Durability, tightness and aesthetic appearance of plastic windows made their use optimal for premises of any purpose. They are easy to use and easy to maintain. However, as with all mechanisms, in the process of use, some elements of plastic windows may wear out, the structure may jam and it will need to be adjusted. Learn about ways to eliminate the causes of problems and adjust the mechanisms of plastic structures from the article "Adjusting plastic windows yourself: video instruction".
Adjusting plastic windows yourself: video tutorials
Despite the ease of operation, the structures of plastic windows require care from time to time: debugging the mechanisms and adjusting the fittings. Plastic windows, even from the most reliable manufacturer, may not work correctly over time. In new buildings, this is most often observed due to the shrinkage of the house, as a result of which the window sashes may not fit tightly to the frame. In addition, in the process of prolonged opening and closing, the hardware wears out and weakens. Knowing the basic rules, you can adjust the plastic windows yourself. On the network you can find a video of adjusting plastic windows with your own hands.
Adjusting plastic windows for the winter with your own hands
With a significant drop in air temperature outside, it is necessary to carry out winter adjustment of plastic windows. Despite their tightness, cold air may blow out in winter due to an incorrectly adjusted structure mechanism. Professionals recommend not to wait for the onset of severe cold weather, but to adjust the window fittings to the winter mode in advance.
Useful advice! When translating the accessories to the desired mode, carefully study the instructions for adjusting plastic windows for the winter. Errors made with incorrect settings can lead to damage to the entire structure of the plastic window.
The setting of various modes is necessary due to the fact that in the summer period, to ensure ventilation, the sash must be in a position that does not fit snugly against the frame. In winter, this ventilation leads to weathering of warm air and a decrease in the temperature in the room.By self-adjusting plastic windows for the winter, you will ensure that the sash is tightly pressed against the frame and keep the room warm.
It should be noted that not all window designs support seasonal adjustment. If at the end of the window sash there are special eccentrics (small metal cylinders) equipped with a hex key hole or a slot for a screwdriver, then such a design can be adjusted.
The procedure is performed as follows:
- on the eccentric of the fittings, we find a mark (small risk);
- turn the eccentric with a hexagon so that the mark on it points towards the room - in this case the clamp moves closer to the seal and the sash is pressed harder;
- turn all the eccentrics at the end of the window with a mark towards the seal;
- when closing the window set to winter mode, a noticeable force will be felt on the handle.
By setting the window fittings for winter mode and ensuring that the sash is tightly pressed, you help keep the room warm.
Setting winter mode for new plastic windows do it with extreme caution, as a rather tight pressure leads to an increase in the load on the rubber seal, up to its damage. As for windows that have been in operation for several years, their seal is already worn out and is not so sensitive to maximum load. We recommend watching the video "Adjusting a plastic window for the winter".
Winter-summer mode: self-adjustment of plastic windows
Do-it-yourself adjustment of the "winter-summer" plastic window ensures control of the room temperature all year round.
With the arrival of the warm season, as soon as the heating in the house is turned off, it is necessary to loosen the pressure and relieve the rubber seal from excessive pressure. In the summer, the windows are often open, which in itself also relieves the load on the rubber seal.
The transfer of the window structure to the summer operation mode is carried out in the same way as in the winter one, with the only difference that the mark on the roller is directed away from the window (to the street). Timely adjustment of the "winter-summer" plastic window can significantly increase the service life of the window structure.
If you do not switch to summer mode, the seal will be in a taut state for an excessively long time, which will lead to its stretching and loss of the necessary qualities. In this case, you will have to replace it with a new one.
To replace, the old rubber seal is removed from the grooves and a new one is inserted there using an ordinary screwdriver. In this case, you should not tighten it too much. In order for the seal to last as long as possible, it is recommended to process it with a special silicone gel every six months.
Useful advice! When replacing the rubber seal, purchase original material, since different models of plastic windows have sealing rubber of different shape and rigidity. A seal that does not match the profile will not provide the structure with proper pressure.
Many manufacturers provide for an intermediate autumn-spring regime. In this mode, the sashes are firmly pressed against the frame, but without excessive force.
