A plastic window, even the highest quality and correctly installed, requires periodic maintenance. It can last for several years without any problems, but over time it may feel friction when opening or closing. The second problem is that there is air blowing from under the seal, and the third is that the handle turns with force. All these breakdowns are not complicated and can be easily fixed and there is no need to call a specialist: adjustment plastic windows on your own - a matter of minutes. All you need to do is tighten or loosen a few screws. The main thing is to know where and how. More on this in photo and video format.
Winter and summer mode
Most often, adjustment of plastic windows is required for the new season: in winter, complete tightness is desirable, and in summer, a little fresh air let in. This is achieved by adjusting the sash pressure density. It's easy to do it yourself. Once you figure it out, you’ll be surprised how simple everything is...
The window sash is pressed to the frame using pins. These are movable metal protrusions on the side surface of the sash. When you turn the handle they go behind the counters metal plates, mounted on the frame. In order to be able to adjust the tightness of the fit of the sash and frame, they have an eccentric - either they themselves are made of an oval shape, or in the center of the round protrusion there is an adjustment with an offset center. By changing the position of the trunnions (see photo), you change the degree of pressure, that is, eliminate the draft from under the sash.
As you can see, the shapes of the locking protrusions can be different. To adjust them can be used different instruments. If your window has eccentrics like those in the picture on the left - oval-shaped protrusions - change their position using pliers: clamp it and turn it in the desired direction.
If the locking tab is round, as in the picture on the left, it can be slotted for a screwdriver or hex key. After examining them, you will easily understand which tool you need: a regular screwdriver or a No. 4 hexagon. Insert a key or screwdriver into the slot and also turn it to the desired position.
Place all the protrusions in the same position. Please note that they are not only on one side of the sash - the outer one, but also on the inner side (at least one, but there is one), and can also be at the top and bottom. Set all the existing locking lugs in the same position, otherwise the frame will warp and there will be blowing from under it.
When adjusting the fittings of plastic windows, remember that weak pressure corresponds to the summer mode of closing plastic windows, standard or strong pressure corresponds to the winter mode. If you carry out maintenance work in winter, first set it to the standard position and check if there is airflow. It is not recommended to immediately pinch the rubber bands on new PVC windows. In this position, installed around the perimeter rubber compressor pressed hard. Because of this, over time it loses elasticity. A normal seal has a 15-year warranty, but still... If the pressure is immediately set to maximum, the rubber will deteriorate faster. As a result, once again setting the winter position on the plastic windows, you will find that it is still blowing from under the sash, and the rubber is all cracked. This means it's time to change the seal. This is also not very difficult, but it takes more time, and you still need to buy tires.
So: the winter and summer positions of plastic windows are set by changing the position of the locking lugs - trunnions. Everything is explained in detail in the video below. After viewing, adjusting plastic windows yourself will finally cease to be a problem.
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.
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).
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 put the sash for ventilation and remove it decorative overlay. 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.
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.
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 it is required press the top corner against 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).
The blocker is retracted all the way, holding it, turn the handle to ventilate, pull the upper edge of the sash slightly towards you, open swivel mechanism. 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.
You can watch the video again to see how to adjust plastic windows yourself. Explanations to the point, accessible and without unnecessary words.
The plastic window does not close
Sometimes the geometry of the window opening changes so much that even moving the sash to the maximum, we do not get the desired result: the plastic window does not close. What to do in this case? If there is an adjustment on the mating part, as in options a and b in the photo, try to get by with a little damage - tighten it further here. The principle is the same: insert the hex key and rotate it clockwise, pushing it to the maximum.
If a few millimeters are missing not in depth, but sideways, then will have to be installed under the mating part of the lining. They are cut from a piece of white plastic. The maximum thickness is 3-4 mm. First, unscrew the screws and remove the stops. Two gaskets are cut out: one is installed from below, the second from the side. As a result, the stop moves 3 mm deeper into the sash.
Installed first on Right place linings, on them there is a stop, which is screwed with a self-tapping screw. Protruding pieces of plastic are cut off sharp knife. Check whether the window closes or not.
