uPVC windows won't close - pins hitting the frame

KittenChops

Hope someone can advise…

I have 3 uPVC windows now that won’t close completely without some force… They’re almost 7 years old and were fine up until this spring.

To close the windows, you’d rotate the handle to 3 o’clock (which moves the pins up and down) and pull the window shut into the frame. Then you’d turn the handle to point down to 6 o’clock (which moves the pins in the opposite direction from before).

On the dodgy ones, when you try to pull the window into the frame, one of the pins catches on the side of the frame. The pins all move as they should, it’s just that one doesn’t move quite enough to allow the window to close.

It’s a different pin on each of the windows (2 windows in one unit, and 1 in another).

I haven’t dug the paperwork out for them but I think the warranty will just cover the glass now.

Is this something we can fix ourselves, or would we need a specialist? (And would anyone have an idea of cost please?)

daveyjp

Have you lubricated the mechanisms at all over the last 7 years?

If not a spray of light machine oil around all the pins, handles etc may help.

KittenChops

daveyjp wrote: »

Have you lubricated the mechanisms at all over the last 7 years?

If not a spray of light machine oil around all the pins, handles etc may help.

No - we will try this thank you :-)

societys_child

Also try lubricating the hinges.
If they start to seize up, they can push the whole widow away from the hinge side towards the lock side which causes the lock to catch on the frame.

TheCyclingProgrammer

It's possible that the glazing units weren't properly heeled and toed and have dropped over time, or it might just be that the hinges are starting to fail. Having the hinges replaced is not a massive job. If you try and lift the window as you close it, does it shut properly?

Any local "window doctor" business should be able to supply and fit replacement hinges for a reasonable price if that is the problem.

KittenChops

societys_child wrote: »

Also try lubricating the hinges.
If they start to seize up, they can push the whole widow away from the hinge side towards the lock side which causes the lock to catch on the frame.

Will try this too - thank you :-)

KittenChops

TheCyclingProgrammer wrote: »

It's possible that the glazing units weren't properly heeled and toed and have dropped over time, or it might just be that the hinges are starting to fail. Having the hinges replaced is not a massive job. If you try and lift the window as you close it, does it shut properly?

Any local "window doctor" business should be able to supply and fit replacement hinges for a reasonable price if that is the problem.

Re the bit I've bolded - yes! (Do you think this would be down to the hinges, rather than an installation issue?) And thank you also :-)

TheCyclingProgrammer

KittenChops wrote: »

Re the bit I've bolded - yes! (Do you think this would be down to the hinges, rather than an installation issue?) And thank you also :-)

Yes, is it a side opener? It sounds like the window has dropped, which may be due to hinge failure. I would consider it an installation issue if the glazing unit was not correctly heeled and toed, causing the sash to drop over time due to the extra stress on the hinges.

It may just be that the hinges need adjusting or are failing due to age - friction stays do have a lifespan, though I would have thought they would last longer than 7 years.

greenface

TheCyclingProgrammer wrote: »

Yes, is it a side opener? It sounds like the window has dropped, which may be due to hinge failure. I would consider it an installation issue if the glazing unit was not correctly heeled and toed, causing the sash to drop over time due to the extra stress on the hinges.

It may just be that the hinges need adjusting or are failing due to age - friction stays do have a lifespan, though I would have thought they would last longer than 7 years.

they should but often don't . if the windows been having problems before often its left open if safe to do so then the screws get rusty and the hinges start dropping . If its a side opener then you could try toe n heeling them . Google it. if the handles at the bottom (hinges on the side) you can take the sash out and rejig your hinges down a tad on the sash ( sends the sash up) try knocking the mullion down or the bottom of the sash up too. might just do the jobby

KittenChops

Massive thanks to everyone who replied :-D My OH gave the mechanisms, hinges etc a spray with WD40 and now the windows are so easy to open & shut. Such a simple solution!!

getmore4less

Aldi have a selection of 3in1 that would be more suitable.