How to adjust double-glazed windows – Top tips for adjusting uPVC windows
Your home windows fulfill a range of important functions. They protect you from extreme external elements like rain, cold, hailstorms, snow, winds, etc. Double-glazed windows with thermal breaks also ensure optimal energy efficiency, keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter. They also help bring down your electricity bills drastically!
An aesthetically designed, super sleek window also adds to the look of your property. But the most important function of windows that we often overlook is that they should be super easy to open and close.
Your home’s double glazed windows may need adjustments from time to time depending on multiple factors such as temperature fluctuations, and general wear and tear.
Hello there! If you are a homeowner or property owner in Australia worried about how to adjust double-glazed windows, worry no further! We are here to help. In this article, we will give you top tips for adjusting a window with double glazing. We will run you through the most important hacks and techniques for adjusting double-glazed windows, and also advise you when to seek professional help.
Whether your home window is double-glazed or triple-glazed, windows getting stuck while opening and closing is a common problem. The issue is more prominent in old windows that have undergone continuous wear and tear. But even a relatively new double-glazed window can be prone to getting stuck.
Frequent closing and opening can cause malfunction of the window hardware. Subtle issues with window adjustments might not be visible immediately. But even loss of closing and loss of tightness can lead to significant heat loss.
Therefore, window adjustment is crucial to restoring the functionality of your home windows and maintaining a comfortable and cozy home.
How to adjust uPVC window with double glazing
1. Identify the issue
You must identify the exact issue that’s causing your double-glazed windows to get jammed before you decide on the exact strategy to fix the problem.
Windows get stuck during opening and closing due to many factors such as condensation between the panes or misaligned sash.
Before you start the adjustment process in your uPVC window, it’s crucial to identify the exact source of the problem.
2. Greasing and Cleaning
You must thoroughly clean your window frame and tracks before making any adjustments.
Use a soft brush or cloth to clean any debris, dirt, or dust that obstructs the smooth and seamless operation of your home window.
Once you’re done with cleaning the frame, consider applying silicone-based greasing to the moving parts and tracks of the window to ensure optimal mobility and decrease friction.
Check out our article on Why Do Double Glazed Windows Fog Up On The Outside and Can Double-Glazed Windows Be Recycled – All About Recycling Windows With Double-Glazing.
3. Adjust the Window
Now, you move on to the crucial step of adjusting your double-glazed uPVC windows or doors.
Double glazed uPVC windows consist of two glass panes separated by a small space. This space is filled with a gas such as argon that creates a strong insulating barrier, ensuring optimal thermal efficiency of your windows.
Firstly, you must identify the adjustment screws on your double-glazed window. These are usually located at the bottom and top of the window frame. Once you have gotten hold of the screws, use a Phillips head screwdriver to turn these counterclockwise or clockwise. If you want to make the windows smaller, you’ll have to turn them clockwise, while turning them counterclockwise will make the windows larger.
However, you must restrict yourself to making minor adjustments to the screws. If you try to make large adjustments, that might damage the window.
If you have a brand new horizontal window installation with no protective coverings yet, the screws might be located on the front corners of the window.
Once you have made the necessary adjustments, double-check the window to see if it opens and closes properly. If it doesn’t, continue making small adjustments till you get the desired result.
Adjusting top-hung double-glazed windows
Double-glazed windows can also be top-hung, that is they are hung from the top of the frame.
Many people prefer top-hung windows because of their ability to provide top-notch ventilation while keeping falling leaves and rain out. Plus, they are fairly easy to operate. They can be opened up by pushing up on the bottom of the window, raising the window until it is at par with the top of the window frame.
Top-hung uPVC windows with double glazing can be adjusted by simply turning the screws. The screws in top-hung windows are usually located at the top of the frame. The screws are located near hinges and can be usually tackled with a Phillips screwdriver making the necessary adjustments by turning the screws clockwise or anti-clockwise as desired.
How to adjust double-glazed windows to prevent draughts
In high-quality windows, seal replacement is usually not required for up to 10 years. That’s because they are manufactured by state-of-the-art window professionals who install original seals. However, in relatively less expensive double-glazed window models, the rubber seals lose elasticity over time and thus get damaged.
This results in the loss of tightness and the thermal efficiency of your double-glazed windows is compromised. This leads to a great deal of inconvenience causing draughts in winter.
In the worst-case scenario, your window seal will have to be replaced. However, the issue can also be resolved by adjusting the pressing of the leaf.
