Accessories for aluminum windows: locks, handles, valves, trims, from Giesse, Saturn, Schuko, Stublina, Roto, Savio, Master, repair, DIY replacement

Today, many developers decide to invest in the installation of aluminum panoramic or standard windows.
These innovations are dictated by the fact that these designs have many advantages such as availability, durability, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

The basic component of aluminum window systems is the frame profile, but without reliable fittings they simply will not be able to perform all the functions assigned to them. It must be easy to use, safe and impeccable from an aesthetic point of view.

Are components needed for aluminum windows?

A window with an aluminum frame cannot operate unless hardware is installed on it.
It is she who is responsible for the tightness of the window block, ensuring tight pressing of the sash to the frame, as well as control of the sash. For aluminum windows it differs from analogues installed in frames made of other materials . This is explained by the structure of the aluminum profile; it is hollow from the inside, so it is difficult to attach handles and canopies to it.

They must have special designs and are mounted not with self-tapping screws, but through a profile, with screws in a special groove for fittings.

This fastening design also differs from the plastic groove; the fittings are placed into it from the corner of the sash, and not applied to a plastic frame. Therefore, it is made in the form of separate elements connected to each other by a rod made of aluminum or polyamide.

Special fittings for aluminum frames contain locking and movement-transmitting elements that are connected to each other using a flat rod and a specific handle.

Production technology

The manufacturing procedure of sliding aluminum windows occurs in several stages :

First, accurate measurements are taken and the future design is calculated.
Assembly is carried out from a prepared aluminum profile.
The individual parts are connected into a frame using clamps, without using either welding or soldering.
The assembled product is painted by electrical spraying or laminated. The outer side of the aluminum profile can be made to match any material, imitating its texture, including wood.
The final stage is the installation of fittings and seals.

The production technology of sliding aluminum systems is no different from the production of conventional aluminum windows.

What's included in the kit?

Almost every such kit for aluminum windows has its own distinctive characteristics based on the opening/closing principle, sash weight, glazing area and installation technology.

Due to these differences, they function and interact differently. When choosing an aluminum window, the customer must first of all pay attention to the glass unit and fittings. Aluminum windows are among the most reliable and safe structures. Fitting kits for them have a smaller number of elements , since many of them in this system are replaced with special rods.

Pens

The handle is the most essential element of the system; it alone provides contact with the window system and is connected to its other components, guaranteeing its functionality.

In the trading network you can find hundreds of different modifications of handles for aluminum window systems, both domestic and Western manufacturers.

In order for buyers to choose the desired modification, they are grouped according to the following characteristics :

Types for windows, for drop-down and lift-and-slide systems.
Safety system.
External covering.
Quality certificates.

Handles are made of aluminum, with an outer coating of plastic or metal, the pin is usually made in standard sizes: 35, 40 and 45 mm.

The most popular handles with locks on the market:

CALI, Italy, RUB 5,802;
Giesse, Italy, RUB 4,316;
Master, Italy, RUB 4,819;
Stublina, Serbia, RUB 3,024.
Schuco, Germany, 8700 rub.
Saturn, Russia, 2400 rub.

A detailed article about handles for aluminum structures is here.

Clamps and limiters

These devices serve to limit the degree of opening of the sashes ; they are available for all designs of window units:

rotary;
reclining;
top-hung.

Can be manufactured with fixation with clamps and screws.

In the first option, the responsible unit is inserted into the sash groove and clamped with fixing screws. On the side of the frame, a support is attached, which is clamped using power screws. As a result, the limiter mechanism is completely hidden in the groove and is not visible from the outside.

About limiters in detail in the article at the link.

Mechanism for micro-ventilation

Almost all modern windows with tilt-and-turn sashes are equipped with micro-ventilation. It has a simple principle of operation: when the handle is turned 45 degrees, the edge of the sash moves away from the frame by approximately 1 cm, which creates a constant ventilation mode for the room.

This provides the room with fresh air , but does not lead to hypothermia in winter, helping to create an excellent sanitary and hygienic environment in the house. In addition, such a system completely protects the glass from condensation, both inside and outside.

Aluminum window structures in micro-ventilation mode are most reliably fixed with fittings and therefore cannot fall out of the frame.

