Rules for replacing plastic windows fittings
Various external factors and the deterioration of materials may cause the seemingly efficient construction of a plastic window to break and require replacement. In this case, there are two options: seek help from a specialist or do all the work yourself. If the replacement of elements is done by your own hands, then you should stock up with a certain set of tools, new details, patience and time.
At the same time, it is also necessary to take into account some rules for replacing accessories for plastic windows, as there are features when disassembling components, maintenance work and repairs.
Special features
Any thing has properties to break with time, and plastic windows are no exception.However, it is not necessary to change the entire window at the slightest breakdown, and this possibility is not always possible due to financial difficulties. Timely replacement of accessories will help extend the life of the entire structure. Before starting to replace or repair parts, you should understand the type of damage. There are several types of existing problems, such as:
- plastic window starts to open or close;
- the sealing of the window is broken, during which drafts are felt, especially in the cold season. This happens most often when the wizards incorrectly install the window itself;
- if the flap falls off the hinges, then the breakage is quite serious;
- malfunction of the handle in any part of it.
To understand what needs to be replaced, for a start it is worthwhile to deal with the peculiarity of the work of accessories. As a rule, it performs the following functions:
- closing the window;
- his discovery;
- ventilation.
This is facilitated by a set of similar moving latch heads. If the window closes, all items move to the top corner. When opening or airing the heads do not go beyond the counter plates located on the frame.
Hardware plastic windows consists of such parts as:
- direct transmission, which is responsible for moving down and up from the handle;
- two angular gears - upper and lower. They propagate movement along the respective edges of the sash;
- angular gear with scissors. For this part, the sash is attached to the top loop. This element allows you not only to open or close the window, but also to leave it on airing.
Of course, there are other configurations, but this model is one of the main ones. In addition, when replacing accessories, you should also consider the load on the mechanism. This is necessarily taken into account when choosing new parts, as the metal structure can not withstand the weight and break, and these are new expenses. Attention is paid to the manufacturer and the quality of the products being purchased: rust resistance, functionality, appearance.
Thanks to the correct choice of accessories, PVC windows will be able to serve their owner more time.
Required tools
After making the decision to replace the broken fittings yourself, you should stock up with a certain set of tools.After all, without them, coping with a rather laborious task will not be easy at all. To do this, you need the following tools:
- Allen key size 4 mm. It is one of the main regulatory tools. Most often it is used during the assembly of furniture, however, to replace the window fittings will also become an indispensable attribute;
- screwdriver and set bits (better - cross). Commonly used nozzles are labeled T and TX. It is necessary to work with bolts, with which almost all parts are attached to the profile;
- for some departments, the usual one will be used instead of the screwdriver curly screwdriver 3-4 millimeters;
- pliers. This tool comes as an auxiliary and is necessary for disassembling some parts;
- construction (clerical) knife. This tool will be needed if you need to replace the rubber window seal;
- tape measure and a special pencil or marker. In order to drill new holes or install any part, measurements should be made. You can’t do without roulette here, but with a pencil or felt-tip pen you should mark the place where the part is installed or drill the hole;
- assembly handle. This tool is considered professional and is necessary to remove the hinge pin from various types of fittings;
- special oil for greasing fittings. In addition to conventional engine oil, an excellent lubricant will be WD-40 aerosol. It will protect the missiles from further corrosion due to the mineral oil in the composition.
How to replace your own hands?
