How to convert a balcony door from summer to winter mode?

Miscellaneous

Today it is difficult to imagine an apartment or private house without plastic windows and doors. This is explained by their many positive characteristics. One of the advantages of such structures is the ability to transfer from summer to winter mode and vice versa. When choosing a product, make sure that this function is present, as it is not available in all models. Having installed a unit with this function at home, the owner must know how to switch the balcony door from summer to winter mode.

Troubleshooting door opening problems

Incorrect adjustment of the frame pressure can lead to problems associated with opening and closing the door leaf of the balcony unit.
Frame distortion and bracket displacement can also contribute to the occurrence of this problem. Therefore, many are interested in how to adjust plastic balcony doors in this case on their own without calling a specialist. Dealing with this problem is very simple. The bracket needs to be tightened and adjusted. When opening and closing, a metal-plastic door may creak. The reason for this may be not only friction of the door frame against the frame, but also contamination of the hinges and fittings. In the first case, it is necessary to adjust the position of the frame relative to the box, in the second, lubricate the rubbing elements of the hinges.

Possible problems and their solutions

When working with metal-plastic systems, a number of problems are possible, the solution of which cannot be postponed. These may include:

• wear of rubber gaskets;
• jamming of locks;
• hinge wear;
• breakage or deformation of the pressure plates on the sashes.

Problems with gaskets are eliminated by replacing them with new ones. It is easy to determine wear: the gasket has visible cracks, and a strong draft is felt in several places on the door.

Breakage or deformation of the clamping flaps practically cannot be repaired at home. The point is in the design features: any intervention in the doors can lead to cracks in the plastic transom or greater deformation of the doorway. The frame for the clamp has a one-piece design, its dismantling will take a lot of time, and it is quite difficult to find a replacement on the open market.

Another type of problem: the presence of drafts in several places. If all the cams are set to a certain position, for example “winter”, but heat loss is felt, you will have to figure out the reason. And it, as a rule, is hidden in a broken thread under the cam. It can be replaced with a similar one of a similar shape. The main thing is to take into account the dimensions of the trunnion and ensure free closing/opening of the door.

List of multifunctional adjustments for plastic balcony doors, their features and options. The main tasks of an incorrectly configured door and

List of multifunctional adjustments for plastic balcony doors, their features and options. The main difficulties of an incorrectly configured door and options for eliminating them are described.

Some recommendations for setting up plastic balcony doors

The following tips will help you take proper care of plastic balcony doors:

The adjustment procedure should be carried out at least twice a year. For the summer period, a weak pressure is set, and for the winter, a strong one. This way you will extend the life of the seal.

• By thoroughly cleaning the surface of the fittings and monitoring its condition, you will increase the service life of the entire PVC structure.
• If the handle does not turn all the way when closing, clean, lubricate and adjust the hardware.
• Opening limiters and microlifts will help reduce the frequency of adjustment.

You can learn some additional nuances of the process of adjusting plastic doors by watching the video below.

Proper operation and maintenance of balcony doors

With proper configuration of a plastic balcony door, the service life of the structure fully complies with the manufacturer’s guarantees (from 20 to 50 years). Mandatory measures recommended by manufacturers of plastic and metal-plastic structures include:

• washing double-glazed windows and cladding with a simple soap solution (aggressive detergents are contraindicated);
• lubricating the rubber seal with silicone compounds (at least once a year);
• cleaning and lubrication of fittings and external parts of locking mechanisms;
• timely replacement of the seal gasket (protects plastic parts of the structure from friction and wear).

In addition, do not load open doors with linen, clothing, or foreign objects, use ventilation mode in strong winds, or clean door blocks using cutting objects or abrasives.

Dust and dirt

In some cases, problems with the operation of the door are caused not by the device itself, but by dirt and dust that gets into it. This happens on unglazed balconies, especially if the climate is characterized by gusty winds. In such a situation, it is worth checking all sides of the door leaf, the locking mechanism and hinges. If liquid gets into metal parts, rust could form, which WD-40 can remove.

Additional recommendations

The process of adjusting the sash pressure can only be carried out if the rubber seal is intact. If it has become unusable due to wear and tear, there is no point in adjusting the sash. In such situations, you should first completely replace the rubber seal.

