Plastic windows with ventilation: 4 ways to deliver fresh air into the room

Micro-ventilation at first glance seems like something awkward and has little practical meaning. But in fact, this mode of ventilation of the room can seriously change the microclimate in the room, and for the better.

A small window gap is enough for good air flow, which is especially important in winter, when windows are usually tightly closed. In winter, you don’t want to “bring” the cold into the room, but with slot ventilation this problem can be avoided, as well as some others (including the entry of litter or insects from the street into the room).

What is micro-ventilation mode in a plastic window?

The micro-ventilation mode implies ensuring a minimum (micro-slit) natural air flow into the room. To implement this mode, the window is opened slightly, which creates a small gap between the sash and the frame, literally a few millimeters.

The ventilation created in this way is quite sufficient to maintain a normal microclimate in the serviced room. Naturally, for such purposes you should use plastic windows that have the function of adjusting the position of the window.

Comb for micro-ventilation of windows

The good thing about this ventilation mechanism is that there is no need to install an additional mesh on the PVC windows to protect against street litter. It is enough to correctly adjust the size of the gap and street debris, insects or precipitation will not enter the room even with strong gusts of wind.

Do all double-glazed windows have it?

Changing the position of the window in several variations is a function inherent in modern “Euro” plastic windows. Modern plastic solutions have the ability to open at different angles (the handle allows you to adjust the position of the window).

Such functions are usually not available for old windows, although slot ventilation can be created there, but not so effective (and street debris will enter the room). But there is no need to rush to install a plastic window - even such solutions do not always have a micro-ventilation mode.

Immediately before purchasing, ask the seller about the availability of such a function, or specifically look for such models (which is easiest to do in online stores).

Mode purpose

The micro-ventilation mode is used to implement several possibilities at once, that is, it is multifunctional. Let's start with the fact that it organizes an acceptable air flow for most cases, capable of maintaining an optimal microclimate in the room being served.

Moreover, the organization of adequate air flow is possible without opening the window. And here another advantage is noticeable - natural air flow can be achieved even in the winter season, when opening the window is completely impossible or problematic (due to the cold).

The use of this mode also allows you to protect the structure from fogging and, as a result, condensation. Condensation is fraught with wear and tear on window materials, and is also the main cause of mold and pathogenic fungi.

Sash opening angle for micro-ventilation

In addition, a completely closed window without pre-installed supply valves is not only a high risk of condensation. The room being serviced will simply be always stuffy, the air will “stagnate”, and thanks to micro-ventilation this can be avoided.

Micro-ventilation mode on plastic windows (video)

Advantages

There are several main advantages of this method of ventilating a room, including the main one - cost savings ( it will be more expensive to install special valves ).

List of other benefits:

• the ability to organize optimal air flow without loosening the fittings, for which you just need to turn the handle;
• in winter, the air flow weakens, but it is enough to prevent fogging and the appearance of condensation on the windowsill with all the consequences (fungus, mold);
• preventing the appearance of mold and fungi not only on the windowsill, but also directly on the window and in the room served;
• if the room being served is small, or it is a balcony/loggia, then in most cases there is no need to install an additional supply valve at all.

Micro-ventilation: how to breathe fresh air without opening the window wide

Micro-ventilation is a mode of opening plastic windows, when fresh air enters the room through a small gap. This works as constant natural ventilation, avoids stuffiness and dampness in the room and does not create drafts.

Micro-ventilation allows you to breathe fresh air without opening the window wide

There are three main types of micro-ventilation:

• Slotted – single-position, standard, operating when the handle is turned 45 degrees, multi-stage. Or you can buy and install a comb.
• In parallel, exposed ventilation, during which the entire sash is moved 4 mm from the frame, a ventilation slot appears around the entire perimeter. The advantage of this method of ventilation over the first option is that the window is in a burglar-proof state at the time of ventilation. But this option is only possible if special window fittings designed for this purpose are installed in the window. It is not possible to retrofit an already purchased window with this option.
• Climate valve (purchased and installed separately).

What does the micro-ventilation function provide?

1. Fresh air without drafts and cold . You can ventilate the room even in winter, and in summer you can leave micro-ventilation overnight and sleep cool, without fear of being blown out.
2. Air exchange helps preserve paintings, furniture, books and decorations. For example, it is easier to glue wallpaper - it does not peel off, since there is no high humidity and sudden temperature changes.
3. Windows do not fog up, walls do not become damp . Excellent protection against mold and mildew.
4. Hygienic, pleasant microclimate in the house . The air in a confined space is not cleared of bacteria and viruses.
5. Rain, snow and dust do not enter the apartment.

