Hello friends! As it happens, winter came unexpectedly. Few people prepared for it. The winter season has begun and both apartment residents and business representatives have begun to flood with requests for window repairs and maintenance.
Everyone needs to change the seal, adjust the fittings, lubricate them so that it doesn’t blow through the windows. Well, it must be so. I shouldn’t leave people in trouble, especially since it’s my job. It was a free evening and I decided to write a short note on adjusting PVC windows for the winter, which I hope will be useful to my readers.
Adjusting plastic windows for winter
According to the regulations recommended by the manufacturers, windows should be adjusted for winter at least twice a year. As you understand, at subzero temperatures it is necessary to firmly press the sashes against the frame, protecting the home from the penetration of frosty air, and when it gets warmer, loosen it, improving the microcirculation of air in the room.
Timely and regular maintenance will extend the life of window structures and avoid costly repairs due to hardware failure. Therefore, we will consider the nuances of adjusting PVC windows for the winter in Moscow, taking into account its regional specifics.
Why do you need to adjust windows for the winter?
Window structures are constantly exposed to negative environmental influences: dust accumulates on the locking mechanisms, rubber seals feel daily temperature fluctuations and lose their elasticity; moreover, under the influence of heartless gravity, the sashes sag by at least 0.5 mm per year.
All these factors disrupt the geometry of the windows, worsen the tightness of the vestibule and lead to the occurrence of unwanted drafts. How to prepare plastic windows for winter and avoid their wear and tear?
The answer is obvious - carry out regular window maintenance and they will not cause you any trouble for decades, because all manufacturers design them taking into account the most severe operating conditions.
Cleaning the drainage system
The window drainage system is a set of small holes and channels in a PVC profile, the main purpose of which is to drain the condensate that forms outside. Before the onset of frost, you need to check how the entire system functions and whether the holes and passages are clogged. Ineffective drainage can lead to icing of windows in winter and the appearance of mildew or mold. Drainage holes and channels can be cleaned with wire that combines the necessary flexibility and rigidity.
Features of window adjustment
All windows can be adjusted in three positions for pressure, tilt and height. The fittings allow you to correct the play of the structure only up to certain values; usually it does not exceed 4 millimeters, so it is very important not to allow this parameter to increase.
The whole point of maintaining and adjusting plastic windows for the winter is to maintain certain tolerances, and it is also important to make the sashes fit as tightly as possible to the frame. Otherwise, the cold penetrating through the cracks will fill your home and force you to look for ways to insulate plastic windows for the winter.
Note! You can check the tightness of the rebate yourself; all you need is a sheet of plain paper. If you manage to press the paper with the sash and pull it out, then you should already think about how to adjust the plastic windows for the winter; if the rebate is correct, the sheet pressed with a rubber seal should not give way, it will tear.
Adjusting windows for the winter with your own hands
During operation, the rubber seals in the windows wear out and a gap forms between the sash and the frame.
Its presence can become a very serious problem, especially in central Russia, which has a harsh climate. Sharp temperature fluctuations only aggravate the problem, therefore, to compensate for the linear expansion of the material and maintain the elasticity of the seals, adjusting plastic windows for winter is recommended. It will reduce the internal stress in the locking units and maintain the tightness of the structure as a whole. How to adjust plastic windows for the winter with your own hands?
If this question gives you the idea that they need to be covered like windswept old wooden windows, drive that idea away. It’s not difficult to understand the process; just read the manufacturer’s recommendations and arm yourself with the necessary tools, or, if difficulties arise, seek help from specialists.
If the question of how to adjust plastic windows for the winter in Moscow haunts you, pay attention to our company! We profess a cult of healthy perfectionism and high-quality service, so we not only tighten bolts and adjust rubber bands, but also eliminate symptoms of irregular maintenance, manufacturer defects or installer negligence. Over our 15-year history, we have learned to solve issues of any level and complexity.
Source: teplodoma.ru/stati/regulirovka-plastikovyh-okon-na-zimu/
You can check the switch to winter mode in the following ways:
- The most common method is using a piece of paper, which was discussed above. This is the most common and popular verification option.
