What to do and how to properly prepare plastic windows for winter yourself?

It’s imperative to prepare your home’s plastic windows for winter in order to preserve warmth and energy efficiency. In order to ensure comfort during the colder months, plastic windows that have been properly prepared help keep the cold out and the warmth in.

First, check your plastic windows for any damage that might allow cold air to enter, like cracks or gaps. Use the proper caulking or sealants made for plastic surfaces to seal these. This action enhances insulation and helps stop drafts.

After that, give the windows a thorough cleaning on the inside and outside to get rid of any accumulated dirt, dust, or residue. To prevent scratching the surface, use a soft cloth and a mild detergent or window cleaner. Not only do clean windows look better, but they also work better.

Verify that the window’s hinges, locks, and handles operate as intended. Make sure there are no obstacles in the way of their smooth operation. To keep moving parts from stiffening in the winter, lubricate them with lubricants based on silicone.

To add an additional layer of insulation during the winter nights, think about installing thermal or insulated blinds or curtains. These upgrades can increase overall energy efficiency and lessen heat loss through the windows.

Lastly, make sure to clean and store your plastic windows correctly for the winter if they have detachable screens. Dust and other debris can build up on screens, obstructing airflow and decreasing performance. Better ventilation is ensured when necessary by keeping them clean.

You can efficiently prepare your plastic windows for winter by following these easy steps, which will improve comfort and energy savings all winter long.

Do I need to prepare for winter??

No matter what kind of construction it is, there is a set of requirements for getting PVC windows ready for use in the winter.

Note. This is done in order to keep all the unit systems in working order and clean: double-glazed windows, frame, fittings and seals.

What will happen if you don"t do it?

Subject to installation technology and operating regulations, the majority of manufacturers of metal-plastic windows guarantee that their products will function for 50 to 80 years.

This period is greatly shortened and cannot exceed three to five years if the owner fails to meet the minimal requirements for getting windows ready for the fall and winter.

Common issues with metal-plastic windows that occur when the owner neglects the schedule of maintenance:

1. Fogging of windows in winter due to a violation of the sealing system.
2. Vent ventilation.
3. Malfunction of fittings.
4. Violation of the tightness of the glass unit.
5. Poor light transmission into the room due to dirty glass.

What tools and supplies will be required??

A number of fundamental tasks include washing windows, cleaning frames, lubricating seals, and adjusting fittings in order to get metal-plastic windows ready for use in the winter. They all used particular equipment and supplies to complete their tasks.

Furthermore, the artist will require safety gear such as gloves and safety glasses, and if the task involves working at a height, an assistant will be needed.

For washing

To clean the glass from the inside as well as the outside, gather non-aggressive cleaning supplies and microfiber rags.

Newspapers that leave tiny cracks on the windows and frame and abrasive sponges that break plastic and glass are not allowed to be used as they collect dust and grime and clog windows. Using cleaning solutions that contain bleach or any other solvent is also forbidden.

Large-scale window washing at heights requires the use of highly skilled window washing installations, rods, brushes, nozzles, and tanks.

Factory products, such as Mister Muscle with ammonia added, Clin and CIF with alcohol added, IKeep based on citric acid, and Help and Ajax products with ammonia, are used to clean windows.

Citation. Use my grandmother’s tried-and-true technique to clean glass blocks: mix equal parts vinegar and water, or mix 20 drops ammonia with 500 milliliters of tap water.

Purges

Similar supplies are used to clean the plastic surfaces of the window unit: paper napkins or towels, soft rags, and a mop with a telescopic handle.

It is necessary to clean these surfaces gently. It is advised to use industrial products or soap solutions to wash window sills and frames. These solutions can remove greasy stains and brighten the sill. Hydrogen peroxide or a cloth moistened with bleaching laundry soap can be used to remove yellowish stains.

It is not recommended to use acetone and acid-based solutions, abrasive gels, or metal sponges that scratch plastic to remove dirt stains.

How to lubricate the mechanism?

This process ensures that the seals remain tightly next to the frame when the sashes are closed and do not dry out or crack.

