Glazing How-To Guides & DIY Maintenance | Window Fitters Ltd

Window & Door Maintenance How-To Guides

Routine care is the easiest way to ensure your double-glazed windows, composite doors, and bifold systems remain secure, energy-efficient, and smooth to operate. Our directly employed fitting team at Window Fitters Ltd has compiled these practical, step-by-step guides to help you maintain your property like a professional. Whether you opted for our complete "Supply and Fit" service or had us handle an "Installation Only" project, regular care preserves your frames. For example, clearing drainage slots prevents water pooling inside your sills.

If you encounter advanced issues, such as broken locks, misted double-glazed units, or frames that are structurally out of alignment, please refer to our professional window and door repair services or contact us directly.

Guide 1: Cleaning Frames & Clearing Drainage Slots

Blocked drainage slots are the primary cause of water leaks pooling inside uPVC and aluminium window sills during heavy rain. Clean your frames twice a year using this process:

1. Clear the Tracks: Open the window fully and use a soft brush or a vacuum crevice tool to clear leaves, dust, and debris from the tracks and sills.
2. Wash the Frames: Wipe down uPVC and powder-coated aluminium frames with warm water, mild dishwashing liquid, and a soft microfibre cloth. Avoid bleach, scouring pads, or solvent-based cleaners, which can corrode weather seals and scratch the frame finish.
3. Inspect and Clear Drainage: Locate the drainage holes in the bottom channel of the frame. If water pools there, gently clear the blockages using a pipe cleaner, cotton bud, or a piece of flexible wire. Test the drainage by pouring a small cup of water into the track; it should flow out of the external weep holes immediately.
4. Clean the Glass: Clean glass panels with a non-abrasive liquid glass spray and wipe with a clean microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.

Guide 2: Lubricating Locks, Hinges & Friction Stays

Stiff handles and screeching hinges indicate friction wear. Keep hardware working smoothly with annual lubrication:

1. Wipe Down Moving Parts: Wipe away old grease, grit, and dust from lock bolts, hinges, and friction stays with a dry paper towel.
2. Select the Right Lubricant: Use a silicone-based spray or a light machine oil (like 3-in-One). Never use WD-40 on lock cylinders or hinges. WD-40 acts as a solvent; it will strip away the factory-applied lithium grease, attract grit, and cause locks to seise over time.
3. Apply Lubricant: Spray a small amount of lubricant onto the multi-point lock hooks, deadbolts, and shootbolts. Apply a few drops of oil to the pivot points on friction hinges and stays.
4. Distribute the Lubricant: Operate the window handle and cycle the locks 5 to 10 times to distribute the lubricant throughout the internal gearing. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth.

Guide 3: Re-aligning a Dropped uPVC Hinge

Over time, heavy uPVC doors and window sashes can sag under their own weight, causing them to catch on the frame, become stiff to lock, or allow draughts. You can adjust uPVC flag hinges using an Allen key:

1. Expose Hinge Screws: Locate the plastic cover cap on the hinge. Carefully pry it off to access the adjustment screws.
2. Vertical Adjustment (Height): Find the screw on the top or bottom of the hinge barrel. Insert a 4mm or 5mm Allen key. Turn clockwise to raise the sash or counter-clockwise to lower it. Adjust all hinges equally to distribute the weight.
3. Lateral Adjustment (Left/Right): Locate the horizontal screw on the side of the hinge. Turning this screw clockwise moves the door closer to the hinge side, while counter-clockwise moves it closer to the lock side. Adjust this screw to ensure a consistent, airtight seal along the frame.
4. Test the Operation: Close and lock the sash. The handle should operate smoothly without force. If it remains stiff, a professional alignment check is required.

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