- There are no squeaks or other extraneous sounds.
- The window seal is the same thickness everywhere.
- All bolts are screwed in the same way.
- You can freely open and close the window without any difficulty, nothing interferes with the opening of the sashes.
If a plastic window is blowing, this is due to the following reasons:
- Poor glass compression. In cold weather the material will shrink, and in winter this phenomenon will be more pronounced because the glass will fly out of the beads. If replacement is necessary, it is better to contact a specialist.
- Incorrect selection of accessories. If the thickness of the seal is not uniform, there will be gaps for air to enter.
- Poor quality profiles can cause cracks.
- The frame was installed incorrectly, so after a while the windows began to not close properly.
- Air passes through the joints of the frame. These slots must be covered with liquid plastic.
Important! Experts do not recommend applying maximum pressure if the window is new. In order not to pinch the sealing rubber, set it closer to the maximum. If you press too hard, it will need to be replaced after a while.
Repair of window and balcony handles
Door handle loosening
To fix a loose door handle, you need to tighten its fastening. This is the simplest adjustment of a plastic window; for access to the adjustment mechanism, a pad is provided on the bottom of each handle. They pull it towards themselves and turn the entire element perpendicularly. So you can see two bolts that are tightened with a regular Phillips screwdriver. If you cannot remove the decorative nozzle with your hands, be careful: it is made of soft plastic and can be easily damaged by a sharp object.
Installing or replacing a handle with a lock
If you have children, it is important to protect them from the danger of falling out of a window. It is for this purpose that special handles with a lock were invented, which will not allow the child to open the window on their own.
To remove the old handle, first remove the decorative attachment, as in the previous version. Unscrew the two bolts and pull out the handle with gentle rocking. Then insert a new one in the same position and fix it with bolts. Replacing a window handle will take literally one minute, the process is shown in the video.
The handle sticks or does not reach the desired position
This problem occurs for various reasons. Perhaps cleaning and lubricating all the fittings and handles will come in handy here. If the handle closes with great force, adjusting the sash pressure of the plastic windows will most likely help.
To lubricate the mechanism, pull out the handle, clean and vacuum it and the mounting hole. Then all that remains is to lubricate the moving parts with a liquid lubricant, for example, sewing machine oil. If there is corrosion, the surfaces are treated with WD 40 aerosol.
Information on how to adjust the fittings of plastic windows to reduce the pressure of the sashes is presented in a separate section below.
More on the topic Adjusting Mako fittings
If the handle is jammed
If it happens that the handle is jammed, you must not forcefully close it, breaking it all out. Most likely, the locking mechanism did not work correctly, which prevents the window from changing its position while it is open. To solve this problem, manually remove the locking lever located at the end of the sash next to the handle. The blocker can have two designs:
a plate in the form of a tongue attached to the end, which, when the window is opened, changes its position and becomes at an angle relative to the seal; a clip that fits onto the seal when opened.
Adjusting window sashes in winter and summer
Checking the frame pressure is very simple: take a sheet of paper and press it with the sash. If the sheet is easy to pull out, it means the clamp is bad and mandatory adjustment is required. If the sheet is pulled out with difficulty, or even breaks, then the setting is done correctly.
Over time, the sealing rubber becomes less voluminous than before, and a gap may form in the window. However, more often this gap appears during seasonal fluctuations, with sudden changes in temperature. To correct this problem, it is often not necessary to change the seal. Adjustment of the sashes of plastic windows is carried out by twisting specially provided mechanisms.
Setting up your plastic windows for winter and summer is especially important if your region experiences large temperature fluctuations. This allows you to reduce the internal stress of the structure and fittings and increase the service life of the rubber seal.
At the end of the sash, in the slots of the metal plugs, there are oval cylinders called the trunnion (eccentric). There are grooves on the frame into which the hooks fit when the handle is turned in order to press the sash tightly. Their adjustment can be done by changing the position of the eccentrics or hooks.
The photo shows an example of adjusting plastic windows, which is easy to do yourself without calling a specialist. As you can see, to increase the pressure you need to rotate the trunnion 90°. Depending on the manufacturer of the fittings, it can be turned either manually or with a screwdriver/pliers. Please note that the trunnions (which are located in the photo on the right) do not rotate around their axis, but along a small radius.