No special tools are required to process sealants that are installed along the internal contour of the sash.

To lubricate the mechanisms, all you need to buy is a brush or brushes, cleaning solution, silicone-based lubricant, and machine oil.

Adjustment kit

A basic adjustment kit should be bought as soon as the metal-plastic window is installed because fitting adjustments may be necessary at any time, not just when getting the window ready for winter operation. The following equipment and accessories are part of the adjustment kit:

• screwdriver: Phillips and flat;
• pliers;
• scissors for rubber compaction;
• hex key 4 mm.;
• a set of “star keys”;
• oil can with oil.

It’s important to adhere to a few simple steps in order to keep your plastic windows warm and efficient this winter. To start, thoroughly clean the windows both inside and out to get rid of any dirt or grime. To stop drafts, inspect the weatherstripping and seals for any wear or gaps and replace them as needed. To cut down on heat loss, think about hanging thick curtains or adding insulating window films. Finally, use silicone sealant around the window frames or draft stoppers to make sure your windows are well-insulated. Throughout the winter, these actions can have a big impact on keeping your house warm and energy-efficient.

Step-by-step preparation instructions

The window unit is cleaned and stored in a dry location once the anti-mosquito net is removed in order to get it ready for use in the winter. Subsequently, they clean and lubricate the seals, tidy the frames and window sills, wash the windows, oil the mechanisms, and adjust the fittings.

When working on a metal-plastic window, it’s crucial to adhere to these straightforward but crucial safety guidelines:

1. When washing or cleaning a window, you need to rely on well-secured surfaces; it is better if there is an assistant nearby for backup.
2. Do not lean too far or lean on the external window sill.
3. Specialist climbers are invited to clean fixed windows on the outside of high-rise buildings.

Washing glass unit

Windows must be cleaned from the inside as well as the outside. Be mindful of the drainage channels when opening the valves; they need to be cleaned. Keeping in mind their fragility and susceptibility to mechanical deformation, wash and wipe glass with caution.

Cleaning advice for metal-plastic windows:

1. Use soft, lint-free cloths.
2. Free windows from all unnecessary things.
3. It is advisable to carry out the process in cloudy, windless weather so that the windows are streak-free.
4. First wash the inside of the window, and then the outside.
5. Wipe away any remaining moisture on the windows, first in a vertical direction, and then in a horizontal direction, so that streaks do not form.
6. At the end of washing the double-glazed window, you can spray a paper napkin with Secunda window cleaner and wipe the windows again.

Crucial! One way to stop condensation from forming on windows is to wipe the glass with an alcohol-glycerin mixture (1:10).

How to clean it yourself?

Use specialized detergents free of harsh chemicals to thoroughly clean the slopes, frames, and window sills after washing the windows.

For window cleaning, frames with light dirt can be cleaned with regular cleaning supplies.

Use of specialized products, such as Fenosol or KARCHER, is advised for frames with severe dirt.

If the plastic has turned yellow, it is a sign that the window material is low quality and that the material’s structure has changed, making it unwashable.

However, if yellowing occurs in certain areas, it means that the air is contaminated, as in the kitchen where there is a lot of smoking. A cloth soaked in ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide can be used to wash away small yellow stains. After a few minutes, the treated areas should be cleaned with a soft cloth. The process for removing mold from plastic is the same.

You can use fresh adhesive tape to remove any remaining tape from the frame by gluing it to the unclean areas and then carefully tearing it off. The process can be repeated multiple times. Sunflower oil is used to remove small residues.

How to check and treat the seal?

Seals are crucial components of a metal-plastic window that need to be maintained on a regular basis because they give the structure its energy efficiency and thermal resistance. They are positioned all the way around the window and it is crucial that they keep their elasticity for the duration of their useful life.

Window seals that have not been treated may freeze and crack in below-freezing weather, necessitating a complete replacement.

Apply lubricant to the seals on the opening sash and the frame. Use Vaseline or special silicone lubricants for this purpose. Use a clean rag or brush to spray lubricant from a can and work through all of the window seals that are accessible.