Watching the video "Adjusting plastic windows winter-summer" will allow you to correctly switch to the desired mode.
Adjusting the pressure of the sashes of the plastic window
The pressure is called the degree of tightness of closing the window. To control the level of density, it is enough to bring a lighted match or candle to the window. If fluctuations of the flame are noticeable, then there is a gap in this place.It is possible to adjust the pressure of the plastic window by means of eccentrics located at the ends along the perimeter. To achieve a snug fit of the sash, the eccentric is shifted to the right (clockwise) to loosen the pressure - to the left (counterclockwise).
It should be noted that the position of all eccentrics around the perimeter must be identical. You need to change their position by no more than 2 mm. This can be done with a wrench or hexagon. In some types of profiles, the pressure is changed due to a mechanism with a tongue located on the side of the window hinges. In this case, if the tongue is extended - tight pressure, retracted - weak.
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Pay attention to which side the hinges are on. If on the left, the hexagon is rotated to the left, if the loops are on the right, we rotate clockwise.
The process of adjusting the clamping mechanism can be seen in the video "Adjusting the plastic window".
Self-adjustment instructions for plastic windows
If the sash sags in the window system or when opening it rubs against the frame, you can independently adjust the sash of the plastic window.
Usually the sash sagging occurs when the window is in the open position for quite a long time or when it is suddenly opened / closed. If the sash touches the vertical lower or upper part of the striker, the skew can be eliminated by adjusting the hinges of the plastic window. When the window is open, the upper canopy is adjusted: turning the key clockwise, the sash will move to the right, and vice versa.
The lower window hinge is responsible for moving the sash to the right / left and up / down. The bottom hinge can be adjusted when the window is closed. After inserting the key into the hole on the hinge, move the key up - the sash will move to the right, turn it down - the sash will move to the left. You can also move the window sash higher or lower using the lower canopy. To do this, remove the decorative cap on the loop. There they find a hole into which a key is inserted. To raise the sash, turn the key clockwise; to lower it, turn it in the opposite direction.
The video "Adjusting the plastic window yourself" will visually familiarize yourself with the technique of adjusting the hinges.
Repair and adjustment of plastic windows
Some malfunctions of plastic windows can be fixed by yourself. This may be a situation when the window is opened in two modes at once: for airing and in the "open" state. In this case, install the PVC window handle horizontally, close the window and, pressing the sash, lift the handle up. Then, slightly holding the window, move the handle to the open window position. After carrying out this simple manipulation, the sash opens and closes freely in one specific mode.
If you need to replace the handle, you need to turn the decorative strip on the handle 90 degrees to the side. Under the protective cap are the handle fastening screws. The screws are fixed with a curly screwdriver.
Useful advice! When replacing or securing a loose handle, do not over-tighten the mounting screws. They should be twisted without effort.
Sometimes, with a vigorous turn of the window handle, it gets jammed. This triggers the lock of the handle to prevent damage to the structure mechanism. In this situation, repairs can also be carried out independently. To do this, you need to find out the brand of fittings installed on the window.There is an inscription on the metal lock. For example, GU, Roto or Winkhaus hardware will have a tongue that is angled to the frame just below the window handle. It is necessary to turn the tab down so that it is installed vertically, and then give the handle the desired position.
In some types of fittings, you should find a plate with a spring located in the handle area. This plate must be pressed against the rubber sealant and turn the knob to the desired position. All these actions are performed when the window sash is in a strictly vertical state, otherwise the swing-out lock may work.
If the sash handle opens with a certain effort, several reasons are possible. This can be contamination of the mechanism and accessories, drying out of the lubricant or excessive force of the pressure mechanism.
To clean and lubricate the handle of the sash, it is removed, cleaned of dust and other contaminants, lubricated with an impregnating compound WD-40 and mounted in place. For the convenience of covering the fittings with grease, use a nozzle with a tube. It is recommended to use impregnation every time the window is adjusted.
Observing the rules and recommendations for self-adjustment of plastic windows, you can ensure long-term and comfortable operation of window structures.