Problems with PVC windows and ways to fix them under warranty or on your own

Practical and durable, providing excellent thermal insulation, low-maintenance plastic windows have long occupied a leading position in the window construction market. And it’s even more disappointing when a reliable device suddenly stops closing, becomes covered in condensation, or lets in cold air from the street. Problems with plastic windows can arise either through the fault of the manufacturer or as a result of careless installation or improper maintenance. If defects are noticed during the warranty period, you can demand monetary compensation or a complete replacement of the structure from the seller.

10 common problems with plastic windows and their solutions

Sometimes problems with plastic windows appear immediately after installation, but often they arise only with the onset of autumn or winter. The structure suddenly begins to let in cold air, the glass fogs up, and ice appears on the slopes and window sills. Some of these troubles can be eliminated on your own, but solving serious issues requires the intervention of specialists.

Let's look at some of the most common problems that arise after installing plastic structures.

• The handle is difficult to turn

This problem can be detected immediately after installation or after some time. The more often the sash opens and closes, the faster the defect will be detected.The cause of breakdown is usually cheap or low-quality fittings.

If you have to constantly apply force to turn the handle, you can break the entire mechanism. Therefore, if you discover a malfunction, you need to contact the company that installed the window. The fittings are guaranteed, and specialists will probably repair or replace the locking mechanism.

• The sash opens in two planes

When opening hastily, the handle turns very quickly, so the upper hinge is not pressed and the sash hangs on the lower hinge. If this situation occurs infrequently, it is enough to simply close the window and open it slowly. All elements of the mechanism must fall into place. Otherwise, you need to contact a specialist to fix the problem.

• Unable to turn the handle all the way

This problem occurs when the fittings installed on the frame and sash do not match. The cause of the breakdown may be an error during assembly of the structure or a change in the shape of the sash during long-term operation of the device. Fixing a window yourself is quite problematic. To do this, you need to remove the double-glazed window from the rickety sash and install correction plates inside the profile.

• The sash touches the frame when closing

Here there is a skew of the sash or an asymmetrical installation of the PVC frame in the window opening. After installing the plastic structure, it is necessary to check the horizontal and vertical lines. For this purpose, a professional “level” is used. The permissible deviation is 3 mm per 1 m. If the window is installed incorrectly and the sash does not close, the structure must be dismantled and reinstalled. Otherwise, the cause of the malfunction lies in the sash itself and the fittings.

• The window creaks when opening

During operation, the sash begins to creak when opening and closing. The reason for this malfunction is insufficient lubrication of the hinges and other metal elements that ensure the mobility of the structure. The solution to the problem is simple - you need to lubricate the hinges with machine oil.

• It's blowing hard from the window

Air from the street can pass through the cracks between the frame and the window opening, through a loosely closed sash, or into the gaps between the profile and the glass unit. In any case, this malfunction is the responsibility of the company that installed the window. Either the craftsmen spared the mounting foam, or the dimensions of the opening were taken inaccurately. You should contact a window company with this problem.

• Condensation and ice form on the window

One of the most common problems. The window condenses in cases where the temperature of the glass unit is much lower than the room temperature. In this case, the evaporated moisture settles on the cold glass and flows onto the windowsill. If there is severe frost outside, then ice may appear around the perimeter. To reduce the humidity in a room, it needs to be ventilated more often. A ventilation valve can be installed.

• Mold appears on slopes

Due to improper finishing of the slopes, mold may appear around the perimeter of the window opening. To prevent this problem, when installing double-glazed windows, it is better not to plaster the slopes, but to finish them with plastic.

• Heat loss

Thermal insulation of plastic windows depends on the thickness of the profile and the characteristics of the glass unit. If the structure is installed according to all the rules, the sashes close tightly, there are no visible gaps between the profile and the opening, and cold blows from the window, then the problem is in the double-glazed window itself.To better retain heat, energy-saving double-glazed windows should be installed (a special coating is applied to the glass to reflect heat into the room).

• Profile turned yellow

When exposed to sunlight, low-quality plastic can turn yellow, causing the window to lose its respectable appearance. In this case, the situation can only be corrected by replacing the profile.

How can I get my money back for a low-quality window if the warranty period has not expired?

If any problems arise after installing a plastic window, do not panic and look for other options.

Each company operating in this service sector must enter into a warranty service agreement and eliminate all design defects within a specified period. When drawing up a contract, the contractor must be guided by GOST, and by law the product must fully meet these requirements.

Here are the 3 most common problems, in the event of which you can return money for poor-quality construction or request a window replacement at the seller’s expense:

• Violation of the tightness of the assembly seam, the service life of which, according to GOST, should be five years. As a result of this defect, the gaps between the profile and the window opening increase, moisture and cold air penetrate through them, and mold and mildew form. According to the rules, when installing a window, silicone sealants, foam insulation, compression tapes and other heat-insulating materials must be used. If the technician simply foamed the cracks with polyurethane foam, then after a while problems with sealing will arise. In this case, you need to contact the company (of course, you will need a warranty card).
• The warranty on moving metal parts of plastic windows is three years. If during this period the window begins to close poorly or the sashes do not fit tightly to the frame profile, you should file a complaint with the seller.
• High-quality plastic should not change color for at least five years after the structure is put into operation. If the window turns yellow, it means that a low-quality cheap profile was initially installed. You will have to replace the window; repairs will not help in this situation.

The buyer must remember that any plastic window must be properly looked after: lubricate the fittings, remove excess moisture, tighten loose parts of the tilting mechanism. Many window installation companies take on this responsibility and include it in their warranty service. If the breakdown occurred due to the fault of the seller, you can always get your money back peacefully or through the courts.