How to Adjust uPVC Windows & Prevent Drafts

What is a uPVC window? 

uPVC, AKA ‘unplasticised polyvinyl chloride’, is the material used to manufacture most modern doors and windows. uPVC’s high resistance against mould, moisture and corrosion from the elements makes it an enduring way to keep your home safe.

uPVC windows are popular with homeowners because they are not only durable but inexpensive. They offer excellent insulation for all rooms and can last up to 50 years or longer! Halewood Windows believes this low-cost, long-term investment is more than worth your money. 

uPVC windows are low maintenance, but sometimes, a screw or two may come loose. If you feel a draft in your room that you can’t possibly locate, it’s time to learn how to adjust uPVC windows.

Stay with Halewood Windows as we tell you how to adjust uPVC windows to create a warmer, better-insulated environment. 

How do uPVC windows work? 

uPVC windows utilise double glazing to prevent condensation and increase insulation around the home. Two panes of hardened glass are placed together between an insulating gas (such as argon gas), which makes it harder for hot or cold air to pass in and out of your house. 

On those winter days when it’s warm inside and icy outside, uPVC windows will prevent condensation from forming. Plus, the thick double layer of glass makes it harder for outside noise to enter your home and noise from inside to get out. 

These double-glazed, gas-insulated windows are then encased between a plastic uPVC frame. This material begins as a plastic powder that is heated and injected into the desired mold. Once it cools down, you have the perfect double-glazed uPVC window ready to go! 

What are the benefits of uPVC windows? 

• Low-Cost Alternative: As we mentioned, uPVC windows are a long-term investment made for a small price. Considering how long they last, your investment will soon be returned with years of durability and warmth.

• Great Insulator: uPVC windows help to create a closed-air system in and around your home: this is perfect for minimising heat loss and helping you get the most out of your central heating. They also reduce your carbon footprint by saving your energy usage.

• Low Maintenance: Once you have uPVC windows installed in your home, that’s it! They require such little maintenance because they never rot, flake or need repainting. Unlike wood or timber, uPVC is a material that won’t need any TLC.

However, there may come a time when you need to tighten up some of the bolts keeping your uPVC window together. Loose screws will allow cold air to seep through and hot air to escape. 

How to adjust uPVC windows

Follow our step-by-step instructions and learn how to adjust uPVC windows without hassle! Free your homes from icy drafts and get your windows back in working order: 

• Get the tools you need: A suitable Phillips-head screwdriver is required to adjust uPVC windows at home. You may also want to use a ladder or a step ladder if your window is out of reach. However, this is optional and depends on where your uPVC window is within the home.

• Fully open and close your uPVC windows: The ‘sash’ is the part of your window where the uPVC frame meets the glass. When closing your window, the sash and frame should slide together easily.  Determine if you need to lower or higher the window panel’s height by repeatedly opening and closing it: this will help you see if the sash and frame make suitable contact. However, if there is a gap, this is where your draft is sneaking in.

• Loosen the screws holding the uPVC panel: Open your window fully and identify the four screws that secure the metal strip and window frame. These four screws will be in the same position on the left and right-hand sides. With your screwdriver, loosen each of these bolts with one turn per bolt. Repeat on both sides, ensuring the bolts do not come out.

• Raise or lower the height of the window panel: Now, you can lift your window sash and adjust the panel’s height. If your uPVC window hasn’t been closing fully, move the panel downwards by a small amount. However, if the window and sash fuse together when you close it, slightly move it upwards until they stick together more comfortably.

• Tighten the screws! : Once you have achieved the perfect position, tighten the eight screws you previously loosened. Turn them clockwise, and after, open and close your window a couple of times. Doing so will confirm that you have successfully learnt how to adjust your uPVC window! If your window and sash still do not fit together, you may have to repeat the process until you find the perfect position.

For more information on UPVC windows, get in touch with us today via halewoodwindows@googlemail.com or give us a call on 7939 953 829 today!