time, which leads to mechanical overload of the metal moving elements of the fittings. The additional load itself significantly reduces the service life of the mechanisms, not to mention the fact that non-lubricated elements are subjected to this load. Various kinds of particles accumulate in the grooves of the frame and sashes, including sand and metal dust (appears during prolonged operation of the fittings). These materials are abrasives and do not have the best effect on the performance of the mechanisms and the window as a whole.
The service life of rubber seals is about seven years. In hot, dry climates, rubber and polymer materials lose the necessary elasticity even earlier. Without treatment, the rubber quickly becomes rough and cracks, the tightness of the sashes in the closed position becomes insufficient, as do the energy-saving characteristics of the window unit.
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PVC window care products
Some companies, after completing an order for the manufacture and installation of their products, give recommendations on how to lubricate plastic windows and offer special professional products for this. As a rule, this is a set of several drugs, some of which may not be useful at all, and it is expensive. The necessary lubricants can be found on sale separately, spending much less money.
Set of care products for PVC windows Source stroyportal.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in doors, windows and related work
For metal mechanisms
In no case should household products such as cosmetic creams, petroleum jelly or vegetable oil be used to process metal parts of the structure. They dry poorly and instantly attract dust, with which they roll into lumps. The result is an untidy appearance, difficult to wash off dirt and, most unpleasantly, rapid wear of the fittings. Special automotive lubricants with a low degree of purification are also not suitable.
When choosing what to lubricate plastic windows with, it is better to focus on the following options.
- Special products for the care of window mechanisms based on silicone.
Available in convenient packaging in the form of an aerosol can or tube with a long tip. After application, they form a durable but very thin protective film on the surface that does not interfere with the correct operation of the fittings.
The spray can is also equipped with a convenient nozzle Source stroyday.ru
- Universal silicone lubricants.
They can be used not only on window fittings, but also for other mechanisms, which is more economically profitable, since you do not have to buy a special product for different purposes.
- Lubricants based on other synthetic or mineral bases without acids or other aggressive chemicals.
Advice! When choosing such a product, carefully study the composition and consult with the seller.
- Household instrument oil or special oil for sewing machines.
This option is worse than the previous ones. When deciding how to lubricate the mechanism of plastic windows, you can use it if more suitable products are not at hand. It differs from ordinary machine oil in its high degree of purification.
Purified oil for overlockers and sewing machines Source sewprice.ru
Difficulties and errors
When lubricating a double-glazed window, the following difficulties and errors may occur:
- If you do not remove the old grease, dust, dirt or metal shavings from the surface of the parts, the new lubricant will not have any effect, since it will wear off very quickly and can also become clogged in the mechanism, which will disrupt its operation.
- When using aerosols, an air suspension is formed, which will fall not only on the metal, but also on other parts of the window, which is why it will have to be wiped off.
- You should carefully select the material with which the window will be lubricated. To do this, you need to carefully read the label, as it may indicate restrictions and side effects, as well as the composition. Lubricants with aggressive substances and abrasive components can destroy the metal, plastic or rubber part of the window.
How to properly care for windows
Before lubricating, windows must be washed, including not only double-glazed windows, but also frames and all visible structural elements. To do this, the sashes are opened to gain access to the seals located at the ends and the moving elements of the metal fittings. The handles with plastic covers can also be removed to clean and lubricate the socket and fasteners.
For cleaning, use any available means from a dry rag or napkin with soapy water to a vacuum cleaner. Before lubricating the mechanism of plastic windows, you should especially thoroughly clean it of dirt. This can be done using a small brush that gets into hard-to-reach places, or WD-40 solvent.
Pressing mechanisms are located along the entire perimeter of the sash; everything needs to be processed Source siegenia.com
Tools and materials
For work you may need:
syringe;- lint-free cloth or sponge;
- a hard bristle brush or toothbrush;
- window cleaner (no solvents or abrasives);
- oil for hinges and fittings;
- seal lubricant;
- paper towels;
- soap solution.
Briefly about the main thing
Even the most advanced mechanisms do not last forever, and their service life is determined by the intensity of use and the quality of care. Plastic windows also have constantly working mechanisms with which they are opened, pressed against the frame, and tilted for ventilation. If they are not cleaned and lubricated on time, they will become clogged with dirt, which increases friction and corrosion. Therefore, all window fittings, including rubber seals, need regular lubrication. These can be silicone-based water repellents, synthetic and highly purified mineral oils. For ease of application, they are equipped with special tips.
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The process of lubrication of window mechanisms
First stage. The window sash opens. All sides are carefully examined.
Second phase. Dirt is removed from the fittings and a soft cloth is used. You can clean more difficult to reach areas with a brush with an extended handle or a sponge attached to a thin stick. The new composition must be applied to a clean surface.
Third stage. After cleaning, lubricate generously:
- latches;
- bolts;
- mounting brackets;
- handle mechanism;
- other moving elements intended for opening/closing the sash.