If it is not possible to adjust the eccentrics, tighten the counter hooks on the frame; this usually requires a hex wrench. You can also place a plate under the “response” if the trunnions do not reach it.
When the pressure on the frame at the handle weakens or increases, you can move on to adjusting the pressure on the side of the awnings. To do this, remove the plastic plug from the lower canopy. Inside you can find two hexagon bolts and one hidden, with the help of which the position of the frame sashes is adjusted. The clamping force is adjusted by a bolt located perpendicular to the window. It is better to carry out the adjustment with the window closed.
Turning it clockwise will increase the pressure on the sash, and turning it counterclockwise will weaken it.
The upper part of the sash is attached differently, on a special mechanism called “scissors”. To gain access to the upper part, the window is opened and the locking mechanism is pressed at the end of the sash (it is fixed at an angle to the rubber gasket and is spring-loaded).
When the lock is pressed, the handle is turned to ventilation mode. The sash will be removed from the top hinge and will hang only on the “scissors” on top and on the bottom canopy. This gives access to the head, the adjustment of which will change the frame pressure.
If the edge of the sash touches the frame
When a window is left open for a long time or is opened/closed abruptly, the retaining mechanisms may become loose or deformed. If there are no serious defects, then tightening the loops should help.
To change the position of the sash, use a hexagon to tighten the bolts on the lower canopy and on the “scissors” system on top. Remove the protective plastic cap from the bottom hinge, and in its upper part you can find a hexagon bolt. To lower the sash, it is twisted counterclockwise, and to raise it, it is twisted clockwise. On massive metal-plastic windows and doors, there are sometimes additional closers that slightly raise the sash before closing. If there is such a mechanism, then it will need to be slightly adjusted.
If the sash touches the frame not from the top or bottom, but from the sides, another mechanism is adjusted for this. At the bottom of the canopy, find a bolt located parallel to the window. For convenient access to it there are two exits with heads for the key (from the side of the slope and the sash).
If the slope is too close and does not allow access to the bolt, the sash is opened and the second method is used. If you twist it clockwise, the sash will move to the right, and counterclockwise, it will move to the left.
The adjustment from above is done a little differently. To do this, open the sash completely and find the slightly recessed head of the adjustment bolt on the side of the mechanism. By changing its position, you can adjust the position of the flaps left and right in the upper part.
If plastic windows are broken, repairs are quite easy to do yourself without calling a specialist. The main problems with the position and pressing of the sashes, and loosening of the mechanisms are solved literally in a minute with the help of simple adjustment of the fittings.
Source: remboo.ru/remont/okna/regulirovka-plastikovogo-okna.html
How to adjust a window so it doesn't blow
Sometimes, plastic windows, even after moving the trunnions to the position of strong pressure, are not airtight - there is a blow from under the sash and replacing the rubber does not help. This usually happens when the house shrinks. In this case, they say that the window sags. When this happens, contact between the locking lug and the strike plate is lost. When you turn the handle, the protrusion-trunnion should go behind the plate, pressing the sash. If this does not happen and drafts occur, the heat is blown out of the room.
Where are the trunnions (pressing lugs) usually located?
When a plastic window sag, the adjustment is different: you need to move the sash so that those protrusions that do not reach the plates catch on them.
First you need to decide which of the trunnions do not reach the locking plates. This is done mechanically. First, inspect the sash, remember where the protrusions are. Close the window. Grasp the sash frame where the trunnions are installed and pull it towards you.
Checking where the sash is not holding
If there is contact, the frame remains motionless, if not, it moves. So you check in which places there is no contact and determine in which direction the sash needs to be moved. This is done by adjusting the lower and upper loops.
Bottom Hinge Adjustment
If the PVC window somewhere below does not close, we will move the sash using the lower hinge. There are two adjustments: one in the horizontal plane - moves closer to the hinge or further from it, and the second - in the vertical - raises or lowers the sash a couple of millimeters.