If this does not help, there is another way: move the sash frame. It is quite flexible and can be moved about 5mm. The procedure is as follows:
If you look closely, you can see that the frame is slightly curved. The main thing is that the window now closes. In 99% of cases this is enough. If you are unlucky and all these tricks do not produce results, you need to remove the slopes and also bend the frame.
You can watch all the steps described above in the video.
Adjusting and replacing handles
A fairly common problem: the handle is difficult to turn. If the problem is not eliminated in time, due to excessive efforts, it breaks, leaving a short stump with which you definitely can’t do anything.
First, how to make the handle close again easily. The locking mechanisms must first be cleaned and lubricated. First, accumulated dust and dirt are removed, wiped dry, then all moving parts are lubricated. You need to use pure oils, without alkalis and acids. The best option — machine oil, you can use any analogue or modern remedy from a spray can.
Having lubricated all the rubbing and moving parts, open/close the sash several times and turn it on its hinges. Everything should move smoothly, without jerking.
If there are still problems, most likely during the process of adjustments or changes in the geometry of the window, the blocker has shifted. It should fit easily into the mating part and press tightly against the frame. Then the handle turns easily. Move the sash and try again.
Now about how to change the handle. The fastener on which it is held is hidden under a decorative overlay. If you look closely, you will see that there is a thin lid. You grab it with your fingers or pry it with your nails, pull it slightly toward you and turn it to one side. Two bolts open. They are unscrewed, the handle is removed, and a new one is put in its place.
We looked at the most common problems and how to fix them. Now not only is adjusting plastic windows not a problem for you, you can also do minor repairs yourself. You can also do it yourself service maintenance(greasing once a year).
After installing the window blocks, they can be adjusted: adjusted in height and tightened independently. By adjusting the window clamps, they strengthen rubber seal to the frames. This leads to heat conservation, saving electrical energy and gas used for heating. Adjustment increases the service life of windows, makes easy care behind them, since when sealed, dust will not penetrate the frame and clog the upper corners on the side of the window sill hinges.
When is adjustment necessary?
Long-term use of the window unit leads to a decrease in the tightness of the windows. Sealing rubber wears out along the entire length of the sash. At the same time, cracks begin to appear, and air flows into the room. An unstable microclimatic situation is formed in the room. Preventive adjustment repairs of these structures will make it possible to avoid such problems and increase the service life of PVC windows.
Adjustment work should be carried out:
- 1. When installing a window structure. It is necessary to immediately prepare the frames for use, adjusting them so that they open and close tightly and so that there is no blowing through the windows. In this case, it is not recommended to set the maximum pressure.
- 2. When the window opening is installed incorrectly. This can cause vertical deflection, causing the frame to sag and create gaps.
- 3. If the windows have not been adjusted for a long time.
- 4. After installing window frames in new buildings. The building is constantly sagging and the windows need to be adjusted.
- 5. In case of a loose fit of the rubber seal.
- 6. If the doors of the structure sag. They touch the frame or parts of the fittings when they are opened.
Deformation of the window block due to temperature occurs in summer and winter. Therefore, seasonal adjustment of plastic windows is especially important. Experts advise carrying out the procedure once every six months. Then the pressure on the fittings is reduced and the rubber gasket becomes more durable.
Process description
The performance of a window unit largely depends on the winter-summer mode, in which it is necessary to change the level of pressure on the window sashes. The role of the mode regulator is assigned to the locking pin at the junction of the sash with the window frame. Using a hexagon or a screwdriver, the pin is moved in a rectangular groove to increase or decrease the degree of pressure. With high density, especially in the upper corner and lower part of the doors, cold air does not enter the apartment. And when summer comes, the window should be set to a warm temperature setting.
How to wash the windows on the balcony from the outside without streaks: safe ways
Preparing for cold weather
The adjustment must be carried out in the autumn winter period. These deadlines are observed to avoid difficulties at low temperatures.
