Extend the lifespan of your Windows and Doors with some simple maintenance.
HomeCare Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few questions that are asked to us time and time again. We're often told that the customers have spent hours searching the internet for answers - to no avail.
Below is a list that we've compiled that will hopefully help you look after your Property Improvements and keep them performing as they should.
How do I maintain windows and doors?
We're often asked for guidance on how to carry out maintenance on windows and doors. Clicking the image above will take you to our HomeCare instructions sheet and give you the guidelines to carrying out effective maintenance on your products.
Using spray oil or another lubricant and lubricating the hinges is a great place to start.
We advise all moving parts are cleaned and lubricated annually.
If you're still struggling, give us a call on 01228 599777.
Is my cracked glass unit covered under Guarantee?
9 times out of 10, cracked/shattered units are not covered under guarantee. This is due to difficulties in identifying how the crack occured - it could be a sharp knock from a mop handle, a kid throwing stuff at it or due to manufacture faults. The guaranatee covers 'failure' of the unit.
As a general note, manufacture faults are more often than not apparent at point of installation/delivery and we pick up on this before it gets to site. We do empathise when units are cracked, most people end up claiming through their house insurance. We are more than happy to discuss quotation options if required.
If you have an occurance where you feel the crack is through no accidental or deliberate contact, give us a call on 01228 599777 to discuss it.
"My window is leaking, I need someone out urgently!"
In wet conditions, it's nearly impossible for us to stop water leaking through a window. We regurlaly get anxious customers on the phone who have a leaking window, and it's usually in the wetter winter months that people notice it.
The best course of action is to mark on the frame in a pencil or dry wipe marker where you think the water is coming in. Keep the frame and window cill as dry as possible, people often use kitchen roll, tissue or a towel to absorb the moisture. This will stop any water trickling down the wall and ruining wall paper and paint work.
Once we have a bit of drier weather, we can then start remedying the problem to resolve the issues.
If you would like further guidance on the above, call us on 01228 599777.
"My door is catching when I close it, why?"
It is common with all PVC products that they require some settlement adjustment over time. With doors, we find that after installation, they do require some adustment on the hinges to ensure they smoothly operate. It does not mean the door is unfit for purpose, or the wrong size, it just needs some minor hinge adjustment to realign the door.
It's also common to find that as there are temperature changes - summer and winter months usually fall foul most often - the door may begin to 'catch' or 'jam' when closing. This is through a process called expansion and compression- or simply, product movement. All products will expand and shrink in different climates. Timber doors are universally known as bad for this. With PVC doors, we don't notice it as much, however, it is unavoidable. Again, a simple remedy to this is adjustment on the hinges.
For instructions of how to carry out adjustments, or for further information give us a call on 01228 599777.
My door is leaking, how can I stop it?
In wet conditions, it's nearly impossible for us to stop water leaking through a door. We regurlaly get anxious customers on the phone who have a 'leaking door', and it's usually in the wetter winter months that people notice it.
There are a few quick and easy checks you can make to eliminate some of the more common causes of leaks, or water ingress.
- Is the handle lifted to engage the seals? If not - this is recommended to ensure best possible sealing of door.
- Are the drainage holes clear? Sometimes these get clogged up with muck, a little clear of them with a small object will help.
- Is there a drip bar fitted to the bottom of the door (on the outside)? This helps to project water away from the threshold of the door.
If these don't help remedy the problem, speak to us about other potential causes or to arrange a HomeCare visit.
If you would like further guidance on the above, call us on 01228 599777.
How can I tell if my double glazed unit has 'failed'?
We often get asked about how to identify a 'failed' double glazed unit. It's important to note, not every uses the same terminology. Some people refer to this as a 'blown unit' or a 'misting unit'. Whatever description is used, the principal is still the same.
The image above will give you a good guide to what the unit will look like. It gets worse as time progresses, but wether you catch it early or late, it will still have to be replaced if you want rid of the eyesore.
The failed unit will have condensation or visible moisture inside the unit which you cannot touch. It's important not to confuse this with condensation that sometimes appears on the internal and external faces of the glass (but not inside the unit) as these are affected by several environmental factors and it can actually be a sign that the glazing unit is working efficiently.
The window will in time begin to look dirtier, you may also notice the moisture/condensation is more prominent and can begin to look a dull grey or white colour.
If you're still struggling, take a picture and send it to us at mail@world-group.co.uk and we'll be happy to diagnose.