How to look after uPVC windows and doors

uPVC needs little maintenance, but it does need some. A short routine twice a year keeps locks, hinges and seals working, and catches small faults before they turn into bigger repairs. Spring and autumn suit most people.

Clean the frames

Two or three times a year, wash frames and cills with warm water, a little washing-up liquid and a soft cloth. Rinse and dry. For stubborn marks use a cleaner made for uPVC. Wipe the rubber gaskets too, because grit wears them.

Avoid abrasive pads, scouring cream, bleach, solvents and white spirit. Keep pressure washers away from seals and gaskets. These can scratch or discolour the finish and damage the gaskets. Woodgrain and coloured foiled frames need extra care, so follow the manufacturer’s cleaning advice.

Clear the drainage

Look along the outside of the bottom frame for small slots, often behind little hooded covers. Rainwater that gets past the outer seal drains out through these.

• Brush out leaves, dust and insects with a soft brush or a pipe cleaner.
• Open the window and pour a little water along the bottom channel of the frame.
• Check it runs out through the slots outside.

Blocked drainage is a common cause of leaks and of misted double glazing.

Lubricate moving parts

• Friction hinges and stays. A light spray of silicone or PTFE lubricant, then open and close a few times. Wipe off the excess.
• Locking points and keeps. A drop of light machine oil or a light spray on each cam, hook and roller.
• Euro cylinders. Graphite or a PTFE lock lubricant. Oil collects dirt inside the lock.
• Sliding patio doors. Keep the track clean and free of grit. Only lubricate it if the manufacturer says to.

Check the seals

Look for gaskets that have shrunk, cracked or come out of their groove. Check the silicone around the outside of the frame for gaps and splits. Both are easy to fix early. Left alone, they let in draughts and water.

Test handles and locks

Open, close and lock every window and door. A handle should move smoothly without force. If a door handle needs a hard lift to lock, do not force it. Forcing a stiff handle is a common way to break the gearbox. The door usually needs adjusting instead.

Early warning signs

• A door handle that needs more force to lift, or a door that catches on the frame. The door may have dropped. See door alignment.
• A window that rubs, will not stay open or will not lock. See handles and hinges.
• A key that is stiff or only turns part of the way. See locks and mechanisms.
• Misting between the panes. See misted double glazing.
• Draughts, whistling or water on the inside cill. See draughts and leaks.

Our guarantee does not cover wear caused by lack of basic maintenance, so this routine is worth keeping up.