Your uPVC windows offer more than just security and insulation for your home; they also enhance its aesthetic appeal. However, similar to any other component, window handles are subject to wear and tear over time. A damaged or faulty uPVC window handle can disrupt your windows’ functionality and compromise the security of your home.
Fortunately, replacing worn-out old uPVC window handles is a relatively simple task you can undertake on your own, with the appropriate tools. In this blog, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing a uPVC window handle. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to regain control of your windows and restore the security and comfort of your home.
How Does a Window Handle Break?
Before delving into the solution for your ‘window handle broken problem’, let us first understand why and when your window handle breaks.
1. Wear & Tear with Age
Over time, old uPVC window handles can become brittle and weak due to regular usage, exposure to elements, and general wear and tear. The constant opening and closing of windows can gradually cause the handle mechanism to deteriorate, ultimately resulting in breakage.
2. Forceful Operations
Slamming or forcefully closing the window, especially when the handle has become old, can cause stress and damage to the handle. So, it is always wise to carry out the handling operations slowly and with ease.
3. Poor Maintenance
Lack of regular maintenance, like cleaning and lubrication, can accelerate the deterioration of a window handle. When dirt, debris, and rust accumulate, they can hinder the smooth functioning of the handle, placing additional strain on its components and significantly increasing the chances of breakage.
4. Manufacturing Defects
In some cases, a window handle may have manufacturing defects or flaws that make it prone to breaking. These defects can include weak materials, poor design, or insufficient reinforcement, making the handle more susceptible to damage or failure.
5. Improper Installation
Incorrect installation of a uPVC window handle can also lead to premature breakage. If the handle is not securely fixed or aligned correctly with the window frame, it can experience undue stress and strain during operation, leading to eventual breakage.
How to Know if My Window Handle Needs Repair or Replacement?
The decision to replace or repair a window handle depends on the specific condition and extent of the damage. Here are a few guidelines that will help you determine whether your uPVC window handle needs repairment or replacement:
Repairable Conditions
1. Loose or Wobbly Handle
If you notice that the handle feels loose or wobbly, but it is still functional, there is a chance that you can restore stability by tightening or adjusting the screws or other components. Before considering a replacement, examine for any loose screws or connections and attempt to tighten them.
2. Stiff or Sticky Operation
If the window handle is difficult to operate due to stiffness or stickiness, it may be a sign of debris, dirt, or lack of lubrication. Cleaning the handle thoroughly and applying a suitable lubricant can often resolve the issue and restore smooth operation.
3. Minor Damage
In the case of minor damage to the handle, such as a crack or chip, there is a possibility of repair. Repair techniques such as applying adhesive or epoxy can be employed to reinforce the handle and restore its structural integrity.
Replacement Conditions
1. Complete Breakage
If the handle is completely broken, it cannot be securely reattached. A handle with severely damaged components will require a new handle to restore complete functionality.
2. Extensive Rust or Corrosion
Rust generally weakens the handle, making it prone to further damage or breakage. Therefore, if the handle is heavily rusted or corroded, particularly to the point where it affects its operation or compromises its structural integrity, replacement is typically necessary.
3. Chronic or Recurring Issues
If the window handle has a persistent history of problems, even after attempted repairs, it could suggest underlying issues that cannot be easily resolved. In such cases, replacement of double glazed window handle is often a more cost-effective and reliable solution.
Also, Read! How Much Does Replacing a New Glass Window Cost?
How to Replace a Broken uPVC Window Handle with a New Handle?
The following is the step-by-step procedure for replacing your old uPVC window handles with new ones:
- Foremostly, you must first open your window and keep your window handle in an open position.
- Most handles have screws usually located above or below the handle that is secured under a cover.
- Use a flat-headed screwdriver to remove the screw caps from the uPVC window handle.
- Unscrew the bottom and top screws of the handle and make sure it loosens and gets easily removed from its place.
- Take your new handle and make sure to move it to the same open position from where you took off your old handle.
- Replace the old handles spindle with the new one by inserting it into the same holes.
- Hold the handle in place and put in the new screws.
- Put the screw caps back in once the handle is fixed in place.
Need Professional Help? Ask CUIN Experts!
While replacing old uPVC window handles may not be an excessively difficult task, it can still appear daunting if you lack sufficient carpentry experience. We have provided step-by-step troubleshooting tips to assist you in achieving a seamless window replacement process. However, if you do not possess the necessary tools or feel unsure about undertaking the task, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Our expert CUIN team is readily available to offer professional help. Reach out to the CUIN team today and find professional help today.