Due to the loose fit of the sashes to the frame, cracks are formed, which causes a draft. An adjusted double-glazed window, in which the window sashes fit tightly to the frame, will not let cold air masses into the room.
The condition of the seal should be inspected. If it is normal, then the cause should be sought in the loose fit of the valves. For proper repair window block in the transition mode from winter to summer, you can use a 4 mm hexagon. The clamp, also known as the locking element, is located at the end of the sash. It is also called a pin (cylinder), which is moved up or down along a rectangular platform. IN PVC windows It is possible to adjust the pressure by turning the metal pin to the “winter” or “summer” position. On the trunnion there is a hole for a hexagon, as well as a mark (in the form of a dot), with which you can determine the pressing force of the seal.
On the eve of winter, the axle is moved towards the street; this position presses the window sash against the frame, eliminating cracks and increasing tightness. At the same time, the serviceability of the fittings is checked. Loose fasteners can create gaps in the window sash after the trunnion has been moved. If a malfunction is detected, it is necessary to tighten the fasteners or replace the components of the window mechanism.
In some cases, the cylinder (trunnion) needs to be moved with a screwdriver. Sometimes this can be easily done manually by pulling slightly towards you from the middle position. Under physical force, the trunnion must be moved and installed at the required level.
Preparing for warming
At warm weather The load on the rubber seal should be relieved by switching to summer mode. Adjustment is carried out in the spring. The impact of the eccentric on the seal must be minimal, otherwise it will fail.
To create such a clamp, you need to pull the eccentric towards you and rotate it, moving it to the left, while leaving the gap between the cylinder (trunnion) and the window sash as maximum as possible. The notch on the roller will show correct position- the eccentric should be directed towards the window handle.
If the adjustment is not carried out at a certain time, then performance characteristics window block are reduced.
On hot days the seal expands. When it doesn't have the space to do this, the rubber begins to dry out and crumble. This leads to a weakening of the tightness between the sash and the frame.
In summer the fault may not be noticed, but in winter drafts will appear. Some manufacturers of window fittings suggest installing rollers instead of a pin, which can be moved to the desired position using a hexagon.
In your apartment or country house installed modern windows made of plastic, which served reliably for a long time. And suddenly minor malfunctions began to appear: they noticed that the sash began to not close completely, and a draft and extraneous noise appeared in the room; The handle became blocked and would not turn. All these minor troubles can be easily eliminated. The main thing is to understand the scheme and technique for adjusting PVC windows, individual parts and fittings, and the window will function correctly again. Before troubleshooting a plastic window, you need to study step-by-step work, and also prepare mandatory set tools without which the task cannot be completed. Just prepare your windows for the coming winter.
Tools for adjusting PVC windows
To set up the window mechanism, you need to acquire the following tools:
- hex wrench;
- a set of screwdriver bits (star-type);
- a Phillips screwdriver and a regular flathead screwdriver;
- pliers.
As lubricant It is better to use car oil or a special aerosol.
Find out what types of window fittings are available for plastic windows.
Many window adjustments are carried out using a hexagon. A set of screwdriver bits can be useful if, in the production of the window frame, mechanisms were used that had bolts with a specific tip for a star-type bit.
Basic areas for adjusting plastic windows for the winter period
Compared to a sliding window mechanism, adjusting swing sashes in plastic windows is a more labor-intensive process. You need to know the main adjustment points, of which there are five. By adjusting them, you can raise or lower the sash, adjust it horizontally to the left or to right side, adjust one of the corners located at the bottom of the sash horizontally. There are also two more adjustment sections, the adjustment of which allows you to reduce or increase the density of pressing the sash to the frame.
Adjustment of window and balcony handles
It happens that the window or balcony handle became loose, so the sash began to close loosely. To eliminate this malfunction, it is necessary to tighten the fastening mechanism of the handle itself. To do this, remove the rectangular trim under the handle. She calmly rises and turns to the side 90˚. Underneath there are bolts that need to be tightened with a Phillips screwdriver. The cover can be easily removed without special effort and picking with a screwdriver, which can only damage the profile and harm the edges of the overlay.
