100 rubles - and the window technician says that plastic windows will last a long time

Today there are practically no people left who have not installed plastic windows. Caring for them is more than simple, and their service life can reach 30–50 years. And everything would be fine if all window manufacturers told in detail what exactly needs to be done to ensure that the parts of the window structure serve for a long time.

Weaknesses of plastic windows

It is generally accepted that plastic windows are a durable product. Unfortunately, it is not. A window structure consists of many elements, and some of them tend to wear out quickly.

• Rubber seals. They serve for 5–10 years. Polymer inserts provide a sealed environment, prevent the penetration of dust and cold air, and muffle noise from the street. But over time, due to temperature and atmospheric fluctuations, they dry out, harden and crack.
• Accessories. The average service life is 10 years. Window fittings are a rather complex set of mechanisms. It ensures opening and closing of the window in different modes, tight fit of the sash to the frame, adjustable ventilation, etc. During any manipulation of the window, friction occurs between the parts. The larger it is, the faster the mechanism wears out (it begins to jam, becomes loose).In addition, the metal itself is susceptible to corrosion.

Dust, dirt, hardened grease, and aggressive chemicals significantly reduce the shelf life of the seal and fittings. Without proper care, they deteriorate 2-3 times faster.

For reference, replacing rubber seals on one small window costs at least 700 rubles. You can save money and change the rubber bands yourself. But it is much more profitable to simply follow the operating rules.

Rules of care

When concluding a contract for the installation of metal-plastic windows, many people sign the papers without looking. And then they put them in the back drawer of the table and are safely forgotten (at best). Meanwhile, these documents contain valuable information on the proper care of the window structure and its individual elements:

Recommendations from individual manufacturers may vary. But, as a rule, these differences are insignificant.

Caring for plastic windows involves:

1. Cleaning the profile, glass, rubber bands and fittings 2 times a year.
2. Cleaning the drainage system as it becomes dirty.
3. Lubricate fittings 1-2 times a year.
4. Lubricate the rubber seals 1-2 times a year.

Traditionally, prevention is carried out in spring and autumn (before the onset of cold weather and immediately after).

Care products

Special products are produced to care for plastic windows. As a rule, they are sold in a set:

• Profile cleaner. A soft, non-aggressive composition that is suitable for cleaning plastic.
• Oil for fittings. High-quality purified oil that envelops metal parts with a protective film. Reduces friction and prevents corrosion.
• Lubricant for sealing rubber. It is a silicone-based composition. Contains additives that give the seals elasticity.Prevents rubber from drying out and cracking. Repels dust.

You can purchase such a set in stores of companies that install plastic windows. Their prices vary from 200 to 1000 rubles.

Popular and inexpensive means of caring for plastic windows:

• “Window cosmetics” (320 rub.);
• “Panorama” (200 rub.);
• Basic window and door cleaning kit from Cosmofen (RUB 250).

Care set for 100 rubles

Every window professional knows how to save money on professional products. If you can’t afford a special care kit, you can purchase lubricants at the most affordable price:

• silicone oil PMS-200 (20 ml) – 75 rubles;
• Household lubricating oil GAMMA MBS-125 (125 ml) – 25 rub.

The first product should be used to lubricate the rubber seals, the second - for fittings. It is important not to get confused.

Fittings and seals require different lubricants!

How to properly lubricate a window?

In most cases, caring for plastic windows is done with your own hands, without the involvement of specialists. It is advisable to call a window technician if problems arise: the handle gets stuck, cold air leaks in from the street, etc.

Before lubricating the window, you must:

1. Wash the profile and glass unit with soapy water.
2. Clean the fittings and rubber seals from old grease. The most convenient way to do this is with an old toothbrush and the same soap solution.
3. Wait for the parts to dry completely.

The lubricant is applied to parts that have been cleaned of old oil, street debris, and dust.

Accessories

How to lubricate fittings at home:

1. Open the window sash in a rotating position.
2. Apply 1-2 drops of lubricant to the locking pin rollers.
3. Apply a few drops of oil to all holes marked in the image:
   
4. Remove the plastic covers and apply lubricant to the hinges.
5. Close and open the window several times to distribute the oil throughout the parts.
6. Wipe off greasy marks with a dry cloth.

Sealing rubber bands

Instructions for lubricating plastic window seals:

1. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the rubber inserts.
2. Spread over the entire seal with a lint-free cloth.
3. After 30 minutes, wipe off excess grease with a dry cloth.

Questions and answers

What can and cannot be used to lubricate fittings?

You can use: special products for the care of plastic windows, lubricants for sewing machines and bicycles, household lubricants (for door hinges, etc.). Do not use: vegetable oils, petroleum jelly, some automobile and weapon oils, products containing kerosene, acids and alkalis.

What can and cannot be used to lubricate rubber seals?

Can: special products for windows, silicone oils. It is forbidden: cosmetics, petroleum jelly, vegetable or butter, products containing solvents or alcohol.

Is it possible to lubricate plastic windows with WD-40 and glycerin?

It's possible, but not necessary. Although these products are safe, they are not highly effective and are easily washed off the surface.

What else affects the service life of a window?

The quality of the elements and the professionalism of the installers. To ensure that windows last a long time, it is important to make sure that the company providing installation services has all the necessary certificates of conformity. You should give preference to well-known manufacturers such as REHAU, GLAS TROESCH, MACO, etc. Try to choose a window company with a good reputation.It’s better to spend money on a high-quality design right away than to save money and pay a tidy sum for repairs every few years.

Plastic windows are a purchase for many years to come. With proper care, they will last 30 or even 50 years. The main secret to long-term operation is lubrication. It must be applied to sealing rubber bands and fittings annually in autumn and spring. It is better to purchase professional care products. But if your budget is limited, you can get by with a cheap set for 100 rubles. The main thing is not to use questionable compounds and home recipes. For example, using regular vegetable oil, you will end up with a dirty rubber band that has collected all the dust. And products with kerosene or alcohol can completely damage the parts.