Self-adjustment of a plastic window may be required in various cases. It happens that windows are initially mounted incorrectly, and sometimes they warp over time. Also, many factors can affect their condition. When plastic windows are installed, fittings are adjusted by installers according to the parameters of the opening. If everything is done correctly, problems should not arise in the future. Plastic windows can serve faithfully for forty years and even longer. And yet, over time, unpleasant situations are likely to appear, often associated with external influences.
Possible breakdowns and their consequences
The most common problems that reduce the quality of the structure are the deformation of the window or the deterioration of its waterproofing and heat-shielding characteristics, which occurs as a result of seal wear. If the house is brand new, you may need to adjust the hinges of plastic windows, perhaps six months after they were installed, because the building may shrink. External factorsoften lead to the fact that the fittings begin to jam, as a result of which the movement of the wings becomes difficult, drafts occur, and therefore the sound insulation is disturbed.
The adjustment of plastic windows will help to avoid all this. You should do it yourself about once a year. Of course, you can resort to the services of specialists, but why spend a lot of money when you can bring the structure into working condition with your own hands, spending only ten to twenty minutes on it? Adjusting plastic windows Rehau, Veka, KBE and most other brands is relatively simple, because they are equipped with fairly convenient mechanisms.
Main structural elements
- Frame - plastic fixed part of the window. Shutters are attached to the frame.
- Sash - opening part of the window.
- Double-glazed unit - glass sealed in a special way. Packages, depending on the number of glasses used, are single-chamber (one chamber and two glasses) and two-chamber (two chambers and three glasses).
- Fittings - window hinges, locking devices, handles, latches and other mechanisms necessary to open the sashes and fix them in a certain position.
- Reinforcing profile - reinforcing steel element, which is located inside the PVC profile. It is necessary to stiffen the window structure.
- Impost - a box profile intended for the porch of the sashes. It is also necessary for hanging sashes in three-stage windows.
- Bead- a special plastic rail that holds the double-glazed window in the window.
- The outflow is a wide and flat profile installed outside. It is designed to drain rainwater away from the window.
- Slope - a profile that is used to neatly trim the side surface of the window opening.
Types of faults
Adjustment of plastic windows on your own can be done in cases where:
- the sash touches the frame from below or from the side when closing;
- the sash does not fit snugly against the frame;
- when the handle is turned to the “closed” position, the window does not close;
- when the sash is closed and the handle cannot be turned, the window does not close;
- the handle broke;
- you can only open the window sash with great effort, the handle turns with difficulty.
Repair Tools
Troubleshooting in structures, as well as adjusting plastic windows for the winter, will be difficult if you do not have certain tools available. But it is worth noting that only the most basic devices are needed for repairs, namely:
- 4mm hexagon;
- pliers;
- set of "stars";
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers.
General principles of adjustment
Most modern windows are designed in such a way that the sashes can be adjusted in 3 planes at once. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve the most correct position inthe sash frame and the optimum pressure level of the seals around the perimeter of the opening part of the window. Depending on the manufacturer of the fittings, individual elements of the work may differ, but in general, the adjustment of plastic windows, which everyone can independently make, involves horizontal and vertical adjustment, as well as optimization of the sash pressure. Next, we will talk about what actions should be taken in each case in order to fix the problem.
The sash touches the frame from the bottom or side when closing
It is necessary to move the sash to the side or top of the upper hinge. To do this, open it and turn the adjusting screw located at the very end of the sash, not far from the upper hinge, with a hexagon three to five turns clockwise. After that, you need to close the sash and remove the cap from the bottom hinge, and then turn the bottom hinge three to five turns clockwise with a hexagon. That's all, it remains only to check the free movement of the sash. If the problem persists, repeat the above steps again.
The sash is loose against the frame
On the sash, on the side end of the handle, there is a system of eccentrics. It allows you to adjust the density of the clamp to the frame. Depending on the manufacturer, externally, these designs may be different, but they have an identical principle of operation. Rotate the eccentrics with a hexagon or pliers until the required degree of fit of the sash to theframe.