How to Fix a Sticky Rotary Knob
This malfunction is more significant, having several reasons:
- The mechanism may need cleaning and lubrication.
- If the handle does not turn completely to the position, or does turn, but with great difficulty, you may just need to slightly loosen the pressure on the sash itself.
Adjusting the handle when the pressure is poor.
We talk about which fittings for plastic windows are better.
Two options to solve the problem:
- To clean and lubricate the entire mechanism, it is necessary to dismantle the handle. Cleaning can be done with a vacuum cleaner or a special brush. After cleaning, it is necessary to lubricate the mechanism.
- To reduce the pressing action, the eccentrics, which are located at the ends of the sashes on the side where the handles are located, are subject to adjustment. In addition, it is necessary to adjust the bolts located on the hinges on the opposite side.
Adjusting the handle that is blocked
If the window handle is blocked, it makes no sense to replace it with a new one. In this case, you don’t even have to dismantle it completely. The occurrence of a malfunction is due to improper operation of the locking mechanism. At the same time, it does not allow the sash to change its state when it is open. To do this, you need to turn the locking lever to allow the handle to move freely.
There are two ways to resolve this problem depending on the type of design of the window mechanism and fittings. In one embodiment, the locking lever can be in the form of a tongue located at an angle to the seal and screwed to the end of the sash when the window is open. In another embodiment, the lever can be in the form of a clamp that fits onto the seal and serves as a gasket.
The window handle is broken
If the handle breaks, the window cannot close. This type of repair can be done independently. To do this, you need to purchase a new pen or hardware store, or order from the organization from which the plastic windows were ordered. Then proceed directly to the replacement work. 
To do this, it is necessary to dismantle the decorative trim that covers the attachment of the handle to the frame. It rotates freely in any direction. Then you need to unscrew the bolts that hold the old handle. The new handle is screwed onto the same bolts.
Quite often, adults install PVC windows that have handles with a safety lock. This is due to the need to protect children from opening windows on their own. This mechanism prevents the window from opening.
You will find detailed information about glass railings for stairs.
If the fuse fails, you must turn the handle 90˚ along with the plug. Then two bolts are unscrewed. After which it gets old pen from the sash (by gradual loosening). A new one is placed in place of the old one, in the same position at the time of its removal, and bolted.
Adjustment of PVC windows “winter-summer”
Window adjustment for winter provides a high level of pressure, and for summer - a low level.
Some adjustment rules:
- If there is a need to adjust the level of pressure of the sash to the frame from the hinge side, then for this you need to use the adjusting screw, which is located on the lower hinge.
- If the sash has a tilt-and-turn mechanism, then additional adjustment of the sash pressure on the side of the top hinge should be made.
- To access the adjusting bolt, which is located in the upper hinge area, you must first open the sash and then turn the handle to the ventilation position. Before doing this, press the locking lever.
- If you turn the blocker to the right, it is pressed against the frame; in the opposite direction, the pressure weakens.
Adjustment of some types of fittings occurs using special parts located on the frame on the handle side. Their position can be adjusted using a hex wrench. For more significant pressure, it is moved closer to the outside. If there are clamping mechanisms on the frame on the hinge side, they can also be adjusted with a hex key. At the same time, if the tongue is pulled out more, the sash will have greater pressure against the frame.
Adjustment of the clamping mechanism: due to cracks or according to the season
The clamping device is presented in the form of a rubber seal, which can also fail over time. The reason for this is: shrinkage and loss of elasticity of the elastic band. When installing a new window, the sash fits tightly against the seal, and when the level of pressing force decreases, the seal is broken, which becomes insufficient for a tight fit. 
The manufacturer of window fittings has foreseen this situation, so the PVC window has a mechanism that allows you to change the clamping pressure when closing the sash. The pressure can be increased or decreased depending on needs or the season.
In practice, the following situation arises when summer period the rubber seal tends to expand because it has the most high level elasticity. In winter, the opposite situation occurs; the elastic band begins to shrink at low temperatures. That is why, in winter, it is necessary to strengthen the pressure so that the cold wind does not blow through the sealing joint.
