Regular maintenance of plastic windows in Minsk: a guarantee of long and problem-free work
Plastic windows have won their popularity through promises of durability and reliability. The adverts talk of service lives of 30, 40 and even 50 years. However, if you look at the warranty cards, you'll see that the real guarantees on the various elements of a window are usually from 1 to 5 years. The profile really can stand for half a century, but the hardware, seals and glass units need regular care. Without it, even the most expensive window will start to squeak, draught and break within a few years.
I'm Dmitry, a window repair master with 20 years' experience, and I help residents of Minsk and the Minsk district extend the life of their windows. In this article I'll explain why regular servicing is essential, exactly what needs doing, and how it will save you money.
Why window servicing is so important
A modern plastic window is a complex system made up of many elements: the profile, the glass unit, the hardware, the seals. Regular servicing lets you:
- prevent serious breakdowns;
- extend the life of the hardware and seals by 2–3 times;
- preserve the tightness and energy efficiency of the window;
- avoid an expensive repair or replacing the sashes.
The main elements of servicing
1. Lubricating the hardware
The hardware is a mechanism under constant load. As in a car, it needs regular lubrication. The manufacturers (Roto, Siegenia, Maco) recommend doing it at least once a year. If you don't: the metal parts wear, squeaking and play appear; the handle starts to turn with effort or stick; screws can loosen and tie-bars snap; problems with closing and draughts arise. Use special compounds for lubrication (silicone lubricant or hardware oil). Don't use thick oils (solidol, lithol) — they attract dust and speed up wear. WD-40 is fine for cleaning but not for long-term lubrication.
2. Caring for the seals
The rubber seals provide the window's tightness. Over time they lose their elasticity, dry out and crack. Once a year, clean the seals and treat them with a silicone compound — this keeps them soft and prevents draughts.
3. Checking and adjusting the sashes
Over time the sashes can sag under their own weight, especially if they're wide and heavy. The signs: the sash rubs the frame, closes with difficulty, a draught has appeared. In this case a vertical, horizontal or pressure adjustment is needed. A timely adjustment prevents hardware breakdowns and preserves the tightness.
4. Inspecting the installation seams and slopes
The sealant at the joints of the frame with the wall and slopes can crack or come away over time. Cold, moisture and noise get in through these gaps. Check the condition of the sealant once a year. If defects are found, renew it using vapour-permeable materials for outdoor use.
5. Cleaning the drainage holes
There are holes at the bottom of the frame to drain off condensation. They can get clogged with dust and dirt. If that happens, water stagnates inside the frame, leading to freezing and mould. It's enough to clean them once a year with a thin stick or blow them through.
What happens if you don't service your windows
- Draughts and heat loss. Worn seals and cracks in the slopes lead to draughts, heat loss and rising heating bills.
- Mould and fungus. High humidity due to poor ventilation and freezing creates the ideal environment for mould, which is harmful to health.
Can you service windows yourself?
Simple procedures — washing, lubricating the seals with silicone, cleaning the drainage — can well be done yourself. But for a full diagnosis, adjusting the sashes and replacing a seal, it's better to call a professional. An experienced master will see what the naked eye misses and prevent problems that are only just brewing. I offer comprehensive window servicing in Minsk and the Minsk district. I come to the site, check the condition of all the elements, clean and lubricate the hardware, treat the seals, adjust the sashes if needed and give recommendations. All this takes about an hour per window and costs little compared with a repair.
Frequently asked questions
How often should plastic windows be serviced? It's recommended to service them 1–2 times a year — in spring and autumn.
Can you lubricate the hardware with sunflower oil? No. Vegetable oil thickens over time and attracts dust.
What do I do if the window has already started to stick? Don't wait until it breaks completely. Call a master for a diagnosis. Maybe it just needs adjusting, or maybe worn parts need replacing. Acting in time saves money.
Why trust the servicing to me
- 20 years of experience. I know all the subtleties of window structures and will quickly identify the problem.
- Free call-out and diagnosis. I'll come to you in Minsk or the Minsk district, check the windows and suggest the best solution.
- Honesty. I won't push unnecessary work. If the window is fine, I'll say so.
- Quality materials and a written warranty of up to a year on all work.
Order professional window servicing in Minsk
Don't wait for minor faults to grow into serious problems. Regular servicing extends the life of your windows and keeps warmth and comfort in your home. Call me right now for a free consultation.
📞 Phone: +375 (29) 135-50-50
🌐 Website: rpo.by
Brand: Spravnae Akenca
