Prevention of Plastic Windows: Step-by-Step Guide

It doesn't matter what material your windows are made of — in any case, they need proper care and preventive maintenance. We've compiled a checklist of simple seasonal tasks together with Rehau experts.

Why is this needed?

The function of a glass unit is to retain heat, protect the room from external noise, and prevent condensation. Over time, plastic and rubber in window frames wear out, largely due to our climate with variable weather and sudden seasonal changes.

Design: Pavel Zhelaznov

Conduct preventive maintenance of plastic windows twice a year — in summer and before the arrival of cold weather — so that you prepare window frames for temperature changes and help extend their service life.

What to do?

Set aside a day off and follow our guide.

Cleaning and Washing

Not only the glass, but also other parts of the window: frames, sills, and window sills. To avoid condensation and frame freezing, clean the water outlets from the street side with a brush.

Design: Ariana Ahmad, Tatiana Karyakina

For washing the glass, window fittings, and seals, warm soapy water works well. For removing dirt from the frame surface, use special plastic cleaning products.

Read the composition carefully: gasoline, acetone, solvents, acids, as well as chlorine-containing and abrasive substances will damage the profile surface and cause seal corrosion.

Lubrication

Wipe the hinges, handle mechanism, and other moving elements of window hardware with silicone oil or glycerin. Do this two to three times to ensure they function properly.

Service the seals. After lubrication, inspect both the inner and outer sides of the seal carefully. Cracks and damage to the seals are one of the reasons for drafts.

Switching Windows to Seasonal Mode

This can be done using pivot pins — small protruding elements at the ends of window frames. Rotate the pivot pins to the right using a hex key or pliers — this increases the pressure of the frame against the window sash. Rotate to the left — the pressure decreases.

Windows in summer mode, i.e., with reduced pressure, allow more fresh air into the house. In winter mode, they retain heat as much as possible.

Fixing Faults

Are the window handles loose? Lift the decorative cover plate underneath, turn it from vertical to horizontal position, and tighten the screws for secure fixing.

Are the window sashes sagging and closing with effort? To fix this, adjust the adjusting screw on the bottom hinge of the window. It can be found by removing the protective plastic cap from the hinge. It's important to inspect window fittings for faults and fix them before the cold season arrives.

Design: Viktoria Lazareva

On the cover: design project by Viktoria Lazareva.