You can remove the old seal without using additional tools or tools. When replacing, clean the internal groove from dirt, and then install a new seal. It is important that the side bend is located at the end of the door. To make replacement more convenient, you can completely remove the sash from its hinges. It is recommended to purchase a rubber seal from the same manufacturer whose plastic windows and doors you have.

Switching winter/summer modes

Please note that when installing PVC windows, installers set the parameters for locking the sashes in the neutral position. That is, this is neither winter nor summer mode. This is done in order to ensure maximum functionality of the window structure.

You will have to make the adjustment yourself based on whether it’s winter outside or summer. Let's add that winter mode can be used in summer, but summer mode cannot be set in winter.

This is done in order to ensure maximum functionality of the window structure. You will have to make the adjustment yourself based on whether it’s winter outside or summer. Let us add that the winter mode can be used in the summer, but the summer mode cannot be installed in the winter.

Why is this necessary?

It’s not for nothing that manufacturers installed a mode switching mechanism. In this way, the service life of the plastic window is increased. If you position the sash incorrectly, you can get into serious trouble:

• winter mode means a tight fit of the sash to the frame and strong compression of the rubber gasket, which quickly fails;
• a draft will cause serious heat loss in winter if the sash is not adjusted correctly;
• increased humidity in the absence of a gap, leading to the appearance of mold and fungi.

Incorrectly set operating mode will lead to the formation of condensation on the glass:

Adjustment mechanisms

Before you adjust plastic windows for winter mode yourself, you need to decide where the adjustment mechanisms (trunnions or eccentrics) are located. Their number may vary (minimum two), but they should be located at the ends of the plastic window.

Trunnion locations:

It should be noted that eccentrics from different window manufacturers usually differ from each other. But they have one purpose – adjustment and setting of modes.

Appearance of some eccentric models:

Pay attention to the photo above, where you can clearly see that there is a risk on each eccentric. It is this that shows the installed position of the trunnion. By default it is set to the top position, also known as neutral.

By default, it is set to the top position, which is also neutral.

The risk shifted from the neutral position shows the set mode:

How to switch

The instructions and diagram for switching from neutral to winter or summer mode are very simple. To do this, you will need either a hex key or an asterisk. You can use a simple slotted screwdriver.

First of all, you need to prepare, that is, find the adjusting eccentrics. One of them must be located on the side of the sash, the second on the upper end.

Risk for which adjustment is made:

Based on the position of the mark, you need to switch the trunnion. If the door looks towards the street, it means that the euro-window is set to winter mode. If it points towards the room, it means it’s in the summer. By turning the mechanism in one direction or the other, changing position, you can set it to either winter or summer mode. In this case, all regulators must turn in the same direction.

It is necessary to change the settings of a metal-plastic window, taking into account the season. This is how the most balanced indoor microclimate is achieved, the ventilation of the house works effectively, and such indicators as energy saving increase.

Watch the video - how to switch plastic windows to winter mode with your own hands.

Video

Why regulate?

Different modes are needed for one simple reason - the change of seasons. Accordingly, there is a periodic drop or rise in temperature. The ability to close windows more tightly (or, conversely, less tightly) increases the access of fresh air into the room in the summer and reduces the outflow of heat outside in the winter.

If the window is constantly used in “winter” mode, this will lead to rapid wear of the seal due to the constantly high clamping pressure on it. If you leave the summer mode for the cold period, then there will be drafts and significant heat loss in the room. As a rule, during installation, windows are set in a neutral mode (spring/autumn), and when the season changes (that is, 2 times a year), it is recommended to make the appropriate adjustments.

Why does it start to blow from the windows?

When installing windows, craftsmen rarely inform clients that double-glazed windows can be switched to different operating modes. As a rule, during installation, the locking fittings are set to a neutral position, which provides the necessary pressure on the sashes to protect against drafts and heat leaks.

But over time, the elasticity of the gaskets decreases, the profiles are slightly deformed, and small gaps may appear between the frame and the sash. You can check the tightness of the connection using a sheet of plain paper. If it is easy to pull out when closed, then the window is not airtight. The flame of a candle or lighter, brought to the vestibule, is deflected, which indicates the presence of draft.

You don’t always need to rush to call a specialist. The design of modern fittings provides the ability to change the pressure of the sashes yourself using ordinary pliers, a screwdriver, a wrench, or even manually without any tools.

Design and principle of operation of locking fittings

The largest manufacturers produce window fittings using their own technological developments. High-quality locking mechanisms provide high reliability, burglary resistance, and the ability to regulate the force of pressing the sash against the frame.