When is micro-ventilation needed?

Case 1. Old houses without fresh ventilation.

Micro-ventilation is needed in an apartment, house, or office where there is no supply ventilation and plastic or aluminum windows are installed. In such a situation, the room is, as it were, sealed - the hood only extracts air, the window does not let anything through. Micro-ventilation will provide an influx of fresh air.

Case 2. Winter and summer, when the room is hot and stuffy.

During the cold season, it is impossible to open the windows wide - the house will immediately become cold. However, it is necessary to ventilate the room, otherwise, due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide, a person will experience drowsiness, a feeling of fatigue, and a headache.

In summer, micro-ventilation is an excellent substitute for air conditioning: you can leave a gap overnight - after all, a small gap is much safer than a wide-open window.

Case 3. Kitchen and other rooms with high humidity.

Micro-ventilation provides fresh air, ensures normal humidity, and prevents stuffiness and fogging of glass.

Case 4. House with small children.

When there are small children at home, you cannot open the windows wide - there is always a risk of falling out of the window. By setting it to micro-ventilation mode with a safety function and a special child lock, you don’t have to worry about your child climbing onto the window while the adults are distracted.

Case 5. Apartments on the upper floors.

Most houses, including new buildings, are equipped with “natural ventilation”, which is based on the force of air draft from temperature differences. It looks like this:

Fresh air comes in through the windows, “old” air comes out through the hood

As a rule, on the upper floors the efficiency of natural exhaust decreases, which leads to stuffiness, humidity and mold on the walls. This is especially true in the summer, when the difference in temperature in the house and outside is small.

Case 6. Mold on the walls, stuffiness and foggy windows.

If mold constantly forms on the walls and cannot be removed, the windows fog up, and the house is stuffy, then most likely the reason is high humidity. The problem may be in the hood, the poor location of the house, the condition of the soil, or the finishing. The easiest way to solve this is by organizing regular air circulation.

Option 1 – slot micro-ventilation

The slot micro-ventilation system is a mechanism whereby turning the handle at an angle of 45° between the sash and the frame you can leave a gap of 3-5 mm. Most often, this feature is built into tilt-and-turn windows.

Slit ventilation has all the advantages described above: protection from fogging of windows, a comfortable level of humidity, fresh air without drafts.

The main disadvantage is the possible deterioration of sound insulation, which can be noticeable for houses located near the road.

An important point is the width of the gap:

1. The standard gap width for micro-ventilation is up to 10 mm, usually 3–5 mm. This is enough for slow air circulation and discreet ventilation.
2. Multi-stage ventilation - allows you to fix the sash with different gaps. For example, 11, 16 and 21 mm (depending on the fittings and manufacturer).
3. In scissor fittings for hinged windows, the gap width can be from 20 mm. For example, Siegenia has fitting systems that offer two modes: opening 35 mm for winter and 170 mm for summer. What happens here is not micro, but quick ventilation. In winter, in this mode, you can open the windows for a maximum of 5–10 minutes.

An example of a tilting opening with SIEGENIA fittings

Two slot ventilation options

Where it is ideally suited : in any room - in the bedroom, living room, children's room, kitchen, bathroom. Vertical slot ventilation (folding system) is the safest option when there are small children at home.

Slit ventilation is not suitable for you in three cases:

• If the windows face the road and you want to ventilate at night, you will most likely hear the noise of cars.
• If it is important for you to exclude drafts.
• If there are a lot of indoor plants on the windowsill and you don’t want to remove them from the window.

In such situations, you can resort to the next option - a valve.

Option 2 – climate valve

The climate valve is an installation that is mounted on the top of the sash. Valve sensors automatically respond to pressure changes, humidity and regulate the position of the dampers. The higher the humidity level in the room, the more air the system lets in from the street.

Climate valve ideal for living room and bedroom

Pros of window valves:

• The low temperature zone will be high - cold air comes from above, has time to heat up, so there is not even a minimal draft.
• Sound insulation is minimally reduced.

• A slight formation of ice may occur at the air outlet point (at –30 °C and below). This is critical if your house is on a windy side.
• Dark dusty tracks form on the frame near the valve that need to be wiped.
• The filter needs to be changed.

