Modern plastic windows have many advantages over Soviet-made wooden windows, including effective noise protection, tightness, and reduced heat loss. But there are also disadvantages - the lack of micro-ventilation creates a lack of air in the room and contributes to the accumulation of moisture and the creation of a greenhouse effect. Any room must be ventilated not only during the warm season, but especially when the heating devices are on.
It is advisable to ensure a flow of fresh air not only in residential but also in public spaces. Since its deficiency has a bad effect on people’s health and performance. This drawback can be eliminated by opening the top for ventilation. If the window sash has only a rotary opening, then a comb can be installed to ensure ventilation. It can be installed on any plastic windows, regardless of the profile.
What it is
The device that fixes the position of the sash is called a comb. It allows you to open the glass unit not completely, but at a distance of up to 7 cm. Thanks to this, fresh air enters the room.
There are cut grooves on the mechanism itself. Usually there are about 4 of them. A counter part is attached to the handle, with a special plug that fits into one of the cut grooves. They fix the window profile at the selected distance.
Classification
Limiters for opening plastic windows are divided into categories. Classification occurs depending on the material from which the device is made. They are divided into categories according to external features and purpose.
The following varieties are distinguished, depending on the material used in the manufacture:
- PVC.
- Metal.
In appearance, they are divided into the following:
- THE USSR.
- Euro.
Classified by purpose:
- for normal ventilation;
- for safe ventilation.
Important! The last type of ventilation refers to protecting the system from children.
Comb for normal ventilation
Comb for safe ventilation
Areas of use
Products of a certain type are selected depending on the application. Since there is no one universal design.
To ventilate the room in winter, choose the Euro option. They allow you to open the window frame to the shortest distance. It is enough to access a small amount of fresh air and is not enough to completely cool the apartment.
The USSR comb will provide more complete ventilation because it opens to a greater length. This function is useful in the summer. To combine two systems, install two devices at the same time.
If there are children in the house, it is better to think about special safe devices. For large drafts, metal systems are better suited.
Rules for choosing a retainer
The quality of the product affects its service life. Monolithic structures made from durable and reliable materials are considered the best. The limiters must be resistant to strong winds. A combination product is considered the ideal option. Because it will not break under heavy loads and will not rust under the influence of high humidity.
The metal fasteners are strong and reliable. But they look poor on the profile and corrode over time.
The screw holes in the handle must line up with the slots in the comb. The fittings must fit tightly to the surface. There are products that do not rise or fall completely. They cling to curtains and create additional interference.
Plastic
PVC products are classified according to their intended purpose. Their cost is significantly lower than that of metal ones. They are not as durable, but due to their low cost it is possible to change them more often.
Therefore, before purchasing a limiter for plastic windows, you should study all the features. If there are kids in the house, then it is better to choose safe ones.
For normal ventilation
There are several types of such mechanisms. They are distinguished by the way they are attached to the handle.
Conventional devices create a minimal gap to allow some air into the room. But at the same time, they are not safe for children.
Euro plastic with pin
A distinctive feature in this case will be the method of fastening. The base pin is secured under the window handle.
It comes in different shapes: rectangular or oval. It is chosen depending on the handle itself.
Euro plastic with influx pin
This design replaces the disadvantage of the previous type. Its main feature is that it can be fixed at any height of the window opening. This is possible due to the fact that the plug does not need to be attached to the handle.
The device is installed in the sash overlap. Therefore, the system can be placed in any part of the opening.
For safe ventilation
The function allows you to protect curious children and the mechanical structure itself. It can be placed at any opening height.
Children will not be able to open or close the door, even if they reach it. This is possible thanks to a protective mechanism. The window comb can only be removed from the base plug in one position.
Metal
A metal window opening limiter is more durable than a plastic one. This is due to the material from which it is made. But at the same time, it costs more.
Here the choice is up to the buyer. It is better to purchase quality material once.
For normal ventilation
If the euro window needs to be left for ventilation and there are no children in the house, conventional systems are chosen. They are classified depending on the country of production.
So, there are imported mechanisms and Russian ones. They also differ in material. Structures are made from steel, copper, aluminum and zinc.
Euro imported and Russian
Imported is different from Russian. The support is attached to the profile itself, so it does not matter at what height the system is located.
The cover of the plug is rubberized. This means that during strong winds there will be no rattling. You cannot install such a limiter on wooden systems.
During installation, holes are made in the profile where the device is fixed. In strong winds, cracks may appear on wood.
Russian manufacturers do not assume the presence of a rubber coating. This means that the euro window will rattle in the wind. In addition, the plug is not secured in the grooves firmly enough.
The base may become loose due to the fact that the window comb itself only moves up and down and does not bend.
USSR-option
The limiter is made of steel and has five fixations. At the same time, the first slot is located at approximately the same distance as the second slot on the euro. This feature makes it impossible to make a minimal gap.
The device itself is elongated. This is one of its shortcomings.
For safe ventilation
For a long time, metal devices for this air exchange were only imported. Now, they are also produced by Russian manufacturers.
The device will not allow small children to open the door without the help of an adult.
For aluminum windows
Metal stops are also suitable for aluminum frames. They are similar to USSR products. There are five slots for the pin. The support is installed under the window handle.
As with plastic devices, there are a few things you need to pay attention to before purchasing. First of all, this concerns the size and shape of the handle.