The main control of the functions of the fittings is carried out by the handle. In a horizontal position, the locking mechanism is inactive and the sash is open. When you turn the handle down (up in some models), the locking parts begin to move. At the ends of the sash there are protruding trunnions that rise and smoothly slide into the grooves of the strike plates on the frame. The sash closes, the remaining small gap between the plastic profiles is closed with a seal.

The clamping force depends on the size of the gap between the frame and the sash. The smaller it is, the tighter the joint. Adjustment is carried out by turning the trunnion around its axis.

The axle can have different shapes. As a rule, the working part is a cylinder with an offset center, which is why it is often called an eccentric. When rotating around an axis, the distance between the sash and the frame changes by 0.8-1.2 mm, due to which the pressure decreases or increases. Adjustment is made with a screwdriver, wrench or pliers.

In plastic windows of standard size 600x1300 mm, the number of locking points is from 4 to 6. This parameter depends on the dimensions of the window and the manufacturer. It is believed that the more points, the less wear the fittings have and the longer they last.

A mark or dot is applied to the eccentric in its widest part. In the standard position, the marker points down or up. In this form, the fittings are delivered to the window manufacturer, where they are installed.

There are 3 positions:

• Neutral - risk - the marker is turned towards the street. A wider gap is created to allow air circulation.
• “Winter” - the marker is directed indoors. There is a minimum gap between the seal and the rebate for a tighter fit of the sash to the frame.

Setting the clamping density

The pressure of the plastic balcony door is adjusted in various ways. Round pins (with an offset central hole) or oval eccentrics are responsible for pressing the frame to the box. When the handle is turned, the rods move these parts up and down along the metal bar. When the handle is in a horizontal position, the trunnion or eccentric fits into the central slot of the shaped bracket screwed to the door frame.

If the mounting screws of the bracket are not loose, the pressure adjustment of the balcony door is carried out by turning the pin or eccentric. To control the position of the trunnion, a noticeable slotted mark is applied to the edge of its circumference. The oval shape of the eccentric allows you to visually control its position. To increase the pressure, turn the trunnion with pliers.

In the same way, you can switch the door to winter mode. For maximum pressure, three eccentrics are moved (with a special wrench or pliers) to the horizontal position of the oval.

Changing the mode on PVC windows: unnecessary or necessary

By default, the wizard who installs the windows sets the mode at his discretion; he can be guided by the time of year or his own experience. Therefore, during installation, it is advisable to find out what clamping force will be installed.

The mode directly affects the wear rate of the structure:

• In summer, the sealing rubber does not experience pressure. The sash fits without a gap, but does not squeeze the seal. This mode is the most preferable, since the service life of the rubber is maximum. Plastic structures expand and contract freely as the temperature outside the window changes, which puts less stress on the welds.
• The standard operating mode already slightly compresses the seal. It perfectly protects against dust, noise and drafts. It can be used all year round, but the wear rate of the rubber will be higher.
• In winter mode, the sash fits as tightly as possible, the seal is compressed, this can be felt by the tight turn of the handle. With constant use of this mode, the rubber wears out over several seasons, it loses its shape and is no longer able to restore it. When switching to summer mode after prolonged use of winter mode, blowing may occur.

The ideal operating mode for PVC windows is summer. If there is no discomfort for residents, the windows provide good insulation from cold air, dust and street noise, then it can be used constantly.

Switching the sashes to strong pressure is necessary in the following cases:

• There is a blowing air, and cold air can be felt around the perimeter of the sash.
• The seal has worn out, lost elasticity or dried out.
• In case of heat loss, in order to save on space heating.

Not all types of fittings are equipped with a mechanism for switching modes; as a rule, the cheapest options do not have this capability. Kits from the middle and expensive segments are most often equipped with movable pins (eccentrics), by changing the position of which you can adjust the clamping force. These are fittings from the brands Roto, Maco, Siegenia Aubi.

Rules for using modes:

• The period of use of the sash in winter mode should be shorter than in summer. It is recommended to switch the mechanism to a tighter fit in late autumn, and return it to its original position in early spring.
• For the first year or two after installation, it is advisable to use only summer mode. There is no need to convert to winter.
• You cannot use strong pressure in the warm season - this can lead to serious damage to the fittings and increased load on the welded seams of the sash, since the structure expands when heated.

