When using plastic windows, we do not even think about the fact that they, it turns out, work in two modes - summer and winter. Experts say that this indicates the advantages of PVC structures compared to traditional window systems. And how do you switch windows to winter mode and why is it needed at all?
What's the point?
Summer and winter modes of plastic windows depend on fittings, that is, on its class. Note that it is presented in three variations. The first - budgetary - is used to equip plastic double-glazed windows of the economy class, its main purpose is to open and close windows. Standard fittings equip windows that can be switched to seasonal modes. The most reliable and easy to use is specialized fittings, which are placed on anti-burglary and reinforced plastic windows. As a rule, it provides for the possibility of switching from summer to winter mode.
How to check?
How to switch windows to winter mode? To begin with, it is worth checking whether there is an opportunity for this in your plastic windows. And for this, in trunnions - theylocated on the side of the window - there should be holes for a key or a screwdriver. In addition, there must be an oval eccentric that allows you to change modes. So if you feel that it is blowing from the window, then it's time to switch it to winter mode. Experts advise: if the window is not blown, it is better not to change modes, as this increases the load on the seal, which will wear out faster.
Why do windows leak?
Since many experts advise switching windows to winter mode, let's try to understand why structures become leaky. The main reason is the use of low-quality profiles, the second is the illiterate installation of structures, which leads to a deterioration in thermal insulation properties. The loose connection of the sashes to the frame leads to the fact that dust, cold, noise will enter the room through the gaps, and the heat will leave. And in winter, such moments are undesirable, and therefore the transfer of windows to winter mode is required.
In order not to have to decide how to switch windows to winter mode, entrust their installation to professionals. They will carefully measure the openings, select suitable structures so that even with the thermal expansion of the profile material, it occupies the allotted opening as tightly as possible. Changing modes is required for a number of reasons:
- sashes close poorly or loosely, which occurs due to sagging hinges or the already set winter position on the adjusting screw;
- wind blows through the seals into the room, dust is blown in;
- leaf sagging due to worn hinges;
- sash moves horizontally relative to the window;
- The modes were initially set incorrectly.
Translation Features
How to switch windows to winter mode? All work comes down to attention to fittings - if it is translated incorrectly, this will adversely affect the condition of the entire window. But remember that you should not keep the winter mode constantly, as strong pressure will lead to rapid wear of the seal. Window translation is done as follows:
- First you need to find the pins on the sash. Their number varies depending on the size of the sash - the larger it is, the greater the number of trunnions, each of which must be transferred to winter mode.
- Transferring trunnions in progress. To do this, use a special tool in the form of a hexagon, screwdriver, pliers. Each trunnion should rotate to the maximum possible position, while it is important to adjust the pressure level of the sashes. Most often, the translation of the trunnion is performed clockwise. How to switch windows to winter mode if fittings are non-standard? In this case, before adjusting the fittings, you need to pull the pins towards you, like a winding mechanism on a wristwatch, adjust them, and then return them to their original position.
- Check the result. To do this, close the window to check how tight the handle turns. Winter mode involves a tighter pressing of the sash, so the window handle will close tighter.
You can check the clamping force in a simple way: take a sheet of paper and press it with a sash. Then you need to try to pull out the sheet. If the window is set to winter mode, the leaf will be more difficult to pull out.
What is the difficulty?
Not all designs can be adjusted, so you need to pay attention to studying their features before deciding how to winterize windows. The photo shows that this process is, in fact, simple, but you need to know if there are technical possibilities for adjusting window structures. We inspect the sashes from the sides - this is where the holes are located, designed for a hex key. If there are no holes, then you need to either change the fittings, or choose a more durable seal.
Preparing the surface
There are a number of things you need to do before putting your windows into winter mode. The photo shows that the preparation process is simple:
- joints and joints at the ends of the wings are carefully cleaned with a damp cloth;
- internal mechanisms must be protected from contamination;
- the surface of the fittings is cleaned with a hard bristled brush;
- all rubbing parts should be wiped with a dry cloth;
- if the seal is worn out, it must be replaced;
- adjustment screw lubricated with silicone compound.
Exactly the same actions are taken before transferring metal-plastic windows to winter mode.
Conclusions
Setting the modes is a necessary process, since only this guarantees the correct installation of the window structure. All activities are done carefully, without the use of force, so as not to damage either the frame or the sash. Experts say that with a tight fit of the sashes to the frame and the installation of a new design, a change in modes is most often not required. In other cases, you need to change the mode every six months - from summer to winter, and vice versa.
In many modern designs, high-quality fittings are installed that allow you to change modes. So if you don't know how to switch Rehau windows to winter mode, first see if there are trunnions on the sashes, and then follow the instructions above.