Where it is ideal: where it is important to dose the supply of cool/cold air and avoid drafts - in a nursery, in a bedroom for night ventilation, in a room where there are a lot of flowers on the windowsill, and also for houses where sound insulation is important, for example, with highway windows. The valves are ideal in the autumn-winter period, especially in rooms with high humidity. It is worth installing only a powerful valve with a filter in the kitchen, thereby essentially organizing supply and exhaust ventilation.

Valves are rarely installed on kitchen windows for a number of reasons:

• There is no great need to dose cold air. Here it is easier and more effective to use micro-slot ventilation or a comb.
• In most houses, exhaust ventilation does not work well, and then the valve in the kitchen can freeze (moisture + frost + poor exhaust).
• In residential buildings, it is customary to extract air from the kitchen, toilet and bathroom, and supply air to the living rooms - this is necessary so that odors from the kitchen do not spread throughout the house. Therefore, it is better to install valves in the bedroom and living room.

You cannot install a valve if you have a blind sash. It is also not recommended to install a valve if your home is cool in winter. The fact is that the valve cannot be completely sealed - it always lets air through, at least a little bit. There is a risk that in an apartment with problematic heating it will become even colder in frosty weather.

Option 3 – comb / adjustable limiter

A comb is a stopper with teeth for fixing the sash. Fixes a gap from 3 to 60 mm in an inclined position. There are external and internal combs. The external option is a plank (shown in the figure below), and the internal comb is a multi-stage slot ventilation, which we already discussed above.

Limiters - an option for any windows

The internal comb is a multi-stage slot ventilation, built into the profile from the inside

Advantages of the comb and limiter:

• There are 4-5 fixation options, you can choose a comfortable ventilation mode.
• The external comb and limiter are installed on any windows. This is important because internal fittings for micro-ventilation cannot be installed on non-standard sizes of swing and tilt-and-turn sashes.

Disadvantage: the window can be easily opened manually. If there is a small child at home who climbs onto the windowsill, then this is critical.

How much does a double-glazed window with micro-ventilation cost?

The cost of a double-glazed window with and without micro-ventilation varies, but usually not too much (the difference between the two solutions is no more than 10-20%). As an example, you can demonstrate several double-glazed windows with micro-ventilation mode and several without it.

Micro-ventilation solutions:

1. The Glastrosch EnPlus double-leaf model (24 millimeters) has Axor K-3 type fittings - the cost is 5,200 rubles.
2. The three-leaf Glastrosch EnPlus model (24 millimeters) has Axor K-3 type fittings - the cost is 6,700 rubles.
3. A typical T-shaped window with one variable opening - cost from 3,000 rubles.

Solutions without micro-ventilation:

• single-leaf model WDS 400 – cost 2400 rubles;
• single-chamber model Open Teck Delux 60 – cost 2,600 rubles;
• two-chamber model Open Teck Elite 70 – cost 3100 rubles.

How to open a window in micro-ventilation mode?

The very possibility of creating a micro-ventilation mode is provided at the stage of double-glazed window production. Fittings are installed inside the window frame, thanks to which it is possible to create a micro-ventilation mode.

You shouldn’t wonder how to make micro-ventilation in different window models, because for any model the tactics for opening the handle are the same.

Window sash opening degrees

You can open the handle in one of four positions (the opening system is shown more clearly in the picture above):

1. We open vertically upwards - in this case the window sash tilts upwards.
2. You can also open the handle upwards exactly at an angle of 45 degrees, after which the sash will open slightly and a small gap (gap) will appear. This is exactly what we need to create micro-ventilation.
3. It is possible to open horizontally, in this case the window sash will open to the side.
4. Move vertically downwards, after which the sash will become closed.

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.

How to organize slot ventilation if there is no separate mode?

The lack of a mechanism for creating micro-ventilation provided by the manufacturer is, although a problem, but solvable. Even if the window does not have such a function, you can implement it yourself, for which two methods are used.

The first option is to use a comb to maintain the window open at a certain angle. The second option is to install a window valve that creates a controlled flow of air masses from the outside (with protection against street litter or insects getting inside the room).

The first option is cheaper and easier to implement, however, its effectiveness is lower (but not in all cases) than that of the second. The second option is more expensive financially, but more effective, and many types of valves allow you to regulate the intensity of the influx of street air masses.