To move the lower part of the sash closer or further to the hinge, it is opened. At the bottom of the sang there is an adjustment hole for a hex key (sometimes for an asterisk).
Adjusting the bottom hinge of a plastic window or door
A hexagon is inserted into it, turning it clockwise brings the lower corner closer to the loop, and turning it counterclockwise moves it away. Move the sash a little and try to close/open it. Once the result is achieved, stop. If the resource is turned all the way, but there is no result, return everything to its original position: this is the wrong adjustment.
This screw can be used to correct the situation if, when closing the window, the sash touches the frame at the bottom. By bringing it a little closer to the loop, you will eliminate this problem.
There is a second adjustment screw on the bottom hinge. To get to it, you need to place the sash for ventilation and remove the decorative trim. It can be easily removed, you just need to pull the bottom edge towards you a little (1-2 mm) and pull it up. After removing the protective cap, you will see a recess in the upper part. A 4 mm hexagon is inserted into it. Turning it clockwise raises the sash slightly, turning it counterclockwise lowers it.
Changing the vertical position of the sash
We talk in detail about how to remove the decorative cover on the hinge, how and how to adjust the bottom hinge on a PVC window in the following video.
Adjusting the top hinge
If the top corner of a plastic window does not close, you need to move it. To do this, open the window at least 90°. You can do less, but it will be inconvenient to work. There is a hinge at the top of the sash. It differs in design from the bottom one, but it also has a hole for a hexagon.
Adjusting the top hinge of a plastic window
The adjustment screw is on the side. By rotating it, we move the sash further from the hinge (if the trunnions farthest from the hinge do not close) or closer to the hinge. One thing - there must be a gap of several millimeters between the sash and the hinge: it is necessary for the tilt and turn mechanism to fit there. Therefore, turn the key half a turn and check how the window opens/closes.
Sometimes this adjustment does not help. Then you need to press the upper corner to the frame. There is another screw for this - on the tilt and turn mechanism. To have access to this screw, you will have to open the window in two positions at once. To do this, open the sash and press the lock. It usually comes in two designs - in the form of a locking loop or a tongue (see photo below).
Plastic window blockers
The blocker is retracted all the way, holding it, the handle is turned for ventilation, the upper edge of the sash is pulled slightly towards you, and the rotating mechanism is opened. A device that holds the sash open. On one of the plates there is a protrusion for the same hex key. By turning it, you can adjust the tightness of the upper corner of the sash. It is necessary if the upper corner of the plastic window does not close.
Adjustment that allows you to tighten the upper corner of the plastic window
You can watch the video again to see how to adjust plastic windows yourself. Explanations to the point, accessible and without unnecessary words.
Adjusting windows for winter - keep warm inside
High-quality, modern plastic windows, despite the apparent simplicity of the design, provide many opportunities. They are much more effective than old Soviet windows in retaining heat in rooms, but not only that, this ability can also be controlled! To do this, there is such an opportunity as adjusting plastic windows for the winter.
Few people know, but a good plastic window has two operating modes: winter/summer. By switching them to “winter” mode, you can retain heat in the room much more efficiently without resorting to heaters, which means saving on electricity bills.
There are many articles on the Internet on the topic of how to properly adjust plastic windows for the winter. Many owners of plastic windows try to cope with this task on their own, armed with advice from the same “traditional craftsmen”. Can they do this effectively and without harm to window structures? Most likely, not always and not for everyone.
If you are used to entrusting the work to specialists, treat your property with care and want to get maximum heat saving from your windows - it is best to involve an experienced and qualified assistant in the matter of adjusting windows for the winter, who will do this work not on a whim, but as provided by the manufacturer window design and technology.
Adjusting windows for the winter is a whole range of activities that involves performing the following types of work:
- increasing the pressing pressure of the sash to the frame to ensure a tighter fit, and therefore improve tightness;
- correction of defects that may interfere with operation and lead to premature failure of mechanisms. These include eliminating sagging sashes, tightening fittings, etc.
- eliminating blowing and drafts by adjusting, replacing the seal and other measures.
