What and how to properly lubricate plastic windows?

A lot of homeowners are choosing plastic windows because of their low maintenance, energy efficiency, and longevity. However, it’s crucial to lubricate them on a regular basis to make sure they keep operating smoothly and effectively. Common problems like sticking, squeaking, and difficulty opening or closing can be avoided with proper lubrication.

A lot of people don’t know what kind of lubricant to use or how to properly lubricate their plastic windows. The wrong product used could do more harm than good, possibly destroying the window mechanisms or impairing their functionality. To maintain the best possible condition for your windows, this article will walk you through the process of choosing the appropriate lubricant and demonstrate how to apply it correctly.

We’ll take care of the various window components that require maintenance, including the locks, seals, and hinges. You can make sure your plastic windows continue to offer the comfort you want by taking these easy steps to prolong their lifespan.

Why lubricate windows?

Ordinary housewives are aware that lubricating components and parts’ rubbing surfaces on a regular basis is necessary. For instance, machine oil is applied to sewing machines or door hinges when necessary, without the assistance of the strong half of humanity. Though windows are in a worse state than doors, for some reason no one is hurrying to lubricate them.

All metal parts, including grease, get covered in street dust even after a brief opening of the sash. The amount of dirt in the oil grows yearly, making it more difficult for fittings and locking mechanisms to operate. Foreign impurities also appear to have an abrasive effect. If action is not taken, rubbing units and counter plates—which aren’t always for sale—may experience accelerated wear.

The loss of the oil layer causes excessive friction in the mating parts, which can cause extraneous sounds to appear, such as clicking, grinding, or creaking (often all at once). As soon as these sounds appear, all rubbing parts need to be immediately lubricated.

When a small part from another company is unavailable, the lack of interchangeable parts from manufacturers of mechanisms and accessories results in the costly replacement of the entire locking system. Lubricating plastic windows addresses multiple issues simultaneously:

• increases the wear resistance of rubbing parts;
• makes the locking mechanism silent;
• facilitates the process of opening (closing) the doors;
• protects metal from rust;
• allows the seal to maintain elasticity, preventing it from stretching or cracking.

Windows owners can expect a number of unpleasant surprises if prevention is neglected or implemented improperly:

• unpleasant extraneous sounds appear when opening/closing the doors;
• due to the friction of metal on metal, metal dust appears between the rubbing surfaces, accelerating the wear of parts;
• rubber under a layer of dust quickly loses its elasticity, which leads to the penetration of cold air into the apartment in winter;
• replacing worn parts is not always possible – manufacturers of locking mechanisms and fittings often change the model range of their kits, and it is very difficult to find a replacement for a part that was produced 5-6 years ago.

How often to lubricate and at what time of year

According to experts, plastic windows require continuous lubrication once a year, ideally in the spring or early summer. It is challenging to concur with this, though. Preventative maintenance frequency is determined by a number of factors:

• the presence of dust-generating objects near the house: highways, construction sites, etc.d.;
• climatic zone of residence, where dust storms are a frequent occurrence due to soil erosion;
• window opening frequency.

Windows’ hinge joints and seals need to be lubricated two or three times a year, but only during the warm months, if at least one of the factors is true. To increase the longevity of the rubber bands, it’s also a good idea to lubricate the seals on double-glazed windows and plastic (sashes, frames) after every washing.

What is the best way to lubricate plastic windows?

The issue of how to lubricate plastic window, fitting, and seal mechanisms comes up during maintenance work. Let’s solve it together.

Mechanism

The majority of lubricants on the market are appropriate for lubricating locking mechanisms:

• Silicone-based lubricants – produced specifically for locking devices of plastic, wooden and aluminum windows. Can be purchased in tubes or spray cans;
• Universal silicone lubricants – used for any mechanisms;

• Machine oil for sewing machines – easy to apply and stays on the lubricated parts for a long time;
• All types of mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic lubricating oils neutral to rubber and plastic (printed on the packaging) (excludes spindle and diesel engine oil – too fluid).

Crucial: according to some experts, WD-40 lubricant is perfect for window mechanisms because it forms a waterproof, protective film on their surface. The second part strongly advises against using it because it thickens and performs poorly as a lubricant at low temperatures. The StroyGuru portal’s editors were unable to locate any strong justifications for or against its use. It is therefore preferable to forego making such a purchase in favor of buying specialized goods that include three different kinds of lubricants: ones for rubbing parts, fittings, and seals.

It is not advisable to look for an alternative for the oils mentioned above. Certain homemade or makeshift remedies are not to be used:

• oils of vegetable and animal origin (sunflower, rapeseed, butter, etc.).d.);
• Vaseline;
• shoe cleaning products (gel, wax, spray);
• oils for 2-stroke internal combustion engines;
• margarine.

The items on the list both effectively collect dust and thicken in the winter, which hinders the operation of all window systems.