Crucial! Although professionals advise doing this treatment twice a year, in the spring and just before the start of the heating season, window seals should be maintained at least once annually.

Lubrication

The mechanical parts of the fittings are the next areas that must be lubricated. They are first completely cleaned of dust and debris, which are typically combined with outdated lubricant.

Reapplying new lubricant—which can be found at a hardware store specifically for metal-plastic fittings—follows the thorough cleaning of all the mechanisms. In dire circumstances, grease may be utilized.

Using different types of vegetable oils on accessories is strictly prohibited as they become sticky and dry quickly, collecting dirt and completely disabling the mechanisms.

To ensure that the lubricant is distributed evenly throughout the mechanism, you must turn the handle in parallel while lubricating the pressure rollers.

Adjusting fittings

Before the winter months, window mechanisms are adjusted to close the sash tightly and stop drafts from entering heated spaces. A specific set of screwdrivers and a 4 mm hex key are required for this task.

Horizontal sides move from top to bottom across panels. To achieve this, unique hex key sockets are left in the hinges during the frame’s manufacturing.

Keep the sash open while making adjustments to the top panel. Rotate the tool to the right to raise the panel’s edge that is opposite the hinge, and to the left to lower it.

Adjusts vertical positions with a bottom hinge. Take off the protective cap in order to access the hexagon socket. The tool is rotated to the left to lower, and to the right to raise. Shift maximum: 2 mm.

Crucial! Remember that the eccentrics responsible for altering the pressing effect along the vertical/horizontal portion are situated throughout the entire edging. Every eccentric sits on its own pressing point during the handle raising phase.

The frame must rotate from left to right in order to increase clamping force, and vice versa. Every eccentric has a unique mark that you can use to determine the frame’s pressing force. When it is positioned adjacent to the seal, the pressure is deemed strong; when it faces the street, it is deemed weak.

Adapting plastic windows for the winter:

Possible difficulties and errors

The primary challenges that proprietors permit when getting ready for the heating season with a metal-plastic window are related to the materials utilized, work production technology, and deadline violations for required maintenance.

Owners often make the following mistakes when getting their PVC window units ready for winter work:

1. Safety regulations are not followed when working at height, with chemical solutions, without eye and hand protection.
2. Oil stains on fittings mechanisms are not removed.
3. Plastic surfaces are cleaned using abrasive materials, sharp and metal objects.
4. Mechanisms are lubricated with vegetable oil.
5. Seals are not treated with special lubricating fluids.
6. PVC window adjustment is not performed.

Maintaining efficiency and comfort in your house during the winter requires preparing your plastic windows for the cold. The following are some doable actions you can take to en

First, take a look at the window seals. These seals may deteriorate or break over time, allowing heat loss and drafts. Replace any worn-out seals and look for any gaps or cracks. Your windows’ insulation can be considerably improved by taking this easy step.

Then give your windows a thorough inside and outside cleaning. The accumulation of dirt and grime on window surfaces can diminish transparency and possibly have an impact on the seals. Make sure your windows are clear and clean for optimal sunlight penetration by using a soft cloth and a mild detergent or window cleaner to remove dirt.

If you live in an especially cold climate, think about installing window insulation film. This thin, transparent film helps to keep heat out of windows while letting light in. It can be put on the inside of the window frame. It’s a cheap and efficient way to raise your windows’ energy efficiency.

To make sure your windows are operating smoothly, open and close them a few times. Windows can occasionally become stiff or challenging to open as a result of dirt accumulation or problems with the mechanisms. If required, lubricate the tracks and hinges to guarantee that your windows open and close correctly.

Lastly, to improve the insulation of your windows even more, think about adding thermal blinds or curtains. These specialty curtains can be drawn at night to stop heat loss and feature a thermal lining that helps retain warm air inside during the winter. They are an attractive and useful addition to any house that wants to increase its energy efficiency.

You can ensure a warmer and more energy-efficient home environment, reduce heating costs, and increase comfort during the colder months by following these easy steps to prepare your plastic windows for winter.

Video on the topic

How to prepare plastic windows for winter