It is more preferable to use spraying compounds, because then the lubricant penetrates even the most inaccessible places of moving mechanisms.
The set of lubricant cylinders usually includes removable movable “spouts”. With their help, it is possible to apply a lubricant composition even to those parts of the mechanisms that are hidden by the frame body.
Plastic window lubrication
If you use lubricant in bottles, you will need from one to three drops of lubricant for each part. All elements of window sashes and frames are lubricated at the same time.
Lubricating fittings using a plastic bottle
Must be taken into account! You should not experiment and use butter, vegetable oil, Vaseline or cosmetic gels. The first days after such treatment, the mechanisms will work properly, but this will not last long. Soon the mechanical systems will begin to seize. In addition, when you finally have to use the correct compounds, the previously applied substance will be difficult to remove.
Fourth stage. Attention should also be paid to rubber seals. These elements are treated with compounds specifically designed for this purpose. Then tires:
- does not dry out;
- does not lose elasticity;
- does not crack.
Otherwise, the seal between the sash and the frame seems to be broken. And due to a violation of the sealing, cold, dust, and street noise will begin to penetrate into the room.
Timely preventive maintenance of all window elements and fitting mechanisms will help get rid of problems: the window system will serve without failures for many years, and there will be no need to replace individual parts.
Timely lubrication prevents the formation of drafts. Prevention also prevents heat from escaping from the room in winter.
Lubricating rubber seals
As with metal mechanisms, the procedure begins with cleaning the surface to be treated. The window sashes are opened, dust and other contaminants are removed with a dry cloth or brush, after which the rubber elements are washed with soapy water outside and inside. Do not use aggressive chemicals or abrasive sponges.
When the washed rubber is completely dry, lubricant can be applied. Liquid products without a sprayer are applied with a cloth or cotton swab, rubbing evenly over the entire surface of the seal. Spray is less preferable for such a task, since its consumption will be much greater.
Video instructions for lubrication of seals:
How to lubricate plastic window fittings
The answer is simple and concise: by the same means as the locking mechanisms.
Instructions for lubricating plastic windows. Manufacturers of window fittings and sash opening/closing mechanisms sometimes indicate the location of lubrication. For other owners, here is a diagram (see photo below) that shows where the lubrication point is.
Window lubrication points.
Window lubrication begins with washing the glass unit and profiles (frame and sashes) with special products and then cleaning all elements of the sash and frame from dirt, dust and old grease. To do this, the sash opens alternately in different planes so that you can first clean and then lubricate the locking devices for different opening modes.
All metal parts are wiped with a sponge, brush or damp cloth, after which they are wiped dry with a dry napkin or cloth. In this case, you must follow two simple rules:
- no detergents for metal parts;
- the weather should be calm - with the wind, dust, soot, volatile fats, etc. can fall onto the cleaned surface.
Lubricant is applied according to a simple algorithm:
- after washing and cleaning, the window is ventilated (dry);
- all moving parts, mounting brackets, bolts and latches are lubricated (methods for applying lubricant are shown in the photo);
The tubular spout helps you reach the most difficult to reach spots.
Window lubrication with aerosol.
- after lubrication, the window closes and opens several times in each plane - thus, the lubricant is distributed over the entire surface of the lubricated parts.
Some tips:
- The most convenient way to lubricate is with a syringe.
Lubricating windows with a syringe.
- Spray cans contaminate the plastic and seals next to the part on which the spray was applied (even with a spout tube) - you will have to wipe it again. Therefore, it is better to avoid them.
- From plastic bottles, it is enough to squeeze 1-3 drops into the lubrication point.
Lubricating parts using a plastic bottle.
- All parts of one window should be lubricated at the same time.
If all procedures are performed correctly, the window will extend its service life by several years. But there is no need to take risks and prevention should be repeated regularly.
Video: tips for preventive maintenance of plastic windows
Frequency of window maintenance activities
The regularity of treating double-glazed windows with lubricants depends on the location, frequency of use of window systems and other factors. During the first 5 years of operation, it is recommended to service windows at least once a year.
If double-glazed windows are installed on the ground floor, located near a highway, or are subject to increased pollution or intensive use, maintenance measures should be carried out more often, as necessary. Also, you should not wait for the right moment to lubricate windows in cases where the mechanisms begin to jam, creak, or make other uncharacteristic sounds.
Unpleasant consequences of lack of treatment
Lack of proper care for window units and their mechanisms can cause operational difficulties and a number of other unpleasant problems:
- jamming when trying to close or open a double-glazed window, set the sash in ventilation mode;
- violation of sealing and, as a result, blowing of frames, formation of condensation, freezing of ice;
- creaking and grinding of mechanisms as a result of the loss of its properties by the factory lubricant.
A peculiarity of old plastic windows is the fact that finding the necessary parts and spare parts for their repair is problematic. Therefore, failure of any component due to lack of lubrication treatment can lead to the replacement of the entire internal mechanism and even the entire window system.