A simple method will help you determine that the sash does not fit well to the frame and you need to switch the clamp to a tighter one: you need to hold the edge of a notebook sheet between the sash and the frame and turn the handle to the “closed” position, then try to remove the paper. If the sheet comes free easily, the seal is loose. If it is difficult to pull out or is torn, then the pressure is sufficient for the winter season and there is no need to tighten the trunnions.

Adjusting the position of the plastic structure panel

Adjusting the balcony sash

The beveled door leaf can be adjusted by tightening the hinges. The number of loops on a conventional design is usually no more than 2 pieces. The lower hinge adjusts the sash in 4 directions: left, right, down, up.

To adjust the lower sash, specifically raise or lower, you need to:

1. From the outside of the door, find and remove the protective hinge cover;
2. Find a suitable screw at the top of the hinge;
3. Turn the key to raise the sash (turn clockwise) or lower it (turn counterclockwise), depending on your preference.

This type of option is used to eliminate shuffling in the lower and upper parts of the canvas due to its raising or lowering.

How to switch windows to Winter mode, do it yourself, plastic windows

How to switch windows to Winter mode, do it yourself, plastic

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Adjusting the door to the balcony

Many of us have plastic doors.

on the balcony, I think they need to be able to be
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Adjustment

bottom loop

You can adjust the lower hinge by moving the sash to the left or to the right as follows:

1. To begin with, find the required mechanism on the inside (or rather the side) side of the door frame. It is very clearly visible when opening the door;
2. Next, use the same hex key to adjust the sash's departure to the left (by turning counterclockwise) or to the right (clockwise).

Using this method, it is possible to adjust the position of the canvas relative to the vertical, and avoid lateral rubbing. This mechanism must operate parallel to the top hinge, which also contains a side adjustment.

Adjusting door hinges

The adjustment of the upper hinge is similar to the adjustment of the lower one, but the fundamental difference is the placement of the twisting mechanism specifically on the side of the leaf; this is justified by the “ventilation” function, in which the door tilts forward, supported only by the lower hinges and the fixed device. The design feature of the double-glazed window was also influenced by the “slit ventilation” function, activated by turning the handle 45 degrees. Its essence lies in the safe ventilation of the room, with the locks closed.

You can familiarize yourself with the adjustment on the officially filmed videos of the manufacturer.

Adjusting the balcony sash to cover the entrance

Adjustment

accessories for plastic sheets

Every owner of a conventional design should be able to correctly adjust the plastic blade. The need to intervene in the structural component of the door may appear from the first day of installation, as well as in the following years of its operation.

Indeed, often in the summer season, the doors to the balcony are constantly left open, which leads to a small but tangible sagging of the door leaf, which can damage the door frame and, in the end, make closing the structure impossible. It is entirely possible that gaps and drafts may occur when the door is tightly sealed, which has a negative impact on the insulation capabilities as a whole. So, we need a laconic excursion into the essence of the option, which allows us to establish the correct operation of door devices.

L-shaped hex key

Adjusting the blade without the required list of tools will be quite problematic and will take a long time. So what you need to have on hand:

1. L-type hex key 4 mm, or better yet the entire set (because the screw sizes can be different);
2. Pliers (for turning the eccentric);
3. Phillips screwdriver.

Switching winter/summer modes

Why is this necessary?

Seasonal adjustment is often forgotten, leaving the sash pressure in a neutral position. As with any violation of operating rules, consequences arise over time:

• drafts from under the sash even with correct installation adjustments;
• if the summer mode is set, then in winter this will not provide sufficient pressure on the locking mechanism, which will cause heat loss from the room;
• if you leave the winter position, then due to the constant strong pressure of the sash on the seal, the latter will quickly become unusable;
• in the absence of seasonal adjustment, the normal microclimate of the room is disrupted, including an increase in humidity levels (there is a risk of condensation and mold).

To do this, you need to correctly set the winter and summer modes of plastic windows in the sash settings.

What tools will you need?

To adjust plastic windows yourself, you will need a fairly simple kit, including:

• Hex wrench No. 4;
• Pliers;
• Phillips and flat screwdrivers;
• A screwdriver with a set of bits of different shapes.