A few important points

• Do not try to turn the trunnion all the way, it does not have such a position. Focus on the position of the eccentric. In winter mode, the notches are located vertically, in summer mode - horizontally.
• If you can’t turn the trunnions, you don’t need to try to do it with extreme force. Try pulling the eccentrics towards you; perhaps you have the type of fittings described in paragraph 3. If it doesn’t work out, it’s better to invite a specialist. Otherwise, you can damage the entire system.
• Remember to return the setting to medium or summer mode in the spring to reduce wear on the seal.

If you find that your windows are not performing their functions due to long service life or poor quality and it’s time to change them, RealPlast will be happy to help you with this!

Why do you need ventilation in windows?

The question arises why, in the age of modern technology and the rapid emergence of new materials, the problem of effective ventilation is still not solved. The fact is that during the construction of residential and non-residential buildings, it was assumed that a ventilation system must be included in the building’s engineering communications. In addition to the hood, which is in all kitchens and bathrooms, ventilation was carried out using doors and cracks in the windows .
These measures were applied over a long period of time and were sufficient to provide air to the interior of buildings. With the advent of new window designs, the principle of arranging a window opening has also changed. An important point is to seal gaps and cracks, preventing air exchange between the street and the room. Violation of the natural access of air leads to the formation of high humidity in the room and stuffiness. Residents of the home begin to feel serious discomfort. The situation is aggravated by the fact that additional odors from neighboring apartments are added to the air remaining clogged in the room, significantly worsening living conditions.

Vladislav Dobronravov Leading technical specialist of the Okna-Media company Closed windows cause the formation of condensation in the plastic structure itself, worsening the operating conditions of the product. The optimal solution would be to open the window in micro-ventilation mode. This will get rid of excessive stuffiness and foggy windows.

It also helps to use the normal ventilation mode by choosing one of the preset position options. Much will depend on how many cameras are installed in the double-glazed window. For frosty conditions and harsh climates, the installation of multi-chamber packages that prevent heat loss is justified. The price of such products is higher, but the comfort and savings while maintaining heat will be appreciated by the inhabitants of the home.

Differences in mode change between Rehau, KBE and Veka windows

In most cases, it makes no difference who produced the plastic window. The most popular profiles are Rehau. The adjustment procedure depends on the installed fittings. Typically, the difficulty comes from mechanisms from Siegenia Aubi mounted on a Rehau Blitz profile. Here, the transition to winter requires a special key, which is used by specialists.

Windows from Veka are no less popular. To regulate them, the same conditions and requirements are observed. By preparing them for the winter and then for the summer, you can significantly extend the service life of the seal.

Windows from KBE are third in the ranking of manufacturers of German origin. Their adjustment is also no different from previous brands. It doesn’t matter whether it’s winter or summer, before work you need to clean the sealing contours, lubricate the mechanics, and remove any dirt. I advise you to pay attention to the fact that the doors do not sag, that there are no squeaks when they move, and that turning the handle does not require much effort. Tightening the mechanisms is just as harmful as leaving them too loose.

Ventilation installation with PVC windows

Technical capabilities allow you to easily organize ventilation even with plastic bags installed. There are various ways of arrangement. The consumer chooses the most suitable option:

• equipping the structure with a window;
• arrangement of self-ventilation means;
• the presence of a comb for fixing the position of the sash;
• equipped with a valve for ventilation.

Ventilation through the window

One of the most popular and traditional ways of organizing air exchange between the external environment and the internal premises is a window.

In this case, air enters the rooms in the upper part under the ceiling. Fresh air is then mixed with the indoor air, refreshing and renewing the atmosphere in the house. Neither drafts nor condensation are observed on plastic products in this case.

Blitz survey: Which plastic windows are best to install in a room: living room, office, children's room, bedroom, kitchen?

From our article you can learn about: Which PVC windows to install in rooms. Every room needs its own window!

The only negative is the price. Compared to a simple design, installing a window causes a serious increase in price, and the weight of the finished product becomes greater. Having a more complex configuration reduces the amount of natural light entering the room, causing the room to darken. In some cases, this change is critical - if a lot of sun is required and the room faces the shaded side.

Organization of self-ventilation

Purchasing structures with self-ventilation is the best way to organize sufficient ventilation in buildings. It is used at industrial facilities, and in administrative premises, and during the construction or renovation of housing. The principle lies in the use of profiles with holes in the lower and upper parts of the frames from the outside. Self-ventilation is organized in such a way that cold air coming from outside, passing through the holes from below, is warmed up, ensuring the flow of already heated air inside.

