The procedure for adjusting the sashes of metal-plastic windows. Adjusting plastic windows with your own hands: choosing a tool, basic rules. Video: installing and replacing the handle
There are many materials from which windows are made. One of the most popular is plastic. Plastic windows are durable and highly resistant to moisture, frost, and temperature changes. However, in order to ensure the normal functioning of such a window, it must be adjusted. We’ll look at the features of setting the pressure on a plastic window below.
Plastic windows: advantages of operation
Installing a plastic window is a fairly simple process, the quality of which depends on the correct implementation of the technology. In addition, the quality of the window is affected by factors such as the manufacturer, the materials from which it is made, fittings, profiles, etc.
Among the advantages of plastic windows it should be noted:
- high level of protection of living quarters from extraneous sounds;
- high level of heat retention in the room, installation of one double-glazed window helps save more than twenty percent of heat;
- good tightness eliminates drafts, so windows do not need additional papering before winter;
- the service life exceeds ten years, and if you follow certain rules for using these windows, they will last two or even three times longer;
- a high level of fire safety prevents windows from burning or igniting;
- aesthetic appeal - windows come in almost any color or shade, in addition, to clean them, just wipe them with a damp cloth;
- plastic windows do not require special care, they do not need to be painted periodically, unlike wooden ones;
- The versatility of the window is ensured by such functions as the ability to ventilate it and mosquito nets that protect the room from insects.
However, windows made of plastic have certain disadvantages, namely:
- unlike wooden windows, they are not able to maintain an optimal temperature and humidity atmosphere in the room, thereby regulating it;
- periodically moving parts of a plastic window need to be lubricated, channels cleaned and the seal replaced;
- in the warm season the windows increase in size, and in the cold season they decrease;
- Technologically incorrect installation of a plastic window significantly reduces its service life.
Construction and design of plastic windows
Before studying the features of adjusting the window pressure, you should familiarize yourself with the structural elements of a plastic window, including:
- frame;
- doors;
- double glazed windows;
- fittings;
- elements for compaction and sealing;
- glazing beads;
- shtulpa;
- impost.
The frame consists of a profile on a plastic base, inside of which there is a steel reinforcing reinforcement. The profile is connected to each other using special welding. Its strength is very high and lends itself to special tests. In order to connect the steel profile with the plastic one, self-tapping screws are used. The frame must provide the window with strength and take on various types of loads.
There is also a steel profile inside the sashes. The main function of the sash is to ensure the normal closing and opening of the window during its operation. Fittings are various types of elements made of steel, such as handles and awnings. The fittings ensure ventilation of the window, its opening or closing. When choosing plastic windows, special attention should be paid to the fittings, since the quality of the fittings also determines the service life of the plastic windows.
A glass unit is an element that is capable of transmitting light into a room. There are windows with one, two, three or more double-glazed windows. Two glasses in a double glazing unit can form one air chamber. In order for the window to have good heat and sound insulation characteristics, instead of air, a special gaseous substance is pumped inside the chamber. Glazing beads are most often made of plastic; they hold the glass on the window.
In order to give the window additional tightness, an element in the form of a seal is used. With its help, moisture and cold air do not enter the room. If the windows consist of two or more structural elements, then an element in the form of an impost is installed between them. This part is made of galvanized steel reinforcing profile or plastic. The plastic version of the impost ensures complete release of the window opening. The steel elements are stationary and are fixed directly in the opening, dividing it into several parts.
Adjusting the pressure of a plastic window and the features of its implementation
Window adjustment is required if the following problems arise during their operation:
1. Drafts. If you are concerned about the windows blowing, especially in strong winds, then you need to adjust the pressure of the plastic window.
2. The frame touches the bottom of the sash. In this case, sagging of the sashes is important. In order to get rid of this problem, install vertical or horizontal sash regulators.
3. In order to eliminate the problem of the handle becoming loose, it is enough to change the location of the plate that is located inside it.
4. If difficulties arise with turning the handle, then it is necessary to change the location of the sash or lubricate the fittings in the window.
There are many options for plastic windows, which differ in quality, number of double-glazed windows, strength, etc. Each manufacturer has individual window settings.
The work of adjusting plastic windows is carried out by professionals, however, subject to certain rules, it is possible to do it yourself. In order to adjust a plastic window, you will definitely need a four-millimeter hex key and instructions from the window manufacturer. If the nature of the damage is associated with poor-quality installation of the window or its long-term operation, then they can be completely eliminated with the help of additional adjustments or replacement of fittings.
There are several modes for adjusting plastic windows; the choice of one or another option depends on the nature of the malfunction. By adjusting the window horizontally, it is possible to get rid of a slight bevel or shift of the frame. For these purposes, it is necessary to gain access to the upper and lower hinges. They have holes for installing a hexagon. The window is adjustable in two positions, both horizontal and vertical. If the hexagon rotates clockwise, then the window is attracted to the sash, otherwise, it turns out to loosen the fastening between the window and the sash and lower its lower part.