The tools from this set are usually always available at home. An exception may be a hexagon, without which the work cannot be completed - this is the main regulatory tool. If you don’t know what key is needed to adjust plastic windows and where you can find it, then contact any furniture hardware store. 4 mm hexagons are used when assembling any modern cabinet furniture, so finding such a key will not be a problem.

A screwdriver and screwdrivers will be needed to work with the screw connections with which the hardware elements are attached to the profile. Pliers are needed as an auxiliary tool.

It is recommended to additionally prepare silicone grease for the fittings. You can also use WD-40 or other similar spray lubricants.

Adjustment mechanisms

Before you begin changing the mode, you need to determine the locations where the adjustment devices are located. In most cases, the system provides for the presence of special mechanisms - trunnions, which, depending on their position, determine the degree of pressing of the sash required for the season.

They are located at the ends of a metal-plastic window or door. The number of such mechanisms may vary depending on the size and manufacturer of the glass unit (from two or more).

The trunnions may differ in appearance, but they perform the same adjusting function.

At the edge of the eccentric there is a mark, which serves as an indicator of the desired mode. By default, it is set up - this is a neutral position, which needs to be changed in accordance with the season.

How to switch

The process itself is quite simple, you only need one tool - a simple hexagon (usually 4 mm), or less often an asterisk.

Open the glass unit and inspect the ends. Usually there is one eccentric on the side, the second on top.

Most likely, the regimes will be in a neutral position, and the risks will point upward. Having selected the desired tool, change the position of the marker.

You need to constantly switch modes according to the season - this is what will ensure normal functionality, balance of ventilation and sufficient energy saving in your home.

Elimination of sash distortion

When the hinges weaken or the building shrinks, arbitrary friction of the sash against the frame occurs due to the resulting deformations. The adjustment begins by influencing the top hinge of the plastic window sash using a hexagon. It is inserted into the hinge screw, which is located under the protective cover, and turned clockwise. Thus, the opposite bottom will rise. When rotated counterclockwise, it will lower.

By acting on the lower loop, you can adjust the vertical position, and the procedure can be carried out both in the closed and open positions. After removing the protective casing, the hexagon is inserted into the corresponding screw and scrolled to the right to lift the entire sash. When rotated to the left, it will drop to the desired mark, which can be set with a pencil.

As a rule, misalignment occurs when the sash width is more than 80 cm, since during use it sags under its own weight. In this case, plastic windows need to be adjusted every 4-6 months.

Adjusting the position of the locking pins

On new doors, the locking pins are installed in the middle position. As long as the seal is not deformed, the tightness of such a system may be sufficient even for winter. In the warm season, it is recommended to immediately release the pressure of the locking mechanism as much as possible. The pressure increases when the eccentric rotates counterclockwise, as the thickened part moves towards the elastic. Turning clockwise moves the door to the summer position.

Depending on the design, the rotation is performed manually by pulling the spring-loaded eccentric towards you, or using a hex key inserted into the adjusting hole of the trunnion. Sometimes you have to resort to using pliers.

Since it is difficult to determine the tightness of the door around the perimeter, there is a mark on the end surface of the axle eccentric - a dot or notch. A correctly adjusted door is in even contact with the surface of the frame, which makes it easy to set the notches of all eccentrics in the same position.

The design, where a T-shaped striker provides a change in the pressure of the trunnion, is adjusted by deflecting the working arm using an eccentric at the base. The movement of the plate interacting with the trunnion away from the door leaf increases the door pressure. The tightness of the clamp is checked in several places of the door frame by placing a sheet of thick paper under the seal and closing the door. The paper should come out with considerable force, to the point of tearing.

Condensation on windows

When we switch windows to winter mode, their airtightness automatically increases. Sealing is not only about heat retention and noise protection. Condensation formed due to temperature changes between the street and indoor air does not evaporate, but sometimes accumulates on the surface of the glass very intensively.

Installing a ventilation valve will help avoid this phenomenon. At the same time, you will not feel drafts, since the flow of fresh air moves upward, mixes with the air masses of the room and circulates freely in an already heated form. You will get rid of stuffiness, dampness and mold, while maintaining the heat-insulating and sound-proofing properties of plastic windows.

When the door needs adjustment

Balcony doors made of metal-plastic usually do not require preventive adjustment. If you have no complaints about how they work, then you don’t need to do anything.

But if you notice that the door is starting to function differently than it should, then this is a sure sign that adjustment is necessary.

The most common signs are the following.