Despite the many advantages of this method, there are some nuances that you should be aware of. Due to the lack of incoming air on the upper floors, it is not recommended to install structures with self-ventilation. In most cases, the issue can be resolved by installing a ventilation valve.

Combs for windows

The most proven and effective method of organizing controlled air exchange is to ventilate windows by setting a certain position of the sash, fixed by a comb. The comb device is contained in a built-in regulator capable of holding the sash at the desired degree of opening.

Using a comb, you select one of several positions, allowing you to ventilate rooms in measured volumes.

Ventilation valve

To provide a sufficient volume of fresh air, the PVC structure must have several capabilities. This will help maintain a normal microclimate in the internal space at a given temperature. With the ventilation function, the valve ensures constant control of air access. There are several types of valves that are mounted in different ways.

Expert commentary Vladislav Dobronravov Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media Company Installing such a valve requires replacing the glass unit or replacing the part that performs the ventilation function.

The disadvantages of this method also include the increased cost of the final product and the weight of the structure. The installation procedure is quick, and the effect of the valve will be appreciated within a short period of time.

After installation, you need to select the control type. Provided:

• manual ventilation control;
• automatic control system.

Manual control involves independent control of air exchange and choice of location at your discretion.

Automatic control is carried out using a mechanism that independently regulates the temperature, adding, if necessary, additional air flow until the set temperature is reached.

It is possible to use a mixed type of control , when the control mode that is needed at the moment is selected. Its advantages and disadvantages correspond to the previous options, depending on which control option is currently in effect.

Video instructions for installing micro-ventilation systems

The nuances of installing the comb:

How to install the folded model:

Ready-made, self-installed supply valve on the window:

An adaptive ventilation system is the best option for maintaining a healthy microclimate in a living space. You can learn how to properly install the valve or how to adjust the micro-ventilation mechanism of plastic windows from the video instructions. If you lack experience or skill, contact a specialist - the procedure will take a little time and will be inexpensive.

More and more people are choosing to install plastic double-glazed windows. They are beautiful, comfortable, durable, and do not allow noise, cold and dirt from the street. However, along with their advantages, their owners often note that the room has become stuffy. Micro-ventilation of plastic windows will help solve this problem.

Winter ventilation

When performing winter ventilation, unwanted condensation may form. However, this problem can be dealt with by taking into account the cold street air, the material from which the walls are built, and the number of cameras in the installed double-glazed windows. Individual adjustment depending on specific circumstances will help avoid condensation in the room.

Expert commentary Vladislav Dobronravov Leading technical specialist of the Okna-Media company Important! There are special winter and summer modes for plastic windows. Their purpose is to neutralize the consequences of adverse weather events. When the sash is set to the “summer” position, the flow of fresh air into the room increases; in the “winter” position, on the contrary, it decreases in order to avoid hypothermia of the area.

Despite the air temperature outside in winter, full ventilation is just as necessary as in the summer season. It is necessary to ventilate the rooms completely at least twice a week. This measure will help reduce or completely eliminate problems such as condensation.

links to materials supplementing this article:

Double-glazed windows sweat due to poor ventilation. How to eliminate fogging?

What is micro-ventilation of a plastic window?

How to adjust the pressure of a PVC window?

How to see what mode window fittings are in

In addition to various manipulations with the window, you can look at the position of the window fittings, which will allow you to determine which mode is currently set.

There are many designs and options, but they all follow a single principle:

• At the end of the frame you can find trunnions - metal protrusions with grooves for tools.
• There is a line or dot on the round element of the trunnion - the eccentric. The position of this mark will help determine what position the fittings are in.
• A mark pointing upward indicates a neutral position.
• If the summer mode is selected, the risk is turned outward; in the winter mode, on the contrary, it is turned into the room.

Installation features

It is not recommended to try to save money by installing a window structure yourself if you do not have experience in the window business. The involvement of professional specialists in the installation of plastic structures will allow you to avoid many problems during subsequent operation.

If installation work is carried out incorrectly, excess moisture and even rotting of the structure cannot be avoided. As a result, money paid for new plastic products will be lost and living conditions will deteriorate.