Window adjustment on the top hinge is performed only when the window is fully open. Please note that in this case, it is impossible to move the window by more than two millimeters.
In order to adjust the window in a vertical position, you must use the lower hinge. To do this, a special cap is opened on the hinges, which allows access to the hexagon hole.
If you rotate the hexagon clockwise, the sash will rise, otherwise, it will be possible to lower the sash. The window can also be adjusted by no more than two millimeters.
Technology for adjusting the pressure of plastic windows
Most often, most problems with plastic windows are eliminated by adjusting their pressure. By performing these actions, it is possible to get rid of drafts in the room and heat losses in the winter season.
To check the need to adjust the sash pressure, you need to hold a match to the window; if the flame is uneven or goes out completely, then there is a need to adjust the sash.
In order to adjust the plastic window, eccentrics are used, which are located on the fittings. They are located behind the handle clamping parts. Their adjustment is quite quick and simple.
To press the sash tightly against the surface of the frame, turn this element clockwise. Turning the eccentric counterclockwise will loosen the sash.
In addition, on the surface of the eccentric in most plastic windows there is a special indicator that helps determine the quality of pressing the sash to the frame. If the pointer is closer to the seal, then the clamp should be pressed.
Depending on the quality and type of fittings on the window, pliers or special plates installed on the sashes are used to adjust the windows. Adjusting the window allows you to move it no more than one millimeter.
In addition, the sash pressure is adjusted seasonally. That is, in the summer, when fresh air is required in the room, the pressure is weakened, and in the winter, to prevent heat loss, the pressure is increased. The operation of a window with a free clamp is more durable than with a strong seal.
When the window is in the open position, you can see the end on it. This part is distinguished by the presence of three eccentrics or trunnions. Using a hexagon, periodic adjustment of the windows is carried out.
More detailed instructions for adjusting certain windows can be found in the manufacturer's operating instructions. However, for most plastic windows, the principle of their adjustment remains unchanged.
In order to increase the clamping density, you should turn the hexagon to the left two to three millimeters. This process is quite simple, but coordination must be observed when performing it. That is, if you tighten the screw too much, the seal may be damaged. All eccentrics must be set in the same position; only in this case will it be possible to achieve uniform pressure on the entire window.
Please note that if adjusting the clamping pressure is being done for the first time, the adjustment should be minimal. After a long service life of the window, this value should be increased. Since in the process of constantly opening and closing the window, the rubber bands wear out and dry out.
If this is not done and the rubber is pressed too hard, it will wear out in a couple of months and will have to be replaced. In order to replace the old seal, it is enough to buy a new seal and install it, while adjusting the pressure. Under no circumstances should the seal be overstretched, as over time it will begin to leak air into the room.
If you have problems with malfunctioning handles on plastic windows, then just turn it at a right angle. Next, you should unscrew the fasteners that secure it to the window, turn the plates in the opposite direction and check the serviceability of the handle. If the problem cannot be solved, then just unscrew the old handle and install a new one. It is advisable to choose fittings from the same manufacturer from whom you purchased the windows.
If the seal does not perform its functions after adjusting the window pressure, then there is a need to replace it. In this case, you should loosen the seal to the maximum value, remove it from the sashes and install a new one. Replacing the seal is important once every eight to ten years. This window element has excellent performance characteristics and is quite resistant to wear. Provided that the window clamp is not pinched and the window is operated under standard conditions. If a squeak occurs in the seal during window operation, it is enough to lubricate it with machine oil.
If, after correcting the malfunctions on the plastic window, it was not possible to solve the problem, we recommend that you contact specialists who can quickly and efficiently repair plastic windows. It is much easier to eliminate problems at the initial stage of their formation than to replace damaged parts or sashes.
An important factor in the long-term operation of a plastic window is its operating conditions. The window fittings must be well adjusted. Do not wash the window with abrasive cleaning solutions or substances. In order to get rid of dirt on the window, it is enough to use a regular soap solution or water.
Plastic windows have long since come into common use and are not going to give up their positions, primarily because of their reliability and practicality. Despite this, their functionality may become impaired over time.
Don’t get upset and look for a specialist to troubleshoot problems with metal-plastic structures. Adjusting plastic windows yourself is quite possible.
It is only necessary to study some of the features of the defects that have arisen and the technologies for repairing PVC windows. Let's try to use this article to help you understand the question of how to adjust a plastic structure. Here you will find detailed instructions on how to adjust and repair plastic window mechanisms.