For opening/closing

This mechanical drive is considered the main lock on which the aluminum sash handle is installed. Turning the handle ensures that movement is transmitted to all other parts of the fittings. It can be installed at a fixed height from the bottom of the window, or in the middle location.

Accordingly, based on this principle, the main drives that are included in the fittings kit are divided into constant ones, in which the main drive provides a fixed position of the handle and variable ones, when the position of the handle can be changed.

For swivel/tilt

This is a group of mechanisms that ensure frame movement through an angular gear. To do this, the mechanism has 4 thin spring steel plates, which are not connected to each other along the plane, but work together. The set of plates is placed in a holder, which is bent at an angle that provides a turning radius; its size determines the depth of the fittings groove.

The external characteristics of the plates are selected to form a uniform load, guaranteeing wear resistance and durability of the system. The flexibility of the plates determines the ease of movement of the fittings.

Locks

These devices refer to a system that blocks access to an open doorway by third parties, as opposed to keyed window handles that block the rotation of the sash.

A child lock is placed on the bottom of the sash and makes it possible to open it for ventilation in the form of a folding position, but at the same time stops the opening of the window in the rotary direction, thereby providing protection against possible opening of the sash by a child. The design characteristics of the aluminum frame allow the installation of only mortise type locks .

Loops

The design of the hinges differs depending on the chosen system for opening the doors. But in any case, the most important indicator of this design is the load capacity.

Loops are made visible or hidden. As a rule, they have a cylindrical shape, and are available in a wide variety of colors, powder coated and anodized.

Another condition for using hinges for aluminum windows is certification for durability and corrosion resistance.

Full information about loops is here.

Supply valves

Such a device will allow the user to constantly ventilate the room without opening windows, doing this sparingly so as not to disturb the thermal conditions in the room, while ensuring sanitary ventilation standards per person - 30 m3/hour.

The most promising valves are supply valves, which have 2 options for supplying an air stream - vertical or inclined. To protect against acoustic noise, there is a special visor that reduces noise to 37 dB.

Modern supply valves are able to control air flow in relation to the level of relative humidity inside the house, using the principle of a hygrometer.

Planks

Several types of slats are used in the construction of aluminum windows :

clamping;
decorative;
response, including shulpovy;
for double-leaf, mullion-free structures and for ventilation.

The profile of the clamping bar is made of aluminum alloy, using the pressing method, and is used to fix the filling in the crossbar post using appropriate seals and stainless fasteners.

Decorative covers are installed on the outer part of the profile. They have excellent geometric characteristics, which ensure fastening strength, including for large glass units.

Tilt and turn bar - a piece of hardware that provides, in addition to pressing the sash against the aluminum frame, a support point when tilting the sash.

The strikers are installed on the frame in a shape that depends on the type of profile and is intended to create locking points simultaneously with the locking pins.

What are they?

These are auxiliary parts that serve to move the valves relative to each other along a given path. The movement occurs when the aluminum window is opened slidingly. The sash moves along the rail towards the blind part of the window. The guides in the system are very important. The durability and ease of use of the structure depend on their quality.

In the sliding mechanism, the hinges are replaced by rollers. But this does not prevent the doors from being placed at a certain angle in ventilation mode, as in traditional opening systems. The rollers are attached only from the bottom or at the same time at the bottom and at the top. In the second case, the load is distributed more evenly and the service life of the aluminum sliding window increases.

Important ! The lower element should be regularly cleaned of dirt, otherwise the sash will jam.

What are they needed for?

Sliding window structures can include from 2 to 6 sections. Each door has built-in wheels .
The guides have rails along which these wheels move. Thanks to the guides, the elements of the sliding system move along the desired path and to the desired level. There can be several parts in one system.

The width of the window profile depends on the number of strips . There are 2- and 3-way options. For example, the width of a two-strip profile is 64 mm.

Selection rules for aluminum window blocks

In order to choose the right fittings for aluminum windows, the buyer should pay attention to the following points :

Material of manufacture: aluminum, stainless steel or composite materials.
The load capacity of the hinges must be consistent with the weight of the sash, usually from 85 to 310 kg.
The method of fixing the hinges is preferable to clamping terminals than through the embedded part, since the latter have complex adjustments.
Availability of additional options: limiter, micro-ventilation, mushroom-shaped anti-burglary pins.