About the types of seals for metal doors, read it.
If you forget to adjust winter option pressing plastic windows for higher summer temperatures, the gasket will be deformed by the window sash. This may cause the sash to break. To avoid this situation, it is necessary to adjust the pressure before each season from winter to summer and vice versa.
Clamping mechanism adjustment diagram
To adjust the sash pressing mechanism, there are eccentrics for this purpose. These are special mechanisms - trunnions, which allow the sash to be firmly fixed when closed. The pressure adjustment is carried out using these pins.
As the clamping force increases, the trunnions must be turned to the right. It should be remembered that with full rotation the eccentric returns to its original place. When the pressure decreases, the trunnions turn to the left. The above diagram is applicable only for those doors that open from left to right. When opening in a different direction, it is necessary to rotate the trunnions to the right to reduce the pressure, and to the left to increase it. 
What a magnetic seal for metal doors is is indicated.
Manufacturers offer several options for adjusting these mechanisms. There are three such methods:
- The trunnion is rotated using a flat-head screwdriver. To do this, it is inserted into a groove located on the eccentric.
- The pin is clamped with pliers and pulled towards itself, then rotated.
- The pin is clamped with pliers and rotated in the required direction without being pulled in its direction.
When using pliers to grip the trunnions, do not use too much force to turn the eccentrics. Initially, you need to make sure which option will be used to adjust the clamping mechanism. Otherwise it may be damaged.
Don’t be afraid of this problem; the main thing is to start adjusting the window sashes in time.
In practice, there are three common ways to adjust the position of a window sash:
- When casement begins to cling to the lower part of the frame along the edge of the handle with its lower section. To correct this problem, you need to move the sash upward and move its upper section in the direction of the support.
- When the sash touches the middle support of the frame. To do this, you need to move it towards the awnings. When the contact area is located closer to the top or bottom, it is necessary to move the sash closer to the corresponding support.
- When the sash touches the top opening of the frame. To do this, the lower part of the sash moves towards the support. If this adjustment is insufficient, the entire sash moves down.
All adjustments are carried out using a hex wrench. To move the sash to the upper or lower part, you need to rotate the adjusting bolt, which is located in the lower support. To get to it, you need to remove the decorative plastic panel from the frame. At the top edge of this section there is a hole that you need to get into with a key. The sash is raised when the adjusting screw rotates to the right, lowered when it is turned to the left.
It is possible that you will be interested.
Below on the same support there is another adjusting screw. Access to it is possible from both sides of the sash. When this screw rotates, the sash moves closer or further away from the support. The adjustment is carried out as follows: the key is turned half a turn and the presence of a gap between the frame and the sash is checked. If the bolt is not turned sufficiently, it should be slowly continued to be turned until the contact is eliminated.
Adjustment of the upper section (“scissors”) is carried out in a similar way. To get to the bolt with which the sash moves to the sides, you need to open the window wide. In this position of the tilt and turn mechanism, the hole for the adjustment key will be visible.
Video
You can see an example of summer-winter window adjustment in the video:
All the described schemes for adjusting plastic windows do not present much difficulty in getting rid of faults with your own hands.
Adjusting plastic windows for the winter is very important point in working with windows. Unfortunately, many people for some reason forget about this or simply don’t know. Even the most expensive products will fail if you do not maintain them. If used incorrectly, unpleasant phenomena such as noise, cold, and constant drafts are possible. After reading the article, you will learn why it is necessary to set up plastic windows, how to do it correctly and what mistakes should be avoided so that they last for a lifetime beneficial use without any problems.
Plastic windows - use in winter-summer modes
Modern windows operate in two main modes, summer and winter. When purchasing new products, it is recommended to carefully read the instructions from the manufacturers, which clearly and in detail indicate in which cases it is necessary to adjust plastic windows for winter and summer, how to care for them, as well as the basic operating rules. By following their simple instructions, you will be able to avoid many problems, and the plastic structures themselves will serve you for as long as possible.