1. The sash touches with its lower part the edge of the frame, which serves as a threshold. This usually happens because the sash sags under its own weight. The glass unit makes up most of the mass of the sash. If you installed a double-chamber double-glazed window with 6 mm thick glass, then the hinges will “get tired” under such a place over time, causing the sash to move.

A gap in the upper corner is a sign of sagging door

What is required for adjustment?

Like all repair work, adjustment is carried out using a special tool. For high-quality execution you will need:

• a set of screwdrivers, flat and Phillips;
• pliers;
• special hex key;
• a set of "stars".

Plus, you will need a universal lubricant and silicone sealant. In addition to the fact that the adjustment is carried out due to the unpleasant moments listed above, it is performed to transfer the sashes from summer to winter mode.

Switching the door to winter mode

Converting a plastic balcony door to winter mode is carried out in several stages. If you have already determined what position the door is in initially, then you can carry out the translation. To do this you need:

1. Open 90°, lock for further work.
2. Examine the valves, determine the type of notch on the trunnions.
3. Use a suitable tool to “release” the pin. Rotation is carried out 90-180°.
4. Check the tightness of the closure.

If the door refuses to close at all, you should release the pins a quarter turn. If a draft forms and there is a suspicion that the fixation is not too tight, press it another 45-90°.

Horizontal adjustment: operating algorithm

Horizontal adjustment is required when the door sags due to its own gravity. A typical manifestation may be the handle sticking when the mechanism's crossbars do not fit into the grooves intended for them. As a result, the structure is difficult to open and drafts occur. The following algorithm will help to cope with the problem, switching the door to winter mode:

• Open the door.
• Remove the screws from the top hinges.
• Close the sash.
• Remove the covers and unscrew the long horizontal screw.
• Inspect the screw for damage. If they are missing, screw it back in, tightening it more at the top loop.
• Remove the trim from the bottom hinges.
• Adjust the operation of the lower hinges by tightening or loosening them to ensure even movement of the sash.

Basic options for adjusting metal-plastic sheets

Preparation isn't just for cold weather.

One of the common mistakes of owners of polyvinyl chloride doors is that after switching the balcony door to winter mode, no one is in a hurry to return to summer settings when the cold weather ends. As a result:

• Using a tight handle is not only inconvenient, it quickly loosens the fasteners and leads to damage to the handle itself.
• With the onset of warm weather, the door is used much more often, and the intensive work of the tight trunnion valves of the balcony door causes increased wear and tear on the entire moving system.
• Excessive pressure plus high temperatures lead to rapid collapse of the sealing cord. By next winter there will be nowhere to tighten the axles and the seal will need to be replaced.

Timely loosening of the pressure will allow the seal to last 5-8 seasons, keeping the house warm and not needing replacement. If the door opens onto a glazed balcony and does not require reliable locking, in the summer the valves can be given a rest by assigning their functions to magnetic or roller latches. With a reasonable approach and timely adjustment, using a plastic door will become more convenient, and it will last longer.

Plastic window modes - what they are and what they are

1. Winter mode of plastic windows - this mode allows for a tighter fit of the window sash frame to the window frame and, accordingly, helps save heat in the winter season;
2. Summer mode of plastic windows is characterized by a less tight fit of the sash, which ensures constant air circulation between the room and the environment, i.e. allows you to implement micro-ventilation mode.
3. The standard position (the mode of average pressing of the sash to the frame - the eccentric is in the middle), as a rule, a window with a double-glazed window in this mode works equally well in both winter and summer, ensuring optimal pressing of the seal.

Why do you need to adjust the modes of plastic windows?

Setting the modes makes it possible to extend the service life of the window. The adjustment allows you to change the degree of fit of the sash to the frame. After all, in winter the material contracts, and in summer it expands. Adjusting the PVC window fittings makes it possible to reduce wear on the seal and fasteners.

In addition, reasons to change modes include:

blows from the window. Cold air in winter or dust in summer is what one strives to avoid when installing a new window;

The door opens/closes poorly. For example, if a plastic window is jammed in the ventilation mode, then one of the reasons may be an incorrectly set mode;

sagging window sash. It is a consequence of wear on the hinges and can be eliminated by switching to winter mode or replacing fittings.

The ability to switch between modes is implemented in fittings from well-known manufacturers, such as: Maco, Roto, Siegenia Aubi, GU. However, today, setting up fittings is the rule rather than the exception for all fittings of a class higher than the budget one.