It is equally important to choose a hardware manufacturer so that it is a trusted brand with a quality certificate for the products.

What tools are required for installation?

If the buyer wants to independently install fittings on aluminum windows, he will need to assemble such a simple and not scarce tool :

electric drill to prepare holes;
screwdriver;
a set of hex keys for adjustment;
measuring instruments: corner, ruler or tape measure;
markers for fixing attachment points.

Installing or replacing outdated elements with new aluminum fittings on these types of window systems is much easier, since the design initially provides a number of grooves for mounting absolutely all functional elements.

The most popular manufacturers of accessories for PVC windows

Windows are produced all over the world. Each country has its own nuances and characteristics. In some places plastic models are practically not recognized, giving preference to natural wood. But many countries in Europe and Asia produce excellent plastic windows and accessories for them. However, there are leaders who have held stable positions in the market for many years. Among them:

Roto;
Maco;
Winkhaus;
Aubi.

They work for quality and constantly improve their products.

Roto - leader on three continents

The company's production facilities are located in Europe, the USA and China. The fittings it produces are in wide demand due to the advantages and features of window products:

the ability to move hinges in 3 planes;
resistance to burglary;
preventing incorrect user actions that could lead to breakdowns;
promotion of special shutter mechanisms - flat tongues (allow you to close the sash without applying much effort);
10-year warranty on all products;
a special coating protects the fittings from scratches and other damage;
the ability to install fittings on any window.

Rice. 12. Roto - strong and reliable fittings.

Maco – Austrian quality guarantee

Mako window fittings come to the markets from Austria, their manufacturer is Mayer & Co. The product range includes parts for doors and windows, plastic and wooden products.

The company's products have excellent characteristics:

presentable appearance;
10-year warranty;
versatility;
increased protection against burglary;
high adjustment range;
ease of installation;
scissors with ventilation mode.

All fittings have an anti-corrosion coating, consisting of 3 layers: zinc, chrome, and wax coating at the molecular level.

Rice. 13. Mako fittings - strength, reliability, elegance.

One of the best German companies for the production of accessories - Winkhaus

The company's motto is: “Always precision.” The German company Winkhaus has many innovative ideas in its arsenal. Perhaps in the future they will become a generally accepted standard:

One of these solutions is mushroom-shaped hooks, which provide security and resistance to burglary.
The products of this manufacturer are distinguished by an original icon in the form of three squares arranged in a row.
All elements of the fittings are rounded, which gives it elegance.
The step-by-step ventilation system allows you to increase or decrease the air flow depending on the time of year.
“Lazy sash” - acts as a limiter for the maximum angle between the sash and the frame. Thanks to this design, the window will not twitch during a draft, pushing flowers off the windowsill.

Rice. 14. The fittings from Winkhaus are marked with branded three squares.

High quality fittings from Aubi

This is another company from Germany that is fighting for leadership in the global window fittings market and produces parts for all types of Euro-windows (wood, plastic and aluminum). In 1967, the company released tilt-and-turn mechanisms. They were the first of their kind. The hinges can withstand up to 160 kg, which allows them to be used for heavy sashes. A special system of handles blocks the window, preventing the child from opening it. Using the products of this company will protect you from sagging windows.

Aubi products are highly resistant to corrosion. Employees of the company conducted an experiment during which the fittings were placed in a water-salt solution. And only after 480 hours the first signs of rust began to appear. Not every fitting can be in such an aggressive environment for so long, which once again proves the quality of this product.

Rice. 15. Aubi guarantees the resistance of parts to corrosion.

Step-by-step installation instructions

It is not always possible to replace a defective part during repairs. Manufacturers are constantly improving production lines and discontinuing the production of outdated fittings. In this case, the window owner has to change the entire fitting set.

