A Guide To uPVC Window Handles
If your uPVC windows have reached a certain age, you may have noticed that certain parts are not working as well as they should. Often it is the uPVC window handles that are to blame, given that they get a lot of wear and tear over the years. Many homeowners put up with this problem, not knowing that it is not that difficult to replace these handles if they want to. In this article we will give a short guide to how and why you should consider changing old or damaged uPVC window handles.
• Your old handles are not just old fashioned and less attractive than newer models – they hold a lot more bacteria, are less secure and less safe than newer styled window handles. Most homeowners lose the keys to uPVC windows shortly after they are originally installed. If your windows were installed 20 -30 years ago, the chances are you never locked them in the first place. In these present times this can be a security issue.
• If you do, for any of the above reasons, decide to change your uPVC window handles, then the best place to start is to find out who the manufacturer of your present window handles was. In many cases if you open the window and look where the lock strip is you will see the name of the manufacturer stamped. If not then the installer of your windows should be able to help.
• Take down any relevant and visual details of your existing handles – what kind of lock is in place, what size is the handle, etc. All of this information will be useful. If you are in doubt, you can also take a digital photo of the handles and upload it onto your computer.
Photo by ettlz• Contact the manufacturer by phone or online. If you can send him the photograph of your existing uPVC window handles, he will probably immediately recognize them and be able to recommend to you a more up to date version that will suit. You can then either fit the new handles yourself or get a local tradesman to carry out the task for you.