Cases where a window gets jammed are, unfortunately, not uncommon. The sash on a jammed window cannot be closed or opened. About the causes of breakdowns and first aid methods for windows in the material WINDOWS MEDIA.
Modern plastic windows bring more and more worries to their owners. The first PVC windows in Russia began to be installed in the early 90s. The service life of first-generation plastic windows today is more than 20 years, so owners may increasingly encounter problems arising from “old age.”
Among them:
- the handle stopped turning
- The handle turns too easily in all directions,
- the sash gets stuck in the frame and does not open,
- an open window cannot be closed.
These problems frighten owners of plastic windows. There is not much time to provide first aid to the window; I want to continue doing my own business without compromising my comfortable living. Fortunately, there are not many main reasons why windows become jammed. Often, the problem can be identified and first aid provided to the window yourself.
The window is stuck and won't open
Problem 1: the window handle does not turn, the sash cannot be opened.
With such a problem, there can be many reasons and it is very dangerous to try to open the sash and fix the problem yourself. You should definitely call a professional.
Problem 2: the sash is in the “closed” position, the handle turns in any direction, the sash does not open.
Possible reasons:
Broken window handle
Solution: To fix the problem, you will have to remove the handle - turn the cover on the base of the handle, unscrew the two fastening screws under it and remove the handle. If the base of the handle is cracked or the metal pin falls out of it, the handle should be replaced. purchase a new Winkhaus handle * at a hardware store or window sales office.
Lock failure
If the handle is not broken, but still rotates in all directions, then there is an obvious problem with the lock; usually in such a situation a metallic crunch or crackling sound can be clearly heard.
Solution: For repairs, you will have to call a service specialist and replace at least the lock, and possibly all the fittings entirely, if the window is more than ten years old.
Summarizing
No one is immune from a window getting blocked/jammed. But you can reduce the likelihood of this trouble occurring. You just shouldn’t neglect regular preventive measures. They are simple; you will need to lubricate the fittings on time and take care of the cleanliness of the mechanisms and internal parts of the window.
It won't hurt to follow these precautions:
- do not use excessive force;
- take your time when opening and closing the door;
- do not leave the doors open during strong winds;
- do not subject the windows to impacts, do not hang anything on the frames;
- Clean and lubricate the mechanism regularly.
The rules are simple, but they will help extend the life of windows.
The window is stuck and won't close
Problem: when closing the window, the sash hits (gets caught) with the bottom of the frame and does not close. Possible causes of failure:
“Sagging” of the sash due to its misalignment and lack of support from the handle.
A solution that allows you to close the window without additional adjustments: you need to try to lift (move) the sash up from the side of the handle and, inserting it into the opening, move the handle to the “closed” position. This may be enough to close the “sagging” sash. In the future, to fix the problem, you will have to call a technician, since you will need to remove the double-glazed window and reinstall it and/or adjust the fittings. It is better not to open the door while waiting.
A solution that allows you to use the window (close/open) before the technician arrives: Remove the trim from the sash hinge and, using a 4 mm hex key, tighten the adjusting screw.
Incorrect operation of the handle rotation lock.
As a rule, a handle rotation blocker is installed on tilt-and-turn sashes. This detail does not allow the handle on the open sash to be moved to the “tilted” (up) position and prevents the sash from opening twice. Sometimes the lock is not unlocked and therefore prevents the handle from turning.
Solution: Finding the blocker is not difficult - it is located on the main lock next to the handle. If the handle is blocked, remove the blocker using a screwdriver and close the window. This will allow you to use the sash carefully, but you will still have to call a technician to install a new blocker.
Simple precautions when using plastic windows
If you follow simple rules for using plastic windows, they will serve you for many years.
• Never try too hard to fix a problem because... The window fittings are very sensitive, and most likely you will break them.
• When there is bad weather outside, try to always keep your windows closed.
• When opening or closing a window, you must always position the window handle until it locks.
Caring for window fittings
Proper, and most importantly, constant care of the window and its fittings will significantly increase its service life. Experts recommend window maintenance once or twice a year.