Algorithm for installing fittings on an aluminum window:

First of all, remove the window sash and remove all the previous fittings from its surface, not counting the bottom hinge. As a rule, it does not need to be replaced. It functions independently of the rest. And there is no need to drill extra holes in the frame.
Check the shut-off valves, they should be in the middle position - this moves the handle to a horizontal level.
The middle lock is mounted, this fitting is placed on the hinge side and connected to scissors, it is fixed in a special fitting groove, otherwise this lock will not be able to work for a long time.
Mount the upper corner switch from the edge of the handle and fix it.
Attach the scissors and fix the installation line.
Install and fix the lower latch.
Install the main lock.
Install the handle without screwing it. This way it can be oriented correctly.
Mark the installation lines at the top and bottom.
Place the leading lock in its place and secure it.
Install fixing strips in places where parts of the fittings are installed.
When installing scissors, the pin of the middle lock must be inserted into the hole of the scissors, and the pin of the scissors must be inserted into a special hole in the lock. In the case when the runners were correctly aligned during installation, the structure is assembled without much effort.
The scissors are secured with a special fastener in the fitting groove of the aluminum frame, and then an eyelet for the upper hinge is added, which is secured by turning the screw.
Next, you need to install the top hinge on the frame.
Place the sash on the frame and secure the top hinge pin.
Mount the counter strips.
Install the folding support.
Install the counter part of the blocker; to do this, lift the doors.
Install the handle.
They check the operation of all mechanisms and adjust the joint operation of the entire set of fittings.
The installation is completed by installing a decorative trim on the top hinge.

Installation process

Installation of sliding window structures begins with the installation of the frame (frame).
Elements of sliding windows come disassembled: frame and glass unit with fittings. If the system is assembled, the sashes and double-glazed windows are removed from the frame. The frame is fixed in the window opening with mandatory leveling.
Along the perimeter of the frame and opening, holes are drilled for fastenings into which screws are screwed. If the gap between the frame and the edges of the opening is more than 5 mm, then additional plates are used.
Using anchor plates and self-tapping screws (one is screwed into the frame, the other into the wall of the opening), the frame is fixed in the opening.
The gaps between the frame and the wall are sealed with mounting foam, directing it from bottom to top.
Next, the installation of the sashes is carried out. To do this, measure the width of the frame at the top and bottom and cut the guides to the required length. The cut area at the ends of the guides is smoothed using a file.
The prepared guides are attached to the frame using screws at a distance of 30 cm from one another. First the upper part is fixed, then the lower part.
A double-glazed window or glass is fixed to the window sash. If it is glass, then its side parts are preliminarily covered with a sealant. The glass is inserted into one side of the sash, to which the other side of the sash is screwed.
The required number of rollers is attached to the sash. The outermost rollers are fixed 5 cm from the edge.
If there is a brush seal, then it must be inserted into the grooves of the sash with the bristles facing each other.
The finished sliding sash is first inserted into the upper part of the frame, and then into the lower part onto the guide rails.
When the window is completely assembled, use the adjusting screw to adjust the height of the rollers so that they slide along the guides more smoothly.
If there is an insect net, it is installed on an individual guide.

The installation process is described in detail in this article.

Possible difficulties and errors

Unprofessional installation and incorrect measurements lead to the fact that after a certain time, and maybe even during the installation of fittings, you will have to carry out expensive repairs of aluminum windows with the involvement of specialists.

Difficulties in operation also arise when, when replacing defective components, an incorrectly selected repair kit is used. In this case, they may not fit the fitting grooves. It is not recommended to make additional holes in aluminum frames.

Before starting work, you should familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's recommendations, especially when installing the lock, handle, scissors and middle lock pin.

The main malfunctions that occur in window units when aluminum windows are installed incorrectly:

drafts through the block openings;
frame distortion;
sagging of the valves;
inability to open;
inoperability of individual hardware components;
cracks in the glass unit.

Preventive measures

In order to create conditions for long-term operation of aluminum windows, the owner must carry out annual preventive measures :

lubrication of mechanisms;
window adjustment;
care for fittings: hinges, rollers and other maneuverable parts, they are thoroughly cleaned and treated with special oil.

To increase the service life of the fittings, it is necessary to periodically adjust the sagging level of the window sash profile.

When is repair required?

It needs to be repaired when it stops performing its functions. Most often, this situation occurs when unprofessional installation was performed , for example, the window sash was not installed level; with each opening-closing cycle, the deformation of the fittings will increase until a major repair of the aluminum window is required.

How to do it?