Advantages and disadvantages
Many experts are accustomed to calling the comb a crocodile, since the device is equipped with specific teeth for reliable fixation of the window sash. But regardless of this, each latch model has the same operating principle. The products prevent the window from slamming in drafts and gusty winds.
The advantages include the following parameters:
- Easy to install.
- Metal products have a strong base that can withstand various loads.
- Affordable price.
- Plastic combs come in a wide variety of colors.
- The size of the fixed gap varies from 5 to 80 millimeters, which is very convenient for ventilating the room.
In addition to the advantages, you need to familiarize yourself with the disadvantages in order to have a clear understanding of the specifics of modern combs. The main disadvantages include the following parameters:
- Plastic products have low strength, which is why they can be easily broken.
- Metal fasteners for plastic windows are often sold without painting, which is why the fittings look bad against the background of a snow-white plastic profile. The price of such a product is much higher than the cost of plastic products, but if used correctly, the comb justifies itself.
- Even with minimal opening, a gap is formed through which all the heat quickly escapes. That is why it is still not worth opening the doors all night.
- The air flow of fresh air is distributed horizontally and vertically, which is fraught with the formation of drafts.
- The comb is not a lock, since it only secures the window sashes. If the housing is located on the lower floors, then this may attract intruders.
Dimensions
Sizes vary depending on the type. At the same time, even PVC products with different fastenings differ in size.
The width and height of mounting PVC devices is 40*12mm. The height of the mechanism itself is 20 mm. The design has four slots. They are located at a distance of 24, 44, 64, 84mm for Euro with a support under the handle.
For the base in an influx, the slot distances will be 40, 60, 80, 100mm. It is calculated from frame to sash. The length of the plug is also different.
If it is placed under the handle, its length will be 1.6 cm. If the support of the Euro-comb is in the overlap, then the length will be 2.1 centimeters.
For metal euro devices of imported and Russian production, the dimensions will be as follows:
- Width and height of attachment to the frame: 55*15 mm for imported ones, 40*12 for Russian ones.
- Construction height: 19 millimeters for imported ones, 20 for Russian ones.
- Fixation is carried out at the following distance from the frame: 57, 77, 100, 121 mm (imp.) and 24, 40, 58, 73, 87 (ros.).
- Pin length: 11 mm (imp.) and 1 (ros.).
The dimensions of metal USSR devices differ from previous ones. The width and height of the attachment point will be 25*16 mm. The height of the product varies depending on the type from 18 to 22 millimeters.
The length of the plug depends on the method of mounting the base. If it is attached under the opening lever, its size is 16 mm. The size of the base, if it flows, will be 20 mm.
The distance between the frame and the slot is also different. For the first type, the dimensions are as follows: 51, 75, 98, 123, 150 mm. For a pin in an influx, the distance will be 65, 89, 113, 139, 166 tenths of a centimeter.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages and disadvantages of the device largely depend on the type chosen. But there are also common ones, which will be listed below.
Among the advantages of the mechanism are the following:
- Easy installation.
- Affordable price.
- The structure is easy to replace if it breaks.
- The ability to ventilate the room in winter without significant hypothermia of the room.
But there are also significant disadvantages, including:
- During installation, the integrity of the product is compromised.
- Even safe mode is not complete protection for children.
- Cold air enters through the cracks that form. Especially in sub-zero temperatures. Then the room will quickly cool down.
Expert advice
There are many recommendations that will help you choose and install the comb correctly. But the most important tips are the following:
- If there is gusty wind outside, then it is better not to use the lock, as the product may become unusable.
- It is better to give preference to monolithic and cast products. Structures made from numerous parts quickly become unusable.
- It is best to purchase a comb in specialized stores. Otherwise, you can buy a fake.
Periodically, the master must tighten the screws so that the quality of fastening is at the optimal level. Combs can be safely used not only in private real estate, but also in public places.
Installation
To understand how to install an opening limiter for a plastic window, you must follow the instructions. Before starting installation, you need to decide on the classification of the structure. To do this, you should take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Manufacturers offer installation services. But the process itself is not complicated. You can install the product yourself.
Required Tools
To install the device with your own hands, you will need the following tools:
- Purchased product.
- Drill.
- Drills with a diameter of 2-3 millimeters.
- Self-tapping screws are included, but it wouldn’t hurt to make your own.
- Simple Pencil.
- Crosshead screwdriver.
Important! The length of the screws should not exceed 13 mm.
Step-by-step instruction
If the base is fixed under the handle itself, then it will be disassembled. To do this, the lid is pryed off with a knife or rotated 90 degrees. Underneath there are screws that are removed to disassemble the system. After this, you can begin installing the mechanism.
- Insert fasteners into the holes in the base.
- Return the handle to its place.
- Secure the pin to the first position of the plastic window opening limiter. Leave a gap of 3 millimeters.
- Mark on the frame where to attach the stopper with a pencil.
- Secure the structure.
After this, you can use the comb on the window. If the pin is installed in a bead. Then, instead of disassembling the window handle, you need to attach the base to the panel.
How to install
When replacing old windows with plastic ones, you can order the installation of a limiter. If the windows are already in place, then you can install it yourself.
There are two types of fastening: to the end side of the window frame (flush) or under the handle that opens the sash. In both versions, the latch is installed on the movable sash, and the plate with holes is installed on the fixed one.
The simplest and most affordable option is installation under the handle; this does not require special skills. If this option is not suitable, then you should contact qualified specialists to install the float limiter. Since incorrect installation can lead to deterioration of the tightness, sound insulation and thermal insulation of the profile.