Clamp adjustment
If blowing is felt along the perimeter of the sash, then there is a problem with the clamps, and they must be adjusted. Opening the sash, on the side you will see oval clamps, when you turn the handle, each of them goes into its place on the frame. To ensure maximum fit to the frame, you can turn the mechanism with pliers and set it perpendicular to the sash. If you set the clamp parallel to the sash, a minimum fit will be ensured. Adjusting plastic windows for the winter just consists in changing the position of the clamp in such a way as to block air from entering through the cracks.
Loop Adjustment
Inflation can also be from the side of the loops. If you remove the cap from the bottom loop, you will see a hole in the shape of an asterisk. Insert a suitable screwdriver into this hole and turn it until it stops. So you press the sash to the frame as much as possible. If you turn the screwdriver in the other direction, move the hinge as far as possible from the frame.
As for the top loop, you should pay attention to the special tongue on it. It is a blocker, in other words, a limiter. Often it is provided for tilt-and-turn window models. If the blocker is pressed, you will not be able to turn the handle either up or down. Adjustment of the hinge in this type of construction is carried out by setting the position of the tongue parallel to the sash and lifting the handle up until it folds out. As a result of such actions on the upper hook from the inside, youyou will see a hole for the hex. The closer the mechanism is to the edge, the greater the pressure, the farther from the edge, the less. After adjustment, return the sash to its original position by pressing the tab and turning the knob.
Adjustment of plastic windows: winter/summer
As you already understood, it is recommended to set a strong pressure of the sash to the frame in winter, and a weak one in summer. If there is no need to adjust the pressure on the side of the hinges, then you should carry out the actions using the adjusting screw that is on the lower hinge. If the design has a tilt-and-turn sash, you need to additionally adjust the sash pressure with the top hinge. To get to the screw, you should open the sash, press the lock and turn the handle to the “ventilation” mode. Turning the stopper clockwise will press the sash against the frame, and turning the blocker counterclockwise will move it away.
Some types of fittings are adjusted using special screwdrivers located on the side of the handle on the window frame. Using a hexagon, you can change the position of the screwdrivers. Plastic windows, which are self-adjusting for the winter, will reliably protect you from the penetration of frosty air if you move the screwdriver closer to the street. Thus, you will ensure a stronger pressing of the sash to the frame.
When the handle is turned to the “closed” position, the window does not close
In order not to break the mechanisms of fittings, you should turn the window handle only at the momentwhen the sash is closed. To prevent accidental turning of the handle, certain locks are provided that prevent this from being done when the sash is open. The limiters can be of different types depending on the hardware manufacturer, but they are always located under the handle at the end of the sash. To unlock the handle and close the window, you just need to press the lock.
When the sash is closed and the handle cannot be turned, the window does not close
If the handle does not turn when the sash is closed, then the limiter clutch and the mating element on the frame did not work. There are two ways to troubleshoot:
- Using the adjusting screw under the bottom hinge, move the sash slightly to the side where the blocker counterpart is located.
- Loosen the mount a little, and then insert a thin plate of some hard and strong material between the counterpart of the limiter and the window frame.
Handle broke
Pull the handle cover lightly towards you, then rotate it perpendicularly. Loosen the screws and remove the defective handle. When a new piece of fittings is installed, return the trim to its original position. Window handles are available at many hardware and hardware stores. Replacing the mechanism may be required not only in case of breakage, but also if you want to install a modified handle, for example, with an additional lock.
Handle hard to turn
More oftenThe main cause of this problem is a lack of lubrication. Mechanisms should be lubricated at least once a year, and preferably more often. An aerosol lubricant or machine oil is suitable for this purpose. Remember: the control of the technical condition of the structure, even in the absence of clearly expressed defects, must be carried out regularly.
In conclusion
So, adjusting plastic windows on your own is a very simple, one might even say, elementary process. However, despite the simplicity of the above troubleshooting methods, you need to start manipulations only when you clearly understand what and how to do. If you are worried that your existing skills will not be enough, and adjusting the plastic window with your own hands is beyond your power, it is better to contact professionals in this matter.