Upon opening the window leaf, you will spot oval cylinders on the end – eccentrics ( trunnions ). You can adjust the window as per your requirement by turning the trunnion of the lower hinge clockwise or counterclockwise. By turning it clockwise, you can increase the pressure and decrease it while turning the trunnion counterclockwise.
To adjust the upper hinges, you must remove the blocker and turn the handle to ventilation. This will make the leaf come off the hinge. Now, you can easily adjust the head which is responsible for pressing the window.
Dealing with the handle of the windows
Adjusting window handles is equally important. Many times, windows lose their functionality due to malfunctioning window handles. The handles can get terribly jammed, loosened, or simply lose their functionality, making them difficult to rotate.
If your window handle is loose, you can fix the issue by turning the fastening of the base and tightening the bolts with a screwdriver. If the handle is tight, it’s a sign that the handle needs proper lubrication. You must lubricate the window handle with grease moving various elements and turning the handle a couple of times.
If the handle is jammed, that doesn’t necessarily indicate that you’ll have to replace it. You can solve this issue by removing the obstruction. Window and front door handles often get jammed due to an obstruction that blocks the changing of the position of the leaf. The problem can be solved by removing the obstruction that is located on the side of the handle and looks like a plate attached to the end at an angle to the window seal when the handle leaf is open.
Adjusting window hinges
Sometimes, the issue of a stuck window can simply be resolved by adjusting the hinges.
You need to first figure out which way you need to move the window- left, right, up, or down. Once you have identified which way the hinge needs to be adjusted, use a screwdriver to tighten or loosen the screws accordingly.
Tightening the screws will enhance the security quotient of your home windows while loosening the screws will make it easier for you to close the windows and open them.
Why should I adjust my double-glazed windows?
Apart from improving the functionality of your windows and solving the obvious problem of stuck windows, window adjustment has many other benefits.
- You can improve the energy efficiency of your home by adjusting your double-glazed windows, thus bringing down your electricity bills.
- You can prevent draughts by making minor adjustments to your window screws, thus making sure your home double-glazed windows are properly sealed.
- You can ensure the smooth operation of your double-glazed windows by adjusting the hinges.
- Lastly, you can increase the durability and lifespan of your thermally broken double-glazed windows. Double-glazed windows are thermally efficient and offer superior insulation. You can further enhance this feature by adjusting your windows regularly.
When should I adjust my double-glazed windows?
The frequency of adjustment depends on many factors such as how old your window is, how frequently you use it, what is the quality of the window, the kind of window it is, and the climatic conditions of your local area.
As a rule of thumb, it is advised that you adjust your windows once every 6 months to make sure they open and close smoothly, and don’t have any major issues.
However, if you live in an area where the weather conditions are extreme, you will probably have to adjust your windows every 3 to 4 months. The age of the windows also matters. If your windows are old, the chances of door handles getting jammed and non-functional increase manifold. In that case, you’ll have to adjust your double-glazed windows more frequently.
Will I damage my double-glazed windows by adjusting them?
Many homeowners are apprehensive about damaging their windows by undertaking the adjustments themselves. It is possible to damage your double-glazed windows while adjusting them if you use the wrong technique, apply too much force, or make too large adjustments.
Make a series of small adjustments to avoid window damage. Also, be careful not to overtighten the window screws.
Also, you must check the condition of your windows each time you adjust. You’ll have to make a series of adjustments till your double-glazed windows open and close smoothly.
If you are too apprehensive about damaging your double-glazed windows by self-adjusting, seek the help of a seasoned window professional. If you are not confident or think you don’t have enough technical expertise to execute the adjustments, it’s best to consult a professional.
Risking the safety and security of your windows is not worth it. Undertake the adjustments yourself only if you are confident and the issue doesn’t require any major interventions.
Bottom Line
Double-glazed windows increase the energy efficiency of your home, reduce condensation, increase the safety of your home, make your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and effectively filter external noise. They have multiple advantages over conventional single-glazed windows.
By regularly adjusting your double-glazed windows, you can increase their lifespan and further enhance the thermal efficiency of these windows.
Finally, you mustn’t compromise on quality and standards when it comes to choosing the right double-glazed uPVC windows for your home. We are a leading doors and windows manufacturer and installer in Australia. All our products meet the Australian Standards Compliance. Furthermore, we use high-tech equipment from one of the leading European manufacturers to manufacture and deliver high-quality double-glazed windows and doors to your home.