- lubricating the moving parts of the mechanism with silicone grease;
Adjusting plastic windows winter-summer involves many nuances, knowledge of which allows you to maintain the impeccable operation of the structure, appearance and functionality for a long time. When performing work, it is necessary to take into account the following features of the process:
Setting up windows for winter should be done not with the onset of the first frost, but still at above-zero temperatures, in order not to damage the seal. When spring arrives and the temperature remains above zero, the windows must be switched to summer mode, otherwise, with thermal expansion in the heat, the seal may become unusable.
The position of the eccentrics when increasing the sash pressure should be identical on all parts of the window structure, since an uneven load can also cause faster wear of the mechanisms and the sash seal.
When increasing the pressure, you should find a “golden mean”, since too much pressure from the sash on the frame is also undesirable for maintaining the integrity of the seal and the entire structure as a whole.
Adjusting plastic windows for the winter by a specialized company is a guarantee of long, flawless operation of window structures. In order to put your windows in combat readiness before the onset of cold weather, just call us or leave a request for a specialist to visit you through the website. Setting up PVC windows for winter from our company is an inexpensive procedure, but it will allow you to effectively manage the room temperature and your expenses.
Source: remontpvh.ru/stati/667-regulirovka-okon-na-zimu-sokhranyaj-teplo-vnutri
Why do windows switch to winter and summer mode?
By adjusting the window mode, we can achieve the required level of window frame pressure. It is recommended to convert windows from plastic for the following three reasons:
- When opening or closing, the window sash freezes. For example, if the window jams while airing the room, then the culprit may be a mode that was set incorrectly. Such problems happen often and sometimes users may not even know what the reason is.
- In December the apartment is cool, you can feel the wind blowing. Sometimes, despite the fact that the heating is on, the inside of the room does not become warmer. Perhaps the summer mode is now set to avoid ventilation of the room, it is worth replacing with a winter one.
- Hanging window sash. Replacing the mode or accessories will help improve the situation.
Window fittings - customization features
Window manufacturers in most cases do not manufacture fittings themselves, turning to the help of various companies specializing in this particular area. There are several types of fittings that differ from each other in quality, reliability, design complexity, and cost. Let's look at the most popular types that can be found on any construction market:
- Roto fittings are distinguished by the presence of round heads. Preparing PVC windows for winter in the presence of such fasteners can cause certain problems, primarily related to the setting tool. Here, a regular hex key will not work; you need to think about purchasing a special key with a round section or a large head.
- Maco products produce the most popular fittings among double-glazed window manufacturers. This is due to the shape of the head - it is large oval in shape. Due to this, adjustment can be made using not only a hexagon, but also ordinary pliers.
- Torx is a manufacturer of the most durable and reliable fittings. The head here is standard; using a hex wrench, it will not be difficult to adjust the plastic windows yourself from winter to summer.
When working with fittings, you must be very careful and careful not to damage the structure. Its repair and replacement can hit the budget very hard. Most manufacturers use various degrees of protection, for example, mechanisms that prevent the clamp from rotating 360 degrees. As a general rule, if the clamp does not rotate in the specified direction, do not use physical force and try to continue rotating. This may cause it to break and require complete replacement. Rotation blockers exist precisely for these purposes.
Self-adjustment of PVC windows for the winter should be done very carefully. This requires taking a little time to patiently, carefully and without haste to correctly set up. After tightening one head, you need to check the result of the work, making sure that the window begins to close more tightly.
If there is no effect, or the problem has only worsened, you need to double-check what was done wrong. There are several clamps on the end side; the greatest effect can be achieved only when all of them are adjusted. Only in this case it is possible to achieve the maximum level of tightness and, as a result, preventing the passage of cold masses and street noise.
Rubber seal is an important component when insulating windows
Setting up PVC windows for winter includes many additional processes. So, you should definitely check the insulation, since problems with it also cause cold in the room. Insulation materials are made of rubber materials. Over time, their condition deteriorates, which can be caused by natural wear and tear or mechanical damage.
More on the topic Replacing the seal on plastic windows
Accordingly, this material requires care, as well as checking its consumer characteristics. If it is damaged, no adjusted window will save you from the penetration of cold during the winter frost.
