How to adjust plastic windows for the winter?
Adjusting windows for winter is a very important aspect. But often people do not know about it or simply forget. If you do not engage in the maintenance of windows, then even the most expensive of them can break down or lose their properties. It is necessary to handle windows with care, otherwise consequences such as drafts, cold and noisy noise from the street may arise.
Carry out this manipulation should be before the onset of frost, while the outside temperature is above zero.
What is needed?
Probably, many people know that plastic windows have two modes: summer and winter. Each of these modes performs its important role. When buying and installing windows you should be instructed how to properly configure and use plastic windows. Thanks to this you can avoid many problems. However, most often no one knows how to properly configure, therefore, use the services of specialists. But to customize the windows, you do not need a lot of effort, because there is nothing complicated about it.
The initial adjustment is made immediately after the installation of the window. Of course, this makes life easier, but it does not help you in the future when changing seasons.
Many masters say that the adjustment is very important for windows, this is the main test of how windows will lead to the frost. Thanks to the adjustment of the windows, the temperature in your room will remain within the normal range, you can avoid drafts and significantly increase the tightness of the windows. If you neglect the adjustment or do it incorrectly, it can cause excessive humidity, and frost can form on the windows in severe frosts. If your window is not the first year, then the window's tightness is already much lower than at the beginning of its operation; there are quite a few reasons for this problem.
In order to avoid unforeseen breakdowns, windows should be adjusted before each change of seasons. If you do not change the modes from summer to winter, then give the opportunity to get cold air into your home. As a result, the air temperature in the house is significantly reduced and more energy is expended to retain heat. The first window adjustment must be made during the initial installation of the window. Try to also conduct technical inspections at least once every 2 years. Often, during inspections, experts find any deviations in the design. A wizard will help you understand this problem.
When adjusting designs, do not forget that a weak clamp corresponds to the summer season, and a strong one, respectively, to the winter season.
Independently adjust the PVC glazing with their own hands for the winter period is a snap. Our instruction will help you.
Instruments
You may need special tools to adjust windows. Try to stock up on tools like pliers, hex wrench, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers and it would be nice to have a set of screwdriver tips in stock.
To lubricate the structure, you can use regular engine oil or a special spray.
Identification of places that need adjustment
In order to determine the places that need to be adjusted, first you need to find out whether you need to adjust the flap clamp. To do this, you need to set the position of the pins that are located near the handle on the edge of the window. Determine the clamp using points or small strips that are located on a circular cross-section of the pins. If the strips are looking to the top position, this means that at the moment the window presser is in the middle or normal position. Usually this is the position that you put a specialist when installing the window.
If you see that the stripes look inside the room, then this indicates that at the moment the design is set for the winter season. And if the stripes look in the opposite direction, then, respectively, - in the summer season. In addition to the above, it is useful to determine the frame for the presence of sagging. Often sagging exposed windows that have been installed for a long time.
The slack of the frame (sash) can be determined even by sound.When the flap sags, it rubs against the bottom of the frame, of course, it is accompanied by a specific sound.
Common problems
The most common problems of plastic windows are:
- condensate;
- mold;
- depressurization;
- hardware breakage;
- freezing in winter and other problems.
Condensation and mold - very unpleasant aspects of plastic structures. In principle, the very presence of condensate is the norm, but it should be very small, and it is allowed only at the edges. If the window sweats completely, most likely it is because of the increased humidity in the room or because of the large temperature difference (outdoors and indoors).
The most economical and, of course, the simplest solution is banal airing several times a day for 10-15 minutes.
But also on the window you can install a special shutter, which allows micro-ventilation. However, this service costs little money. You can make a ventilation system in the room. However, this is not cheap, and it will take a lot of energy.
Mold - This is a consequence of condensate. The cause of mold can be incorrectly made slopes. They can be plastered or be made from drywall.The problem of plastered slopes is that they quickly freeze, leading to the appearance of fungus. The slopes, trimmed with drywall, is not such a bad option, especially if they are warmed with mineral wool. In this case, they have excellent thermal insulation properties. But it is worth considering that such slopes can be done in rooms with low humidity.
The ideal option is plastic slopes. They are easy to wash, it is not necessary to dye and retain heat well when insulated with mineral wool.
If the gum (seal) goes badThis can cause poor sealing. The easiest way is to replace the gum. However, remember that the gum will last you longer with proper care. Twice a year, the seal must be lubricated with silicone grease. There may eventually accumulate dust and dirt, because of this gum loses its elasticity and cracks. To avoid this, before lubricating, simply clean the gum from dust and dirt. Do this at least twice a year.