Carrying out the adjustment

With prolonged use of plastic windows and doors, some aspects of deterioration in performance are observed:

• difficult movement of the sash and problems arising when closing;
• the formation of a draft from the side of the sash;
• sagging of the sash when opening;
• blows from the side of the upper loop.

If you carry out maintenance work in winter, first set it to the standard position and check if there is airflow.

The main cause of these malfunctions is loose hinges. There are a number of factors that can lead to this condition:

long-term operation and wear of the seal; careless closing; excessive load on the hinges; improper installation of the window system; shrinkage of room walls.

It is not recommended to immediately pinch the rubber bands on new PVC windows. In this position, the rubber seal installed around the perimeter is strongly pressed. Because of this, over time it loses elasticity.

Air quality and microclimate

Ventilation

– the process of replacing air to maintain its optimal quality for a comfortable microclimate.

Microclimate –

the composition of air in a room, in which, with prolonged and systematic exposure to a person, a comfortable (optimal) state of the human body is ensured. It is determined by air temperature, humidity and mobility.

Air replacement

(a consequence of ventilation) is a process that ensures acceptable values ​​of carbon dioxide content in the room, acceptable humidity and temperature.

Requirements for air replacement (ventilation)

Air exchange standardized for various types of premises

According to SNiP 2.08.02-89, SNiP 31-01-2003

Room	Air exchange, m3/hour, not less
Bedroom, common room, children's room	0,2-1,0
Kitchen with electric stove	0,5-60,0
Kindergarten rooms	2,5
School classes	16.0 per 1 person.
Wards for adult patients	80.0 per 1 bed

Ventilation helps to normalize the level of carbon dioxide and other impurities in the indoor air by replacing it with fresh air. One of the main requirements for properly functioning ventilation is the serviceability of the house air removal system (house ventilation shaft).

Ventilation in a room with plastic windows

Replacing wooden frames with plastic ones significantly increases the comfort of the room. Heat loss in winter is reduced, street noise and dust also do not penetrate through the sealed glass unit. When replacing a wooden ventilated window with a modern version, there is one significant “but” - the room is deprived of the flow of fresh air.

Ventilation of plastic windows does not matter for new houses, since the supply and exhaust system there does not work through the window frames. In old buildings, plastic windows have to be adapted to additional air intake from the street.

What types of control mechanisms are there?

You can press the sash more tightly using trunnions or eccentrics, which are located on the side and upper ends. The type, position, and number of trunnions depend on the manufacturer. Typically, three types of configuration elements are used:

Round

You can recognize it by the mark located at the top: dot, line, asterisk. If it is directed into the room - this is summer mode, outside - winter mode, upward - neutral.

Oval

The location of the trunnion itself matters. Vertically - summer, horizontally - winter, diagonally - a universal option.

Off center

They have a displaced center and a line that crosses the entire element. It is the long part of the mark or a point of large diameter that is decisive. Summer mode is marked with a large mark near the room. The setting of plastic windows for winter is determined by the element that faces the street. The closer the displaced center is to the street, the greater the pressure will be. If the mark is vertical, this is a neutral adjustment.

Ventilation problems in rooms with plastic windows

Wooden window frames, even completely new ones, are not airtight. In older houses, this fact was taken into account when designing the ventilation system. Exhaust shafts and channels were built into the walls during the construction phase. The supply part of the ventilation system worked through the ventilated frames.

The designers took into account the natural slot ventilation of wooden window frames and the presence of a mandatory window in each room. Air exchange was carried out in a circle, from the rooms to the kitchen, bathroom and toilet, where the exhaust openings of the common house shaft were traditionally located.

But as soon as a plastic window is installed in an apartment located in an old building, the natural ventilation of the apartment is disrupted. In the room, the chemical composition of the air changes, the content of carbon dioxide and combustion products from a working stove increases, air humidity increases significantly, and condensation forms on the frames during the cold season. Increased humidity levels lead to the formation of mold on the walls.

There is no flow of fresh air - the hood does not work. Exhaust air from neighbors' apartments begins to flow from the ventilation openings. In addition to their polluted air, residents also receive foreign odors.

In apartments with gas equipment, there is a lack of effective ventilation, and there is also a high risk of carbon monoxide accumulation, which is a direct threat to life.

Note! One-time ventilation does not provide enough fresh air. To restore a healthy microclimate, forced ventilation of plastic windows is required.

How to prepare windows for winter?