Types of violations of PVC structures
How to adjust plastic windows yourself, and what problems can be fixed without involving specialists? Such violations of the functionality of a plastic window include:
- the window sash catches the frame;
- the sash does not close completely tightly;
- the locking bars are worn out;
- the structure does not close because the handle is locked open;
- the handle does not turn when the sash is closed;
- the handle is out of order;
- The handle doesn't turn well.
To adjust plastic windows you will need some tools:
- pliers;
- hex wrench size 4 mm;
- screwdrivers of different types.
Basic requirements for window adjustment
Hex key for adjustment
The plastic window can be adjusted in several directions. Using this feature, you can adjust the operation of the structure along the frame, as well as control the degree of its pressure.
The technology for adjusting plastic windows is basically the same, apart from minor differences in the design of fittings from different manufacturers. Now we will present more detailed instructions for adjusting plastic windows for certain operating defects.
The sash catches the frame from below
If the sash catches the frame from below, then the structure is sagging
After some time of operation of PVC windows and doors, the sash of the frame is observed to catch. This fact indicates that the structure had time to sag.
In case of such violations, adjustment of the top hinge of the plastic window is necessary. When eliminating defects in the operation of the window sash, it is necessary to move it towards the top hinge and from bottom to top, thus eliminating the sagging. The adjustment scheme is as follows:
- First, let's open the door.
- We adjust the adjusting screw, which is located next to the top hinge at the end of the sash. This process is carried out using a hex key, which is turned clockwise.
- Remove the cap on the bottom hinge and use the key to turn it a couple of times clockwise.
- We check the degree of adjustment of the valves, and if the defect cannot be completely eliminated, we carry out these actions until the desired result is obtained.
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The fold catches the frame from the side
Adjust the screws with a hex wrench
Opening a PVC window when the sash touches the frame leads to problems. The window device will not be able to open and tilt freely. Do-it-yourself window adjustment in the case where the sash catches the frame on the side is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- When the sash hooks the frame only from below, it is necessary to move it towards the hinge in its lower part. This is achieved using the adjustment screw, which is located under the lower hinge;
- When the sash catches the frame around the entire perimeter, it is necessary to adjust the screw, which is located at the end of the sash next to the top hinge.
Setting the locking frame
From time to time it is necessary to check the operation of the locking plate. Their number is usually as follows: one plank on all sides around the entire perimeter.
Self-adjustment of plastic windows is necessary if you notice wear on any of the locking strips. This may mean that the device has sagged. How to correct this deficiency? You can do this using the following actions:
- Open the structure slightly and remove the special plugs from the hinges, and using a wrench we begin to loosen the bolts.
- We move on to adjusting the top part by adjusting the screw so as to adjust the frame horizontally and then vertically. The vertical position of the window is adjusted using the lower hinge screw.
In order to check whether the setup process is happening correctly, you need to constantly open and close the structure. If the sash can open and close freely, then the process is complete.
Setting the sash tightness
The trunnion regulates the force of pressing the sash against the frame
On the side at the end of the sash, where the handle is located, there is a system of eccentrics or, in other words, trunnions. They are used to adjust the pressure of the plastic window. The clamping of the structure ensures the absence of drafts.
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Each manufacturer has a different appearance of the eccentrics, but the operating principle is similar. Adjustment of the trunnions on plastic windows is carried out using pliers. To do this, turn them several turns.
The degree of pressure on the sashes differs in summer and winter. In the warm season, the pressure should be weaker than in the cold season. In winter, to prevent wind, the sash should fit tightly.
Pressure adjustment can also be done from the hinge side by rotating a special screw in the lower hinge. Particular attention should be paid to the swing-out flap. Setting up the folding mechanism is a more labor-intensive process.
In this case, you need to adjust the clamp using the screw in the top hinge. The mechanism is located near the hinge at the top. To use it, you need to open the sash slightly, then, pressing the lock, place the handle in the ventilation mode.
You can correctly adjust the screw as follows: when increasing the degree of pressure, rotate the screw clockwise, when loosening, vice versa - counterclockwise. During the setup process, do not forget to check the operation of the swing-out flap.
Adjusting the fittings
Let's start adjusting the PVC window fittings. Screwdrivers and a hex wrench are mainly used for these purposes. The handles are mainly adjusted using screwdrivers, and the strike plates are adjusted using a hex wrench. If the sash does not press well, then the bar is shifted to the side of the street.
The degree of pressure is also adjusted from the side of the hinges, where the mechanism, adjustable using a hex key, is located. The degree of pressure is set using the tongue. The more it extends, the better the sash will press. Let's consider other cases when adjustment of window fittings is needed. To learn how to adjust the sash pressure, watch this video:
Setting the handle that is blocked when the sash is open
Euro-window fittings work in such a way that when the structure is opened, the handle does not turn to the “closed” position. For this purpose, special locks are provided in the fitting mechanism.