Replacement of accessories is carried out in two cases: if it is broken or its service life has expired. If it was decided to replace or repair parts, you must adhere to the following rules:
- the first step in replacing plastic window hardware is dismounting the thrust bearing;
- it is necessary to remove the lock, however, it will not be possible without removing the handle. It is removed easily: at the base, turn the decorative cover, then unscrew the mounting screws;
- further, the lock is removed. To do this, remove its mounting plate, and then unscrew the screws;
- to mount the thrust bearing and install the lower middle lock, the sash should be kept in a suspended position. After that, the sash can be removed. This is easy to do: the pins are taken from the hinges, while at first they are knocked out from the upper part, then the valve is moved to itself and you can remove them from the lower part.After removing the sash, other fasteners are removed;
- The next step is to install the upper corner switch. This process is performed with the short side up;
- further, you can make measurements of scissors and their markup. After that, the part is cut and cleaned to avoid burrs. Before installing them in their place, you should fix the middle rear clamp (it should be removed before). After the fixing plates of the switch are installed;
- further, it is necessary to outline the cut-off line of the main transmission. The necessary element is cut off by the grinder, ends are cleaned and ground;
- screws, with which the hinges are attached to the window frame, unscrew. After that, the upper and lower loops are removed;
- the next step is to set the loops. Be sure to markup for future holes. This is done quickly and easily thanks to a special layout that can be purchased separately. To install the loop in its place, it is cut along the length, and evenly. It is important that the template does not rest against the slope;
- to install the lower loop, you need to drill, however, without a strong pressure,because the metal amplifier can deteriorate under the pressure of the drill;
- If the lower loop is in place, proceed with the installation of the upper loop and the locking flaps. For this, the template must be mounted on the necessary axis of the fittings, after which the loop is placed on the sash;
- further, the loop should be fixed on the scissors. To do this, it is necessary to turn the wedges clockwise. At the same time, there is no need to make special efforts here, because excessive force can provoke a breakdown of the hexagonal slots;
- after fixing the loop, the sash returns to the place, fastened with a pin. Then, the pen is put in place. It is also worth remembering that if the handle is new, then it will have fixing rivets. After mounting these rivets are removed;
- all mechanisms should be lubricated with a special substance, after which it is possible to return the strips, as well as details of the sash blocking, to the place.
Replacing plastic window hardware is a laborious and lengthy process, however, you should not be afraid of it. It is necessary to deal with all the details and not to rush to do a certain job.
Maintenance work
Prolonged operation of accessories leads to the fact that sooner or later it appears dust or all sorts of pollution. They become the cause of worse work and breakdown as a result. To prevent negative consequences, you need to perform some types of work in the following order:
- repair of accessories is impossible without the main step - the leaf is removed from the hinges;
- so that various decorative elements do not interfere with the repair process, they should be removed;
- further, at the top loop, you must knock out the axis. This is done as follows: first you need to hit the top, then the bottom. As a result, the axis is easily removed;
- when you have sorted out the top loop, you should proceed to the bottom. From the bottom hinge there is a sash, after which the bolts are unscrewed under the plastic cover. This will allow you to easily remove the handle;
- the next step is to loosen the screws with which the hardware is fixed;
- after all the work done, the window mechanism is removed from the groove. It should be carefully laid out on the table where it will be cleaned. To do this, you should also stock up on a brush and a special liquid;
- further, all parts are thoroughly dried, as the liquid residues will lead to negative consequences;
- Now it is necessary to lubricate with engine or other special oil all those parts that are subjected to friction;
- The final step is to install all the accessories in their places.
It is also important to lubricate the hinges before installing the window. Such maintenance work should be carried out approximately twice a year. These actions will help extend the life of the hardware. Seals are also in need of periodic cleaning and lubrication. In addition, not only fittings should be clean, but also double-glazed windows.
In order to avoid scratches, special tools without abrasives and soft brushes are used.
Tips
Proper replacement of fittings on plastic windows is very important, because the duration of operation of the entire structure depends on it. If one of the parts is installed incorrectly, scissors will suffer first. It is this element that is responsible for locking the valves, so special attention should be paid to the installation of scissors.
It is important here that all the component parts located on the frame and sash match correctly.Most often it is necessary to carry out the replacement of scissors, mounting a higher quality element.
Before replacing other fittings on the windows, you should also consider some of the nuances:
- Parts requiring replacement, you must purchase the same brand that was before. All due to the fact that items from different manufacturers may not be interchangeable.
- Before purchasing accessories, it is worth determining which window profile the window is installed from. From this will depend on the type of parts that will be bought.
- Before you buy accessories for replacement, you need to study this question yourself, and not just rely on the words of sales managers. The quality of the product will depend on the work of the entire window, as well as its useful life.
You should also be aware that the accessories may have additional details, however, their installation may cause some difficulties. And the fewer additional components in the design, the simpler it is, and therefore its replacement will be made without any special difficulties and problems. There are accessories that significantly expands the possibilities of operating the window - this is a comb. Thanks to this detail, the following functions appear:
- the pivot flap will open by the required amount and will not move in the open position;
- if there is a desire to ventilate the room, but I don’t want to open the window wide, the comb is again saved. It allows you to slightly open the door and fix the position. The design of this part is simple and it is mounted imperceptibly, so the appearance of the structure will not be damaged.
There are designer handles that will harmoniously fit into any interior, as well as models with special locks that will help protect housing from burglars or prevent children from opening the window.
To find out how to properly replace plastic window fittings, see the following video.