To avoid drafts during the cold season, it is necessary to check the operation of all systems and adjust the shutters. Switching to winter operating mode involves sealing the valves, but the procedure is carried out only 1-2 years after installation. If you immediately set the window to a strong operating mode, the rubber will quickly become unusable, so when the next winter arrives, it will no longer be possible to seal the sashes.

If even after replacing the seal it blows from the window as usual, the window may have sagged. This happens when the house shrinks; you have to choose a different window adjustment mode with preliminary alignment of the entire window panel. It is better to entrust the work to specialists.

Leak test

To identify problem areas, it is recommended to do the following:

• run your hand along the frame to feel the penetration of cold air;
• turn on the lighter and see where exactly it is blowing from - the flame in this place will deviate from the vertical;
• close the sash with a sheet of paper - if the sheet is pulled out, the sash does not fit with the required tightness.

Let's look at how to adjust plastic windows for the winter:

1. Open the sash and inspect its end. There are one or more cylindrical heads - trunnions.
2. There are stripes on the trunnions. If they look towards the room, the window is set to winter operating mode, that is, sealed to the required level. If the stripes face “outside”, the window is switched to summer mode.
3. To change the position of the marks on the trunnion, you need to turn them with a hex key, a screwdriver or your hands.
4. When turned to the left, the seal increases, and when turned to the right, it weakens. You need to turn it by millimeters, and the correct position will be shown by the marks (stripes) on the head of the trunnion.

Sometimes the problem arises of how to adjust plastic windows for the winter if there are roller eccentrics without stripes. To turn the elements, you need to press the trunnions a little to make them turn. The “winter” and “summer” positions of eccentrics without stripes or with one strip are determined by the distance from the edge of the element to the sealing rubber or metal lining - the maximum distance indicates the “summer” position, the minimum - “winter”. Turning is done with your fingers or pliers.

Window anti-freeze agent

To eliminate frozen condensation on the balcony or windows in the house, special anti-icing compounds are useful. Such products are used both to prevent the formation of ice and to defrost window glass.

There are two compositions on sale that have proven themselves:

1. Defroster. This is an aerosol that needs to be used to treat glass for 1-2 seconds, applying the mixture at a distance of 10-15 cm from the glass. When windows freeze, the product is sprayed for 2-3 seconds. After a few minutes, the ice will begin to melt, the glass should be wiped dry and then treated again with Anti-Ice to prevent freezing.
2. LILO. A safe remedy for freezing glass on balconies and loggias. It copes with a thick layer of ice; it is a concentrate that needs to be diluted with water 10 times the volume, that is, take 10 parts of water for 1 part LILO. Treat the glass with the composition using a cotton swab or a clean cloth. If the ice is very thick, the layer of frost is treated with the composition in the same proportion, after a while the ice will come off, the glass can be dried, and then treated again with LILO anti-freeze.

Options for arranging forced ventilation of plastic windows

There are several options for solving the problem of air flow into a room with plastic windows:

• slot ventilation;
• self-ventilation device;
• window with discrete fixation or sash lock;
• supply valve.

Each of the proposed options for ventilation of plastic windows has its pros and cons. For example, a window makes the glass unit heavier and increases its cost.

Slit ventilation

Ventilation of plastic windows through micro-slits is provided for by the frame design. If you turn the handle of the tilt-and-turn sash 30-45 degrees from the vertical position, the window will not close completely. Air from the street will be effectively blown into the remaining gap.

This ventilation option does not require additional costs and is the most popular. Disadvantages include poor air flow in the warm season and constant draft in winter.

Self-ventilation

A self-ventilation device in a plastic window is provided at the stage of manufacturing the structure in the form of special holes in the frame. Air is taken from the street through holes in the profile located in the lower part of the frame; air enters the room through the holes in the upper part.

Passing between the doors, the cold flow has time to heat up and comfortable fresh air enters the room. Plastic windows with self-ventilation are more expensive than simple ones.

Note! The presence of an air conditioner does not eliminate the need to ventilate a plastic window, since the air conditioner cools but does not renew the air.

Window lock or discrete sash fixation

A window retainer (comb) is a special hook that secures a frame or window in a half-open position. The hook has several fixing grooves, which allows you to regulate the strength of the air flow. The device is inexpensive, simple and reliable. It can be independently installed on any plastic frame.