Most people do not know how to adjust a plastic window for the winter, believing that this is a very complex and time-consuming process. In fact, there is nothing supernatural here; any average person can cope with this without the help of specialists, for calling whom, of course, you will need to pay a hefty sum. All operations can be performed independently, especially since you don’t even need special equipment. A regular hexagon, as well as sets of standard keys that are available in every home.
To “extend” the life of windows, you need to listen to the advice of experts who say that it is necessary to regulate windows. Proper and correct adjustment of windows with your own hands makes it possible to increase the level of tightness and also prevents drafts from penetrating inside living rooms. Due to this, the microclimate in the apartment will always be at a normal level. Otherwise, the windows will not be airtight, the room will be constantly cold, and even the most plastic structures will exhibit an increased level of humidity with inside, including frost.
If you forget to switch the windows to winter mode after warm summer, there is a risk of harming the windows themselves, as well as the residents of the apartment. This is due to the fact that cold air masses are able to penetrate inside without any obstacles, which has the most negative impact on the heat level. Naturally, this will cause additional costs for thermal energy consumption. In this regard, in no case should you forget about adjusting plastic windows for the winter, especially since you can do this yourself in the shortest possible time.
Window customization - when it may be needed
In addition to preparing directly for the winter or summer period, there are several more cases when you need to independently regulate the PVC structure:
- Immediately after installation. This should be done by the person responsible for the installation. He checks all the clamps, sashes, and hardware to ensure that there are no problems with the new windows, including problems with air leaking when the sashes are closed or opening too tightly. However, in the future, in any case, you will need to re-configure. This is because the wizard adjusts the window according to the current time of year. If you ordered installation services in the summer, you will need to prepare for winter in the fall.
- But even a master can make a mistake, although this mistake will not appear immediately. Drafts, loose closure - these and many other signs indicate that the double-glazed windows will need to be adjusted for the winter in the very near future. You can invite specialists if the windows are still under warranty. Otherwise, you need to act independently.
- Mandatory inspection - it must be carried out at least once every two years. This will allow you to promptly prevent the occurrence of problems that may require a full repair in the future.
Having noticed any problems during the operation of PVC, as well as changes associated with deterioration temperature regime indoors, all measures should be taken for quick and timely repairs. This will allow you to avoid more serious problems, as well as cope with the situation when minimum costs, both temporary and financial.
Regulation instructions - how to do it yourself
All work must be carried out in advance, before the onset of cold weather. Otherwise, you may encounter some difficulties during the adjustment process.
Fittings are the main point that you should pay attention to. Let's look at it in more detail below. Thanks to the correct setting, you will be able to close the windows tightly and firmly, without letting in either cold wind or extraneous sounds and noises. Increased level Noisy rooms and constant drafts clearly indicate that the fittings are not adjusted entirely correctly.
Double-glazed windows for the period of winter frosts are regulated very simply; in-depth knowledge and skills are not required. Having opened the window sash, we can observe a special element used for locking. It is also called a clamp. Typically, it can be found on a rectangular platform. When preparing for winter cold, this clamp should be moved towards the street, thanks to which the apartment owner will achieve maximum level tightness and sound insulation.
Pulling the clamp is a fairly easy process that does not require special skills or physical strength. Taking the hexagon, twist it counterclockwise with a minimum of effort. Then everything is very simple, the clamp turns in the direction we need, falls into the required groove and automatically locks.
Now you don’t have to worry that your room will be cold in winter. You were just able to adjust the double-glazed windows with your own hands so that during the winter cold it would be very warm, cozy and comfortable to be in the room.
Window fittings - customization features
Window manufacturers in most cases do not deal self-production accessories, turning to the help of various companies specializing in this. 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 round 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.
Respectively, 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.
Problematic points - what the consumer may encounter
Modern PVC windows are different complex design. Although the setup seems very simple, even the most experienced craftsman Sometimes certain difficulties may arise. 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 is the most in a positive way will affect 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 does not affect the fittings. in the best possible way, because it wears out faster, becomes loose and loses its rigidity.
It is very important to remember that after this 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.