How to determine whether it is possible to switch the windows to winter mode?

Often during installation, the user does not receive information about the capabilities of window fittings. To understand whether transfer to different modes is provided for a particular PVC window, you need to study the appearance (labeling) of the fittings, in particular the trunnion.

A trunnion or eccentric is a fitting element that allows you to adjust the degree of pressure of the sash to the window frame. It is located on the side of the sash.

Adjusting the window eccentric to switch the window to winter mode

If the surface of the trunnion has holes for a key (in the form of an asterisk, screwdriver, hexagon) or the trunnion has an oval shape, this indicates that this hardware allows the window to be used in different seasonal modes.

Types of window trunnions

Oval window trunnion

Do I need to switch the windows to winter mode?

In autumn, with the approach of cold weather, it is recommended to switch the fittings to winter mode. Otherwise, there is a high probability of blowing from the side of the sash. If the seal is in good condition, you can leave the window on summer mode. During the warming period, switching the fittings to summer mode helps reduce the pressure (load) on the seal and is a prerequisite for its long-term operation.

Note. Manufacturers recommend operating the window in summer mode all year round. If there are no prerequisites for switching to winter mode, it is not necessary.

How to determine what mode plastic windows are in?

There are two ways to check what mode the window is running in:

Assess the degree of pressing of the window sash to the frame. Take a sheet of paper and place it between the sash and the frame. If, after closing the window, the clamped sheet is pulled out with minimal force, then the window is set to summer mode; if it does not pull out (breaks), then it’s set to winter mode.

Look at the position of the trunnion (eccentric). There is a dash (dot, asterisk) on the round pin by which you can evaluate the mode. If the line is oriented towards the room, this is winter mode, if towards the street - summer mode.

Eccentric position in winter and summer window mode

Location of the chain in winter and summer mode of a plastic window

For oval trunnions, a different rule applies. If it is located vertically, the sash is weakly pressed against the window frame, which allows us to say that the window is set to summer mode. If horizontal - strong pressure, i.e. winter mode.

Adjusting the trunnions on plastic windows - different modes of pressing the window sash

Tools needed when adjusting plastic doors

To adjust and simplify the process, a standard set of tools is prepared in advance. Among the most important tools are pliers, pliers, Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, L-shaped keys with a 6-sided cross section (another name is furniture keys). If you don’t have the latter at home, you will need to contact construction supply stores. It is recommended to assemble the instruments in several sizes, within the range of 1.5-5 mm. The whole set will cost about 500 rubles. A screwdriver with the necessary bits can replace a Phillips and flathead screwdriver. The most commonly used attachments are T and TX. A screwdriver will be useful in another sense. It will free your hands from additional work. You will also need scissors to cut the sealant and needles.

The list of tools for adjusting plastic doors should also include:

• chisel or special knife;
• spinning hammer;
• handle for removing loops;
• spatula for unpacking.

Adjusting and strengthening the handle

If the handle jams or does not turn completely, the cause is usually a breakdown of the internal movement mechanism of the long rods located in the lining of the double-glazed window. Vertical adjustment of the frame does not bring success either. It is unrealistic to repair such a breakdown on your own; you need to call a specialist and completely replace the mechanism.

It’s not difficult to fix a loose handle yourself. To do this, you need to turn the decorative trim covering the fastenings under the handle. Exposed mounting screws or screws must be tightened tightly with a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver.

Types of clamping systems

There are several types of clamping systems on the market, which differ in the degree of clamping. Conventionally, they can be divided into four types:

• rotating eccentrics;
• hidden loops;
• offset strike plate;
• adjustable loop pressure.

Manufacturers of plastic windows can combine these systems to achieve maximum fit of the door to the plastic frame. In most cases, rotating eccentrics on locking pins with hidden hinges are used. A simple system allows you to reduce heat loss through the overall gaps, which significantly affects the reliability of the structure and its durability.

The other two types work on a similar principle, but are more difficult to implement at the production stage. At the moment they are practically not found on the market.

Adjusting the pressure on the hinge side

The so-called “hidden hinges” do not relieve the load on the main hinges when the door . Their main function is to ensure that the rear side of the door is pressed against the seal. The adjustment mechanism of the unit is located on the box. Interacting with the door response, the beveled tongue squeezes the leaf in the direction of the seal. By rotating the adjusting bolt located in the recess with a hex key, the tongue can be pulled out or retracted inward.