The following types of lubricants are recommended:
- technical oil (but it should not contain acids and resins) - used for lubricating fittings
- special silicone-based window lubricant - used to lubricate the window seal
- special products that are designed to care for plastic structures
- aerosol lubricant WD - 40 - used if necessary
Do not use lubricants that contain solvents, and also do not use vegetable oil.
The window is stuck and won't close all the way
Problem: It happens that the sash does not close completely - the handle does not move into a vertical position, but remains at an angle.
One of the possible reasons may be spontaneous unscrewing of the adjusting screw on the lower sash hinge, which leads to sagging of the sash and displacement of the trunnions in relation to the strikers.
Solution No. 1: Return the sash to its original position using a 4 mm adjusting wrench, which must be used to tighten the adjusting screw located on the sash hinge.
Solution No. 2: Check that the position of the strike plates corresponds to the trunnions, the distance between them should be 3-4 mm. If the distance is less or the elements touch each other when the sash is open, you need to move the strikers - unscrew the screw and, moving it to the desired position, fasten it again.
The main elements of the fittings are connected mechanically and it happens that this connection gets lost during operation or is initially connected incorrectly. This is not difficult to determine: there are special marks (risks) near all moving elements (locking pins). In the “open” position of the sash, the center of the trunnion should be flush with the notch (or exactly between two notches). If a clear discrepancy in the position of the moving element is visible, then the connection of the elements is incorrect or has gone astray.
Solution: You should find the junction of the elements whose position is out of order. Next, you need to unscrew the two closest screws to the junction of the fittings. After this, you need to lift the upper and lower gear racks, disengaging the fittings, and move the movable element to the correct position, then lower the racks and tighten the screws.
Sometimes foreign objects get into the mechanism, for example, pieces of plaster during repairs, and interfere with the movement of the fittings. If you can see that debris has gotten into the fittings, just vacuum and then lubricate the fittings.
The reason for the inability to turn the handle to a vertical position may be a lack of lubrication.
Solution: The window needs to be looked after, like any technically complex device. If the fittings are not properly maintained for a long time, the mechanism may stop working. Initially, you can try lubricating the moving parts with WD-40. If it doesn't help, you'll have to call a specialist.
The reason for the sash jamming in the open position can also be the breakdown of the fittings. You can verify this by turning the handle when the sash is open - the handle will not reach the vertical position. There is only one solution in this case - calling a specialist.
Setting up micro ventilation
Micro-ventilation is a built-in function of a modern window, when by turning the handle to the desired position, the sash leaves a gap of a few millimeters for air to enter from the street. But you can also install additional devices to organize normal air exchange.
Adjustment using a comb
The comb is an additional fitting that works as a limiter for the angle of inclination of the sash in ventilation mode. The window can be installed with a slope of 30, 45 or 60 degrees.
Using a comb you can set the required level of ventilation
A plastic comb with recesses for the limiter is mounted on the frame. A hook is installed on the frame itself. It works as a limiter. When switching to the ventilation mode, the frame tilts and the comb is placed with the desired recess on the limiter.
Valves for micro-ventilation
This is also an additional fitting that is mounted on the window profile. There are two types of such valves: manually adjusted and automatic. The user manually sets the required air flow mode. Automatic valves regulate themselves, providing ventilation depending on the temperature and humidity in the room.
Automatic ventilation valves regulate the level of ventilation depending on climatic conditions
There are also systems that are located in the handle, they are more aesthetically pleasing, and in terms of functionality they are not inferior to their analogues.
Modern windows allow you to set different modes to normalize air exchange. Minor problems can be resolved on your own by simply adjusting the window to the desired position. In most cases, problems with closing occur due to a normal settings failure.
Causes of breakdowns
All reasons for the incorrect operation of the opening element of double-glazed windows can be divided into groups:
- Mechanical damage to the housing, socket, internal elements (tetrahedral pin, spring, raster ring, rods, stiffeners, recesses holding them).
- Broken or worn parts of the actuator : gearbox, transmission circuit, strapping elements, blocker.
- The above elements are serviceable, but are set in the wrong position (including due to incorrect operation), errors during adjustment. This group also includes a shift in the position of the locking plate (gate blocker) of micro-slot ventilation, which is often caused by loosening of fasteners (bolts, screws).