The discrete sash locking mechanism performs the same function as a window lock. The difference is that it is built into the frame and is not visible from the outside. Double-glazed windows with a discrete lock are more expensive than simple plastic window structures.

Supply valve

A supply ventilation valve for plastic windows is the most complex and expensive device for forced ventilation. Manufacturers offer supply valves with different capacities, different colors and different prices. The supply valve can be installed on a plastic window, either during its manufacture or on an already installed double-glazed window. The valve should be selected based on the area of ​​the room.

Inlet valves operate automatically or manually. Automatic valves are activated when humidity and air temperature increase.

Note! Typically, valves are installed on windows located in bedrooms, living rooms and other living spaces except the kitchen. An automatic valve in the kitchen will cut off the incoming flows from the rooms, which will critically slow down their ventilation.

If you need to install a supply valve in the kitchen, then the best option would be to use a mechanical device. It can be used periodically, in manual mode, when intensive ventilation of the kitchen is needed. The rest of the time, air flow from the rooms will be sufficient for the kitchen.

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

Plastic windows with ventilation - installation and operation

It is better to install ventilation on a plastic window during the ordering process. Then the installation will be done professionally, and the device itself will have a manufacturer’s warranty.

It is possible to install a supply valve on an existing plastic window. As a rule, installation is done by specialists. The installed valve is secured with latches and can be easily removed if necessary. The standard warranty for air supply devices for plastic windows is 2 years.

Winter ventilation

There are features of using plastic windows with ventilators in cold winters. The most common complaint is that they freeze. To fix the problem, just warm up the device with a regular hairdryer and remove the defrosted condensation. Practice shows that such an operation in Russian winter conditions has to be performed 2-4 times.

You can prevent the formation of condensation on windows in winter by conducting through, complete ventilation of the entire apartment twice a week. For daily ventilation, the opening mode of the doors is selected based on individual characteristics: temperature, humidity, thickness and material of the building walls.

Note! Double-glazed windows are equipped with two modes of fixing the folding sash - for winter and summer ventilation.

In addition to two ventilation modes, a plastic window provides two modes for the tightness of the sashes to the frame: in winter mode, the double-glazed window is pressed harder against the rubber seal.

However, the feasibility of switching the operating mode to the winter version is controversial. A tighter fit wears out the seals faster. The result can be constant blowing and fogging of frames and glass.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Hanging window sash. Replacing the mode or accessories will help improve the situation.

How to adjust the pressure of plastic windows

• Open the sash and determine the type of hole in the trunnion (hexagon, cruciform, etc., depending on the manufacturer). This will help you choose a screwdriver or wrench. Oval eccentrics (trunnions) are rotated using pliers.
• Determine the clamping mode. The axle has a mark in the form of a point or notch, which can be shifted indoors, towards the seal (winter mode) or away from the seal, towards the street (summer mode).
• Rotate the trunnions using the selected tool. If they are recessed into the sash, pull them towards you. Do not forget to install all the eccentrics in the selected position (usually there are 2-3 of them).
• Simultaneously with switching from another mode, clean the harness so that dust does not get into the locking elements.
• Lubricate the mechanism with machine oil upon completion of work. If the cam sticks, clean it with a special solution and/or use a silicone lubricant such as WD-40.

Tips for preparing windows for winter

The key to proper operation of windows and their durability is their proper preparation for the cold season. Low temperatures have a detrimental effect on many elements of plastic windows. Our task is to protect them and provide proper care:

• At the end of autumn rubber seal The sash and profile must be checked for elasticity. To understand whether it has lost its properties, simply feel the rubber element in several places and especially in the corners. It should be soft, pliable, bend easily, and then completely restore its shape. That is, to be elastic. It should not have the same color over the entire surface. Light spots may indicate drying out of the material. If the condition of the seal is satisfactory, simply lubricate it with a special silicone grease for rubber products, after first cleaning it from dust and drying it. To wash, use soapy water and a soft sponge. If the seal is dry in places, completely replace it;

• Sealant The edges of the glass unit are usually closed with a plastic bead, which can crack over time. If this happens, treat the visible part of the sealant with silicone grease;

• It is also necessary to remove mosquito nets, which are not relevant in winter, but are highly susceptible to the influence of external factors. For example, if the mesh gets wet in the rain and then suddenly freezes, or a layer of wet snow adheres to it and freezes, its fabric may sag, stretch and not return to its original state.

The article was written for the site.

Tags:Windows, Accessories