In this case , you will need to adjust the aluminum doors and windows:

First, a thorough inspection of all fittings is carried out; bent, cracked or worn out parts are replaced.
After this, they are set according to the level of the sash, and the operation of all mechanisms is adjusted.
Lubricate them with grease and replace the seal, which has failed due to improper closing of the valves.

Features of the sliding system and scope of application

Aluminum sliding windows are window structures in which the sashes move along guides using rollers. They are also called sliding ones.

Similar systems are used for glazing :

terraces;
balconies;
loggias;
gazebos

For example, glazing verandas with sliding structures makes it possible to create floor-to-ceiling windows, which will provide a good view of the local area, and open doors can serve as doors and provide adequate air flow.

Sliding aluminum windows installed on a balcony or loggia allow you to save space, which is valuable for those who have a small balcony in a multi-story building. But on the side parts of the balcony it would be more advisable to install rotary rather than sliding doors.

When is replacement needed?

Improper installation or operation leads to the fact that the fittings wear out or defects appear on them that are incompatible with the performance of the window. If, after examining the fittings, it turns out that they are worn out, they will need to be replaced with similar ones. Most often, the door handles need such replacement.

How to implement it?

For an aluminum window block, the fittings differ from the plastic version, since they are installed in a special groove in the frame. So the handle on the aluminum sash will need to be unscrewed from the inside.

In order to change the handle of an aluminum window, you must perform the following operations:

Loosen the fastenings holding the handle with a hexagon.
They replace the handle with a new one, bought in a store, which fits the old design.
Secure the installed handle in the traction mechanism, then tighten it with the fastening key.

Average prices for installation services

As a rule, replacing old fittings with a new, similar design is not difficult, and the owner of an aluminum window can do it himself. The most difficult case is when it is necessary to install a new type of fittings kit or supplement it with new control and protection mechanisms.

In this case, it is better to use the services of professionals, especially if such a window is under warranty repair. The price of replacing or installing new elements depends on the area of the glazing, the complexity of the mechanism and the brand of the product, which determines the initial cost; the higher it is, the higher the installation price.

Average prices for replacing fittings on an aluminum window:

Tilt and turn standard window kit, RUB 7,050.
Set of tilt-and-turn, large window, RUB 9,200.
Installation of a window handle, RUB 1,600.
Installation of a window handle with a lock, RUB 3,600.
Installation of an adjustable hinge, RUB 2,100.
Replacement of the main locking mechanism, RUB 2,800.
Replacing the strike plate, 500 RUR.
Installation of an additional locking point, RUB 600.
Installation of remote mechanical opening, RUB 9,500.
Installation of remote automatic opening, 17,000 rubles.

Sliding window fittings

The sliding window system involves the movement of sashes along special gutters. Their location depends on the direction in which the window moves. Sliding fittings are:

parallel - sliding - the sashes move along the fixed parts of the window;
lift-and-slide – the window rides up/down on the side rails;
folding parallel-sliding.

Rice. 9. Rollers move the sash along the plank.

Parallel sliding fittings

This arrangement of plastic windows involves installing rails on top and bottom of the sash. It can be controlled using a handle. The window first pulls back and then slides along the slats to the side. This model is famous for its tightness around the entire perimeter, functionality, ease of use, saving space and energy. Due to its compactness, a window with such a system will fit perfectly into the space of a narrow balcony, where it is often too small for an open window.

Folding parallel-sliding fittings

Is an excellent option for a terrace. The doors slide silently, a strong shutter mechanism reliably fixes the hinged part, and metal parts are always protected with an anti-corrosion coating. Fittings for tilting parallel-sliding window systems are suitable for any windows: aluminum, wood, aluminum. The handle locks the door from the inside, making it impossible to open it from the outside.

The corner switch clearly fixes the shutter, which will remain in this position in any wind.

Rice. 10. Control of tilting and sliding sash.

Lift-and-slide fittings

This design involves installing slats perpendicular to the window sill. Such a system requires very strong fittings, since the sash must be fixed at the top of the opening. Gravity and weight cause the moving part of the window to pull down. The shutter is made from the strongest materials. Most often, a window with a lift-type window has a fixed part on top, onto which the sash slides.

Rice. 11. The sash rises upward and is secured with a powerful bolt.