Sealing rubber bands

Determining the problem is a little trickier than lubricating the rubber seals on plastic windows. Numerous professional and DIY remedies are recommended by specialized websites. Expert ones consist of:

• "Fenoflex" – a product of the German company "Fenosol", specially created for window seals (according to the creators, it increases their service life by 20-25%);
• Lubricant for sealing rubber from window care kits by KBE, "Kaleva" and others. They are sold in plastic cans or bottles with special nozzles for squeezing out the lubricant;
• Technical silicone is the most affordable product for caring for any rubber products, and the best. It is easy to apply, odorless, transparent. Retains properties at temperatures ranging from -50 to +230 o C.

We vehemently disagree that WD40 solvent is categorized as a professional product, as well. A solvent ought to be liquid. Kerosene or alcohol (or possibly its derivatives) provide fluidity; however, since the product’s composition has been classified by the manufacturer, it is impossible to determine for sure.

Everyone is aware of what happens when these two substances mix with either natural rubber or synthetic rubber: the material’s molecules lose their elasticity over time, making the product brittle and prone to cracking or stretching.

Experiment confirms that seals are unaffected by a single WD40 exposure. After extended use, the seals practically spring out of the grooves.

Notable among the natural remedies are:

• Glycerin is a colorless viscous liquid, a product of saponification of fats. Performs its functions well indoors. However, problems begin on the outside: it dissolves in water (in the rain), which requires frequent lubrication of the seals on the street side;
• Vaseline – perfectly softens rubber. Does not dissolve in water, which protects the seal from rain. The problems lie in the temperature regime: it can withstand frost down to only -25 o C, and in the heat (over +27 o C) it begins to melt. Therefore, in case of significant temperature changes, re-application of the protective layer is required.

Simple lubrication guidelines are provided:

1. the rubber bands are wiped with a soapy solution with a soft cloth or sponge, after which they are wiped dry with a napkin;
2. if the seal has two petals, first the surface between them is lubricated, and then the outer one;
3. liquid products (glycerin) are applied with a cotton swab or sprayed if sold in cans;
4. viscous substances are applied by hand (silicone, petroleum jelly) or with a brush;
5. proper care of rubber bands involves lubrication twice a day: in spring and autumn.

How to lubricate plastic window fittings

The response is succinct and straightforward: using the same methods as locking mechanisms.

Guidelines for lubricating windows made of plastic. Manufacturers of sash opening/closing mechanisms and window fittings will occasionally mark where lubrication is located. For the benefit of other owners, the location of the lubrication point is indicated in the diagram (see photo below).

The process of lubricating windows starts with cleaning the glass unit and profiles (frame and sashes) using specialized products. Next, all parts of the sash and frame are cleaned to remove any remaining dirt, dust, or grease. This allows you to lubricate and clean the locking mechanisms for various opening modes by having the sash open alternately in different planes.

Using a sponge, brush, or moist cloth, all metal parts are cleaned. Next, they are dried with a dry cloth or napkin. Two basic guidelines must be followed in this situation:

• no detergents for metal parts;
• the weather should be calm – with the wind dust, soot, volatile fats, etc. can get onto the cleaned surface.d.

An easy algorithm is used to apply lubricant:

• 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);

• 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.

• The easiest way to lubricate is 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.

• All parts of one window should be lubricated at the same time.

Correct execution of all procedures will result in a few years more of service life for the window. However, taking chances is unnecessary, and prevention should be practiced often.

Other preventive measures with plastic windows

Plastic profiles should be treated with antistatic agents either before or during window lubrication. There will be less dust and dirt on the frame and sashes, which is an instantaneous result.

For plastic windows to last a long time and function smoothly, regular lubrication is necessary. By lubricating the moving components on a regular basis, you can keep your windows from wearing out and ensure that they keep working smoothly. Maintaining the best possible condition for your windows requires little work on your part if you use the appropriate lubricant and apply it according to the instructions.

Selecting an appropriate lubricant for plastic windows is crucial; some options include silicone spray or specialty window lubricant. These goods are made to lessen friction without endangering the window’s structural elements. General-purpose or oil-based lubricants should not be used because they can draw dirt and end up doing more harm than good.

Lubricant application is simple. To get rid of any dust or debris, first clean the window tracks and hinges. Next, ensure a uniform distribution of lubricant by lightly coating the moving parts. To improve the performance of the mechanisms and work the lubricant into them, open and close the window a few times.

Your plastic windows will remain beautifully made and functional with routine care, including lubrication. It will save you money on repairs and prolong the life of your windows, so it’s a good use of your time. Keep in mind that little care can go a long way toward preserving the comfort and

To keep plastic windows operating smoothly and increase their lifespan, proper lubrication is necessary. Frequent lubrication keeps the windows effortlessly opening and closing, lessens wear and tear on moving parts, and helps prevent sticking. When the proper lubricant is used, such as silicone spray, the windows stay in excellent condition without harming the plastic parts. This post will walk you through the different kinds of lubricants you should use and how to apply them step-by-step to maintain the optimal functionality of your plastic windows.

Video on the topic

What, where and how to lubricate window fittings?

What and how to properly lubricate plastic windows

⚫ EVERYONE who has PLASTIC WINDOWS SHOULD do this | PVC WINDOWS