ינהאַלט
Despite the fact that plastic windows do not require laborious maintenance, it is still necessary to know about the rules for their operation. Pay attention to them, and then as a reward they will serve you as long as possible.
How to wash plastic windows
Start taking care of the windows already at the stage of their installation. Firstly, pay attention that the master does not remove the protective film when installing products in order to avoid scratches. It is recommended to remove it after the completion of installation work, but it should not be left in any case. The fact is that the composition of the protective film includes an adhesive that is exposed to the influence of solar radiation. And if you do not remove it within one or two days after installing the window, then it can be difficult to do this. Secondly, after installation, specialists must remove drops of cement and whitewash from the window. Failure to do so may damage seals and parts.
Being a window “boyfriend” is my profile!
So, the window is installed. Let’s figure out how to care for every detail.
Let’s start with the profile, or more simply, the frame. To keep it clean, it is washed periodically. You can use regular soap solutions, numerous popular dishwashing detergents, or special window care kits that include an intensive cleaner. Use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the frame.
Many are interested in whether the care of a regular and laminated profile is different. In particular, there is often a concern that rain or snow may damage the colored surface.
Special attention should be paid to the rubber seal, which is laid along the edges of the frame. It is he who ensures the tightness of the windows, therefore it is important to maintain its elasticity. To extend the shelf life of the seal, it is necessary to wipe and lubricate it once a year with special agents – silicone oil or talcum powder. Use a highly absorbent cloth for processing.
Let’s turn to the technology of the process. The high quality of laminated profiles is achieved due to the special structure of the material. The textured colored laminate is attached to the profile with polyurethane hot melt glue and then rolled with multiple rollers. The use of this technology provides a perfectly flat surface and does not require any measures to preserve color. As a result, according to the experts of the PROPLEX group of companies – one of the largest manufacturers of profiles in Russia, laminated products retain all their original properties and do not require additional maintenance.
But we do not recommend this …
To remove street dust from the outside of the frames, it is not recommended to use cleaning agents containing abrasive materials or solvents. They can damage the surface of the plastic and render it smooth. Then, to restore the shine of the profile, you will need the services of specialists.
With regard to the PVC profile, the list of what cannot be done is relatively small. So, when caring for the frame, it is forbidden to use gasoline, nitro compounds, solvents or acids. They can damage the plastic and dissolve substances that stabilize the surface and prevent discoloration. Do not use powdered cleaners or granular formulations – they scratch the plastic, create irregularities into which dirt can clog over time.
Plastic should also be protected from sharp objects. Although its surface is resistant to mechanical stress, it can still scratch even in normal use over the years. They are especially noticeable on a glossy, glare profile due to its high reflective properties. In order to preserve the flawless appearance of the window for decades, some profile manufacturers produce it with a semi-gloss surface that supports the play of light, but no damage is visible on it.
Supervised glass and fittings
The second component of any window is glass. To exclude the possibility of damage to the surface of the glass unit, do not remove dirt with hard or sharp objects. The inner surface of the glass does not get dirty, so it does not require cleaning.
In a separate category, we highlight the popular today double-glazed windows filled with inert gases (argon, krypton and their mixtures). It is known that over time, inert gases have the ability to volatilize. According to European standards, for example, double-glazed windows with argon lose about 10% of the substance in ten years. However, if the product has poor sealing, then the gas will be released much earlier. Only specialists can upload it back.
Tests carried out by the Rare Gases International Group jointly with the Research Institute of Building Structures (Kiev) showed that the service life of insulated glass units filled with krypton is 29 years.
Currently, a number of companies offer annual window systems service. It is held twice a year (taking into account seasonal requirements – in spring and autumn) and provides for work to prevent wear of fittings, sealing rubber, problems in the operation of PVC windows and doors.
The greatest load during the operation of the window is exposed to its fittings. To increase its service life and maintain an impeccable appearance, all moving parts should be lubricated with an acid or resin-free oil at least twice a year, which will protect the fittings from corrosion.
Of the common remedies, technical vaseline and engine oil can also be recommended. To lubricate the fittings, you do not need to disassemble the mechanism – use the special holes in the front of the bar.
Leading manufacturers of fittings give them a long-term warranty. For example, the Kale company has 10 years. This warranty covers the corrosion resistance, mechanical wear and life of the plastic parts. The fittings need to be changed as necessary; only if this condition is met, your window will stand for several decades (for example, the service life of the PROPLEX profile is 60 years).
However, if you follow all these recommendations, you can easily cope with window care yourself.
The material was prepared by the specialists of the PROPLEX group of companies.