- Deformation, distortion, sagging of the sash. It is logical that if the position of the specified element is incorrect, the tongues (locking elements) of the latches of the locking mechanism will rest against the wall of the reciprocal groove, accordingly, the movement of the handle will be tight, not completely, or even jamming will occur. The movement of the scissors and the engagement of the trunnions will also be disrupted.
- Dirt, foreign objects caught in grooves, mechanisms, joints.
- Shrinkage of the house , leading to deformations and shifting of glass unit elements. This reason is quite rare, but cannot be ruled out.
Some other types of breakdowns, incorrect positions of other parts directly cause problems with the handle. For example, if the sash is skewed, the handle will, of course, move more slowly or there will be a possibility that it will completely jam.
The initial causes of malfunctions of the handle of PVC double-glazed windows are:
Using excessive force, pressure, or trying to open with a sharp jerk.- Manufacturing defects.
- Incorrect installation, looseness due to which the lever experiences excessive loads.
- Excessive or incorrect load due to incorrect adjustment, failure to carry out this procedure in a timely manner for preventive purposes.
- Lack of proper care. Any lubricant must be renewed periodically: over time, no matter how high-quality it is, dirt is mixed into it, the mixture becomes abrasive, excessively thick, leading to stiffness and jamming.
- Natural wear and tear. This is very typical for plastic double-glazed windows, since the structure is heavy with numerous complex elements.
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Our window repair specialists in St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg) replace and repair fittings on plastic windows (doors) from many well-known window manufacturers VEKA (century), REHAU (rehau), Thyssen (thyssen), MONTBLANK (monblanc), GEALAN (gealan), KBE (kbe), Plafen (plafen), Deceuninck (deseninck) and others. We carry out complete (or partial) replacement and repair of plastic window (door) fittings from manufacturers Giesse, Roto, Siegenia, Internika, Elementis, Hoppe, Albrio, Vorne, Huatau and others. The price for replacing and repairing plastic window fittings is quite affordable and significantly lower than a complete replacement of a plastic window.
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Stuck in ventilation mode
The cause of jamming is usually the exit from the grooves or the breakdown of the so-called “scissors”.
In case of such window breakdowns, the main thing is not to apply excessive force to the handle and not to try to forcefully close or open the sash.
To restore the unit's functionality, you must do the following:
- Remove the sash. To do this, you first need to remove the top canopy cover, pull the special rod down and remove the hinge.
- When the top is detached, the sash is easily removed from the bottom hinge - just lift it a little.
Bottom loop - We place the sash bottom on the floor so that it is convenient to work with its top.
- We look for the grooves into which the “scissors” should fit and insert them into place. It may be necessary to press the lock bar or turn the handle.
- We assemble the block in reverse order.
Sometimes you can do without dismantling the sash. This will require certain skills and enough free space at the top of the window, since if the slopes get in the way, it will be quite difficult to push the “scissors” into place.
Jamming in the ventilation mode can also occur due to broken fittings, the presence of foreign objects in the mechanisms or grooves, misalignment of the sash and incorrect operation of the lock.
Do-it-yourself plastic window repair
Is it possible to repair a plastic window yourself? Why not. It is not the Gods who burn the pots... While working, try not to break the hinges and fittings. Everything is simple only in videos on YouTube. And when it comes down to it, a lot of nuances arise that no one will ever talk about anywhere. Our advice is to trust your windows only to experienced craftsmen who every day encounter and successfully solve certain difficulties that arise when repairing plastic windows!
Useful tips and recommendations from our window repair experts in St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg)
— if the slightest malfunction occurs in the operation of plastic windows, it is recommended to call a plastic window repair specialist. It is strictly forbidden to use excessive physical force to open (close) the window!
— after repair and restoration work, it is recommended to carry out servicing of plastic windows twice a year (cleaning off dirt and lubricating fittings and seals).
Based on our many years of experience, we recommend to our clients:
- Roto fittings. Due to its quality, Roto fittings have long been well established in the window market. Fine-tuning the pressure of the plastic window ensures there is no backlash and increases the service life of all mechanisms.
— seals for plastic windows with the highest performance characteristics: REHAU 952 and KBE 228. They comply with GOST 30778-2001 and will last more than 15 years.