PVC manufacturers recommend using various silicone solutions that prevent increased wear. Such lubricants are often used by motorists, so finding them is not difficult. Among the most popular products are, for example, products from Fenosol, EdelWeiss, KBE and many others.
The principle of action of silicone is very simple and consists in the fact that it covers the rubber material with a special thin film, the effect of which lasts for six months. After the specified period, it is recommended to reapply silicone grease.
In some cases, it may be necessary to completely replace the seal. For example, it was not cared for at the proper level, or when the window was not used for a very long time. In addition, there is such a thing as physical wear, when after a certain period the strength of rubber begins to deteriorate, cracks and other defects appear. You shouldn’t delay it for long, especially before the onset of winter, otherwise you will have to face very unpleasant consequences.
Let us note a few points related to replacing rubber material. You can purchase it at any hardware store. There shouldn't be any big difficulties. Old material should be carefully removed, starting from the corner, top or bottom. Carefully removing the rubber, remove the residue, clean all available grooves from dirt, dust and debris. If this is not done, some difficulties may arise with the installation of the new seal.
Installation of a new layer of rubber begins from the top corner. The main factor that you need to pay attention to is the packing density. The rubber must be exactly the size of the sash, no stretching is allowed, this can only lead to damage. By installing the material and securing it tightly, you can safely hope that it will be much easier to survive the winter cold this winter.
More on the topic Which sealant is better for plastic windows
Washing glass unit
Double-glazed windows are washed with glass cleaning products or ordinary soapy water, cloth rags or paper napkins (towels). Rags should be soft, not fluffy and not have hard seams that leave scratches. You should wash and wipe double-glazed windows carefully, remembering the fragility of glass and its vulnerability to mechanical damage.
Problematic points - what the consumer may encounter
Modern PVC windows have a complex design. Although the setup seems very simple, even the most experienced master can sometimes encounter certain difficulties. Ordinary consumers very often make some mistakes that I would like to focus on.
So, many people think that it is necessary to maximize the clamping force. This will have the most positive effect on the tightness of the valves, tightness, and sound insulation. However, for a rubber seal such pressure can be fatal. Its wear increases significantly and in a couple of years a complete replacement of the rubber will be required. Too much pressure also has a negative effect on the fittings, as they wear out faster, become loose and lose their rigidity.
It is very important to remember that after installing new windows, you especially should not set the pressure to maximum force. It takes some time for the seal to adapt to new operating conditions. However, the enormous pressure risks causing irreversible changes in the structure of the material itself, causing irreparable harm. And even after the clamping mechanism is weakened, for example, before summer, the rubber seal will no longer be able to return to its original shape.
As already noted, adjusting plastic windows with your own hands involves changing the pressure force of all the clamps located at the end. Uneven pressure is another common mistake. It is necessary to spend enough time to make sure that the pressure is approximately the same throughout the entire perimeter. Otherwise, there is a possibility of blowing from the side that fits less tightly.
In spring, it is imperative to loosen all clamps. This will allow warm summer air to circulate freely in the room and will not cause changes in the shape of the rubber seal. After all, with the onset of heat, rubber, like plastic, expands due to heating to high temperatures due to direct sunlight. So don’t forget about the reverse adjustment for the summer period, because this is no less important for the durability and reliability of the windows.
Tips and tricks - how to do everything right
Adjustment of double-glazed windows made from PVC should be carried out in accordance with the following recommendations:
It is necessary to fully examine the end side of the sash, since this is the most important part of the window; cylindrical elements are located on it. As the sash moves in space, it enters the window frame and is securely fixed by means of the specified cylindrical mechanisms. After examining the end and identifying all structures that require adjustment, you can proceed directly to regulation.
At the end you can see two semicircular elements, which, along with the clamps, are also responsible for the tightness. To insulate the room, both semicircles should be turned towards the street, which will increase the pressure of the sash against the frame.
These same strips can also be used to adjust windows back when warmer weather arrives. We turn the semicircular mechanisms towards the room, a small gap will appear between the doors, necessary for the movement of air masses between the apartment and the street.