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 an important part windows, there are cylindrical elements on it. When the sash moves in space, it enters 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 movement air masses between the apartment and the street.
Innovative settings - the most interesting developments
Innovative low-e glass is becoming increasingly popular. They are more expensive, but significantly surpass their competitors in terms of durability, strength, reliability, beauty, thermal and sound insulation. The special feature of these plastic structures is a three-chamber double-glazed window, due to thermal energy preserves 70 percent better than other plastic structures.
Some people believe that low-e windows are not suitable for use in hot weather due to the large amount of energy retained within the apartment. However, this is not at all the case, since they perfectly reflect sunlight, creating the necessary level of coolness in the premises.
One of the interesting developments is the climate valve. It is enough to install such a mechanism to significantly simplify setting up plastic windows for winter with your own hands. The valve ensures an excellent level of ventilation and fresh air circulation in summer, as well as tightness and thermal insulation during winter frosts.
Setting up windows is not particularly difficult. You don't need any special tools, you just need to carefully and carefully adjust the clamping mechanisms without damaging the rubber seal. After spending an hour of free time, you will be pleasantly surprised by the result, which will be especially noticeable on cold winter evenings.
This summer, new plastic windows were installed in my apartment. The installer warned that with the onset of cold weather, the windows would need to be switched to the so-called winter mode. He told and showed how to do this. I am sharing with you how to adjust windows for winter and summer with your own hands.
Need for adjustment
Adjusting windows is a mandatory procedure not only after their installation, but also when the seasons change. Since modern double-glazed windows are endowed with the ability to pass air, summer time the flow of air masses can be increased, and in winter - reduced.
In addition, with long-term use and without proper prevention, plastic windows may perform their functions worse. In such situations, adjusting the windows will help - it’s easy to do it yourself.
Reasons for decreased performance of double-glazed windows
Reason 1. Change of seasons
Adjustment of the pressure of the sash to the frame is carried out using a small mechanism - a pin. In addition, the locking pin allows you to increase the reliability and safety of the structure (it is much more difficult to break into it from the outside). The amount of air entering the room depends on the position of the trunnions.
First, let's find out what a trunnion is and what it looks like. Common options are presented in the table:
| Image | Description |
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Option 1. Standard shut-off.
Can be adjusted using a hex wrench, slotted screwdriver or by hand. This is the most common type of trunnion. |
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Option 2. Eccentric roller with a notch.
Adjustable without use additional accessories. You can change the mode yourself. |
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Option 3. Anti-burglary.
Can be adjusted using a 4mm hex wrench or a special trunnion wrench.
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Option 4. Mushroom-shaped.
You can change the position using a special key for such fittings. When installing windows you will be required to provide such a key. |
The table describes how to change the window mode using the example of an eccentric roller with a notch:
| Image | Instructions |
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Mode 1. Summer:
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Mode 2. Autumn (spring):
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Mode 3. Winter.
Adjusting plastic windows for winter is almost the same as for summer. The only difference: the trunnion must be turned clockwise. The notch should face to the right. |
It is advisable to set the “plastic windows - winter” mode with the first frost. Such manipulations will better retain heat inside the room and reduce wear and tear on window fittings.
Reason 2. Problems with the performance of the sashes
Let's consider the main reasons for sagging sashes:
- Heavy weight. It is not recommended to keep large windows open for a long time. The doors lower under their own weight.
- Incorrect installation. It is possible that mistakes were made when installing the window sash.
- Improper use. Hanging anything on the windows to dry is highly undesirable. There is no need to intentionally add weight to an already cumbersome structure.
Algorithm for how to restore it yourself correct geometry valves:
| Image | Description |
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Stage 1. Remove glazing beads
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Stage 2. Remove the glass unit
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Stage 3. Hammering glazing beads
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Reason 3. Friction of the valves
There may be situations where grinding, creaking and friction are heard during use internal mechanisms windows This problem can be eliminated by adjusting the special screws located at the top hinge. To do this, you need to open the window 90° and insert the hex key into the screw (example in the photo below).