The greater the reach, the more intense the door pressure will be.

Changing the pressure due to the main loops is very rare. The hinge base is offset using an eccentric or an adjusting screw perpendicular to the plane of the door frame. Regardless of the scheme used, the result is assessed in a similar way to adjusting the trunnions - by placing paper and trying to ensure the same pressure as the opposite part of the door.

Replacing the seal

New residents who move into a new building in the summer or early autumn often discover with the onset of cold weather that a draft is blowing from the balcony. Loss of airtightness by a balcony block can be caused by several reasons:

• defective door structure (improper installation of double-glazed windows, gaps between connections of plastic elements);
• cracks around the perimeter of the installation box (insufficient layer of mounting foam, sealant);
• block distortions caused by settlement of a high-rise building;
• incorrect settings of fittings;
• destruction of assembly seams in slopes, under the window sill, at the threshold;
• the use of low-quality sealant, contamination of rubber with construction paint, plaster mortar, and street dirt.

If a plastic door freezes around the perimeter of the frame, it is necessary to replace the rubber seal, which is subject to natural aging and drying out. Deformation of the seal leads to the wind blowing through the plastic door and the balcony does not close tightly.

When choosing a seal that acts as an insulator for noise, cold air, and water condensation, you need to pay attention to the material (preferred rubber based on natural rubber, silicone, EPDM, TPE grades, related to stretchable thermoplastic elastomers). To change the rubber seal between the frame and the door frame you need:

To change the rubber seal between the frame and the door frame you need:

• tear out or cut out the old rubber;
• clear the groove around the perimeter of the frame from all glue and rubber residues;
• degrease the inner surface of the groove with white spirit, acetone, solvent;
• carefully apply a layer of glue and let it dry;
• place a solid piece of sealing rubber or silicone into the groove;
• cut off the remainder of the seal at the junction and press it tightly.

Video on replacing the seal:

Types of balcony door faults

If you adjust a plastic balcony door with your own hands, for the success of the repair it is important to determine the causes of the malfunction. Most often the problems are as follows:

To test the door for tight closure, slam the shutter with a regular landscape sheet of paper. Try to push the sheet around the perimeter of the door. If it moves easily, the structure has lost its density and needs adjustment.

Also evaluate the tightness of the seal: uneven pressure on the rubber usually indicates sagging

Determining the direction of displacement is simple: pay attention to the place where the seal is compressed and check whether there is a mark from the sash on it

How to determine if a door leaf is skewed

If you suspect the structure is skewed, close the sash, and then draw a pencil around the perimeter of the closed door. Open the door and compare its outline with the drawn line. The presence of unevenness indicates that the door is warped. For accurate results, use a building level.

Table of values ​​for door leaf adjustment

Let's say, as a result of measurements, you find out that the width of the drawn strip is 8 mm (an error of 1 mm is permissible). This means everything is in order and the door is not warped. If the width of one strip is 12 mm and the other is 4 mm, this clearly indicates that the door is skewed by 4 mm.

Also check the width of the opening on all sides of the frame. The difference in measurements should not be more than 1 mm. Otherwise, the opening will have the shape of a barrel - this happens when installed incorrectly, when the middle of the frame is pulled towards the wall more than the top and bottom. Such errors also lead to loose clamping. By measuring the width of the sash on all sides, you will determine the correct length of the impost. The difference between the three measurements should not be more than 0.5-1 mm. If the indicators differ from the norm, the length of the impost differs from the required one and causes the door to skew.

To adjust the door leaf you will need a hex wrench

How to determine which settings are worth?

To determine which mode the window is in, you need to prepare and visually inspect the sash, then take the following simple steps:

• When opening in winter mode, the handle turns tightly, since the locking pins exert increased force on the response plates, providing pressure.
• Next, you should open the window and examine the vertical part of the sash, where the trunnions (eccentrics) are located, usually 3 pieces - in the corners and in the center of the element.
• If oval or cylindrical eccentrics with variable wall thickness are directed with the elongated part towards the room, this means that the winter settings are active.
• In the case when the eccentric is located with an elongated part along the frame profile, or the variable cross-section of the annular axle is directed with a thick wall towards the facade, the summer mode is set on the frame.

Possible modes of PVC construction in the photo:

seal