Another common problem is hardware breakage. The reason for this may be dirt, dust and improper care. The first sign can be a click when turning the knob.During the year, the mechanism is likely to be broken. To extend the life of the window, lubricate and clean it at least 2 times a year.
Special features
Before working with a window in the winter season, first you need to set the value to neutral (standard) and check for window blowing. It is not advisable to press the gum immediately after the window is installed, as they can shrink and deform in the new state.
If you have a quality sealant, then most often, it is given a guarantee, but this is subject to proper care. If you immediately put a clamp on a strong one, then it will quickly become worthless, as a result, when the next winter comes, it will be revealed that it blows from the windows even when the modes are rearranged from summer to winter, and the gum has shrunk and all cracked. In this case, the seal should be replaced.
There are cases that even after adjusting the windows to the correct mode, it still shows through the window in the winter, and even replacing it with a new heater did not help. This usually happens if the house is “sat down”, then the window also sags. When you turn the handle of the window, the pin should go behind the plate and firmly press the window.If this does not happen, then the window setting should be different.
How to put?
- Before starting work, you need to know which of the trunnions do not reach the plate. To do this, inspect the window sash and remember all the tabs. After that, you need to close the window.
- Further grasp the frame where the trunnions are installedand pull over. If the pin has gone behind the protrusions, then the window will be immovable, if not entered, then, accordingly, the window can be moved. Thus, check all the places where there are pins, and determine in which places there is no tight pressure. Determine which way to move the flap. This can be done by adjusting the upper and lower loops.
- If the window does not close well at the bottomthen you need to adjust the bottom loop. At the very bottom of the loop there is a hole for adjustment, it can be for a hex key or for an asterisk. To adjust, turn the key clockwise or counterclockwise. Accordingly, in the course of the window moves to the loop, and against - away. If you twisted everything until it stops, and there are no changes, return everything to the primary position, most likely, it is different.
- At the bottom of the loop there is another screw to adjust, but to get to it, you need to put a window on the airing and remove the protective cap. Problems with the removal will not be done is very easy. After that you will see a recess, insert a hexagon there and twist clockwise or counterclockwise. When scrolling clockwise, the flap is raised, and when rotated counterclockwise - lowers.
- If such a problem occurs at the top of the window, open it 90 degrees. In the upper part of the window there is also a loop, however, it is not the same as the lower one, by its design. But there is also a hole for a hex screwdriver. Further make adjustment, turning a key in the necessary party. However, do not forget that there is literally a few centimeters between the sash and the hinge. This is necessary in order for the tilt and turn mechanism to have the opportunity to go there. With each turn of the key, check how your window closes and opens.
Usually, the adjustment of the pressure implies a change in mode for different seasons. In winter, the clamp should be strengthened, and in the summer - loosen.
First, make sure that you really need adjustment. The easiest way is to hold a match or lighter near the closed window at the leaf. The flame will show whether the window needs adjustment, blowing out of it or not. Open the window and carefully look at the inside of the sash. There you will see three pins, it is they who regulate the pressing of the window. Using a hex screwdriver, you can configure the window.
The pin has small dots or stripes depending on the manufacturer.
If you set the winter mode, then turn the trunnion so that this strip or point looks towards the room, and if for the summer - then towards the street. You need to do this with all three trunnions.
How to adjust fittings?
There are such cases that you can not close the window due to the fact that the handle is jammed, and it does not turn. This happens because the handle was fixed by a special lock, it fixes the position of the handle. They are on almost all windows. The setup is very easy, and you can easily make it yourself. To adjust, read what is written on the shutter.If there is an inscription AUBI, then direct the flap to a vertical position and then press on the plate, which has a spring, and turn the handle in the desired direction.
If there are other letters, then the adjustment is made differently. You need to adjust the tongue, it is located right under the handle. You just need to click on it and turn in the direction of the gum.
What to do if the window handle is broken?
There are cases when the windows break handles. But to put a new one will have no difficulty. Purchase a new pen, any pen of any manufacturer will suit you. To change the handle, open the decorative valve, which closes access to the handle fasteners. Just turn it to the side. Then you need only with a screwdriver to unscrew the old handle and fasten a new one.
Tips and tricks
Of course, the main advice is the timely maintenance of windows. Time to lubricate and clean. And also change modes for summer and winter. If you doubt that you will be able to do everything right, you better call a specialist. Do not neglect these rules, and your windows will last for a long time and without breakdowns.
How to adjust the plastic windows for the winter with their own hands, see the following video.