Aluminium and PVC Window Maintenance: 10 Practical Tips

Why Window Maintenance Is Essential

Your windows are the barrier between your home's comfort and the outside world. In the climate of Granada and Malaga, with thermal ranges exceeding 45°C between summer and winter, extreme temperatures, wind, rain, and — on the Malaga coast — ambient salinity, your windows work hard to keep you comfortable. Proper maintenance ensures they continue doing so reliably for decades to come, protecting your investment.

Quality windows can last 30, 40, or even 50 years. But to maintain their performance throughout their entire lifespan, they need basic periodic maintenance that many homeowners neglect. The good news is that modern aluminium RPT and PVC windows require very little upkeep — just 2-3 hours per year.

Tip 1: Regular Profile Cleaning

Tip 2: Glass Cleaning and Inspection

Good glass cleaning is not just about aesthetics — it is an opportunity to inspect your glazing for problems that could worsen if left untreated. Clean glass lets more light in and helps you spot issues early.

Good glass cleaning improves light entry and allows you to detect problems such as cracks, condensation between panes, or deterioration of the perimeter seal.

• Use commercial glass cleaner or a water-vinegar mix
• Apply with microfibre cloth or newspaper
• Always clean from top to bottom to avoid drip marks
• Check inside the double glazing chamber: if there is mist or moisture, the seal has failed and needs professional replacement

Tip 3: Hardware Lubrication

The hardware is the mechanical heart of the window. Poorly lubricated hardware can wear out prematurely, leading to costly repairs.

Element	Description	Frequency
Locking points	Cams and strikes that ensure airtight closure	Once/year
Hinges	Upper and lower on casement windows	Once/year
Espagnolette/handle	Internal mechanism activating locking points	Once/year
Sliding tracks	Guide rails for sliding leaves	Once/year

Tip 4: Weatherseal Inspection

The rubber gaskets (EPDM) are responsible for water and air tightness. Over time they can dry out or deform, compromising your window's performance.

• Visually inspect seals at least once a year
• Look for cracks, flattening or detached sections
• Apply a rubber renewal product to maintain elasticity
• If a seal is damaged, replace it — a simple, inexpensive operation for a professional (€30-60 per window)

Tip 5: Hardware Adjustment

With use, hardware may need small adjustments to maintain optimal closure. This is particularly important in Granada, where the wide temperature range causes thermal expansion and contraction of profiles throughout the year.

Signs You Need Adjustment

• The handle moves with difficulty or feels loose
• The leaf rubs against the frame when opening or closing
• You feel a draught with the window closed
• The leaf is not fully aligned with the frame
• The locking points do not engage fully (you can hear wind)

Most adjustments can be made with a simple Allen key on the hinge and locking point mechanisms. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, our maintenance team can adjust all windows in your home in under 2 hours.

With use, hardware may need small adjustments to maintain optimal closure. Signs you need adjustment: the handle moves with difficulty or is loose, the leaf rubs against the frame, you feel a draught with the window closed, or the leaf is not fully aligned with the frame.

Tip 6: Drainage Channel Cleaning

All windows have small drainage holes at the bottom of the frame to evacuate rainwater. If blocked, water accumulates and can cause leaks. Clean with a toothpick, fine brush, or compressed air. Check water flows correctly. Recommended frequency: twice a year, before rainy seasons (autumn and spring).

Tip 7: Shutter and Blind Care

Tip 8: Perimeter Silicone Inspection

The seal between the window frame and the wall is fundamental for preventing air and water leaks. Visually check for cracks or detachment. If you find faults, remove old silicone and apply a new layer with neutral silicone. This is a job most handy homeowners can do, but for guaranteed results, our maintenance team handles it professionally.

Tip 9: Protection During Building Works

• Cover profiles with plastic and masking tape
• Remove plaster or cement splashes immediately with water
• Do not lean ladders or heavy materials against profiles
• Protect glass with plastic or cardboard

Tip 10: When to Call a Professional

Common Mistakes That Shorten Window Life

Mistake	Consequence	Solution
Using bleach or ammonia on PVC	Discolouration and material embrittlement	Only water + neutral soap
Never lubricating hardware	Premature wear, part breakage (repair: €150-300)	Lubricate once/year with WD-40
Forcing a stiff window	Leaf sag, hinge breakage	Adjust with Allen key or call technician
Ignoring condensation between panes	Total loss of chamber insulation	Replace double glazing (not the whole window)

Special Maintenance for Malaga Coastal Homes

Homes near the sea (within 5 km of the coast) require special attention due to ambient salinity:

• Monthly cleaning of profiles with fresh water to remove salt residue
• Quarterly lubrication of hardware (double the inland frequency)
• Six-monthly inspection of seals and sealants (salt accelerates degradation)
• Qualicoat Seaside treatment mandatory on new aluminium profiles
• Consider PVC windows for maximum corrosion resistance

Tecnisun Maintenance Plans

Plan	Frequency	Includes	Price
Basic	Annual	Inspection, adjustment, hardware lubrication, channel cleaning, seal check	From €120
Complete	Six-monthly	All above + sealant check, closure pressure adjustment, professional profile cleaning	From €200
Premium	Quarterly	All above + shutter/blind check, professional glass cleaning, preventive seal replacement	From €350

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Repair Costs for the Most Common Issues

Knowing the cost of typical repairs helps you appreciate the value of preventive maintenance:

Repair	Estimated Cost	Avoidable with Maintenance?
EPDM seal replacement	€30-60/window	Yes (rubber renewal product)
Hardware adjustment	€40-80/window	Yes (annual lubrication)
Espagnolette replacement	€120-250	Partially (lubrication)
Hinge replacement	€80-180	Yes (lubrication + adjustment)
Double glazing replacement	€150-350/window	No (seal failure inevitable long-term)

As you can see, most common repairs are avoidable with 2-3 hours of basic annual maintenance. A Tecnisun professional maintenance plan always costs less than a single hardware repair.

When to Replace Instead of Repair

Maintenance extends lifespan, but there comes a point when repair is no longer worthwhile. Signs you need new windows:

In these cases, the 2026 Plan Renove subsidies cover up to 40% of replacement cost. Contact us for a free diagnosis.