7-Step Guide: How to Adjust Your uPVC Windows

Before getting into the specifics of how to adjust your windows, it’s important to consider how often you should adjust your windows.

UPVC casement windows generally require minimal adjustment, but regular maintenance is key to ensuring smooth operation and longevity. It’s a good idea to check and adjust your windows at least once a year, particularly around the hinges, handles, and locking mechanisms. This can help prevent wear and tear from causing issues like sticking. Seasonal changes in temperature can cause minor shifts in the window frame, so inspecting for any gaps or draughts in both winter and summer is also important.

Keeping up with these minor adjustments can extend the life of your uPVC windows and maintain their energy efficiency.

What tools do you need to adjust UPVC windows?

• Allen Keys
• Screwdriver
• Spanner
• Cloth and Soapy Water

Adjusting uPVC windows is a fairly straightforward process, with only a few tools needed depending on the uPVC window type you have. For casement uPVC windows, depending on the hinges they’re fitted with, you’ll likely either need allen keys, a screwdriver, or a spanner for any nuts and bolts.

How to Adjust uPVC Windows to Stop Draughts

1. Inspect the Seals: Start by checking the rubber seals around your windows. Look for any signs of wear, gaps, or damage.
2. Clean the Seals: We recommend using a damp cloth and warm soapy water to clean the seals and remove dirt and debris.
3. Adjust the Window Closure: If the window isn’t closing tightly, locate the hinge mechanisms and adjust them to create a tighter seal.

How to Adjust uPVC Window Hinges

1. Identify the Hinge Type: Most uPVC casement windows have either side-hinged or top-hinged designs. Determine which type you have before proceeding.
2. Locate the Adjustment Screws: Each hinge typically has adjustment screws. Start by opening the window to locate the adjustment screws, usually situated at the back of the hinge.
3. Adjust the Hinge: Turn the screws clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower the window. Typically, tightening the hinge clockwise will raise the window, or go counterclockwise lower it. Adjust gradually and check the alignment after each turn.
4. Test the Window: Open and close the window to ensure it moves smoothly and remains aligned. You may need to do further adjustments and test again to make sure you’ve adjusted the hinges properly. If the window feels tight, don’t force it. Revert your steps and adjust accordingly.

How to Adjust a uPVC Window That Has Dropped

1. Assess the Drop: Determine how much the window has dropped. This can often be seen at the top or bottom of the window frame and will affect the operation of your window.
2. Locate the Hinge Adjustment Screws: Like the previous step, open the window and then locate the adjustment screws on the hinges.
3. Raise the Window: Use the adjustment screws to raise the casement window back into place. If it’s a significant drop, you may need to adjust both the top and bottom hinges.
4. Check Alignment: Ensure the window is aligned correctly in the frame after the adjustments.

How to Adjust Window Opening

1. Check the Friction Hinges or Egress Hinges: If your uPVC window has friction hinges (designed to allow controlled opening and closing) or egress hinges (designed to open windows to a full 90 degrees for emergency exit) you should regularly make sure they are functioning properly.
2. Adjust the Friction Hinges or Egress Hinges: Most hinges have screws that’ll allow the window to be tightened or loosened. Adjust these screws to change how far the window opens. With egress hinges, your window can open to a complete 90 degrees, this allows it to be used as an exit in an emergency.
3. Test the Opening: After adjusting, open the window to ensure it operates as intended without catching, feeling too tight or hitting any obstructions. You may need to do further adjustments and test again to make sure you’ve adjusted the window properly.

How to Adjust uPVC Windows That Are Not Closing Properly

1. Inspect the Locking Mechanism: Check the lock for any obstructions or misalignment. If your window lock isn’t lined up correctly your window won’t close completely, which may be a security concern and may also make the window less weather resistant. Our uPVC windows come with a multi-point locking system as standard.
2. Align the Keep: The keep is the part of the frame that the lock engages with. Adjust it by loosening the screws and moving it slightly until the lock engages smoothly. In most cases, lock alignment can be resolved by adjusting the hinges.
3. Adjust the Hinges: If the window is sagging or dropping, follow the steps for adjusting hinges to raise the window back into position.
4. Check the Window Seal: Ensure that the seals around the window are intact to prevent draughts and rain leaks.

How Do I Stop My uPVC Windows from Opening Too Far

1. Check for Friction Hinges or Egress Hinges: It’s important to be aware whether you have standard friction hinges installed on your windows, or egress hinges. Egress hinges are specialised hinges that allow your windows to open a complete 90 degrees, so they can be used as an exit in case of an emergency. Find out whether you need fire escape windows using our building regulations calculator.
2. If you’ve got Egress Hinges:As these are specially designed for wide openings in case of emergency, your windows should be opening far enough for people to exit.
3. If you’ve got Friction Hinges: It’s a simple process to adjust standard hinges on your uPVC windows, so if your windows feel loose and/or are opening too far you should be able to tighten the hinges.

How to Adjust Tilt and Turn uPVC Windows

1. Identify the Tilt and Turn Mechanism: Before completing any adjustments, it’s important to understand how your window operates. Tilt and turn windows have a unique mechanism that allows them to both tilt inwards and turn open.
2. Locate Adjustment Points: The adjustment points for tilt and turn windows are usually found on the side hinges and the central locking mechanism.
3. Adjust the Central Locking Mechanism: Use a screwdriver to adjust the height and position of the locking mechanism to ensure the window locks correctly when closed.
4. Adjust the Side Hinges: If the window tilts too far or not enough, you can adjust the hinges using the screws to modify the tilt angle.
5. Test the Operation: Once you’ve completed your adjustments, test the tilt and turn function to ensure smooth operation. You may need to adjust further to make sure your windows operate as they should.

Signs you need new uPVC windows.

We’ve put together some signs you need new uPVC windows, if your adjustments and maintenance are no longer as effective.

1. Difficulty Opening or Closing: Over time, old uPVC windows may warp, or the mechanisms can wear out. If your windows are becoming difficult to open or close smoothly, it could indicate a need for replacement. Sticking windows can also be a safety hazard.
2. Water Leaks or Draughts: If you notice water leaking through the window frame during rainstorms or after heavy rainfall, it’s a sign that the window’s integrity has been compromised and you should probably replace your windows.
3. Single Glazing: If your home still has single-glazed uPVC windows, replacing them with double or triple glazed casement windows will offer significant improvements in insulation, soundproofing, and energy efficiency.

If you have any window maintenance questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or get in touch with our customer care team via our contact form:

Get a price for new replacement windows on our website today.

• About
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Jaime Pipe

Marketing Assistant at Quickslide

As a dedicated marketing professional for the window and door industry, Jaime Pipe is a Quickslide author who provides comprehensive, detailed takes on all the latest news and product updates. Every one of their insights is written based on up-to-date information and the newest research available, allowing readers to rely on them for the business's latest and greatest.

Their knowledge and expertise have been honed by working closely with the rest of Quickslide’s extensive team of professional manufacturers, letting them learn the ins and outs from direct sources. Their B2B experience is further enhanced by Quickslide’s long list of trade partners, offering additional insight into the manufacturing and installation process of sash windows, bifolds, flush windows, patio doors, and more.

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Please note, our news articles are relevant and accurate at the time of release, but as technical developments dictate, and times goes by the information in this article may no longer be applicable. If you have questions, please contact us using our online contact form or call us on 03332 412 240.