Modern windows are a complex technical system, therefore, like any other complex mechanism, double-glazed windows require periodic care and attention from the owners. As practice shows, even the most expensive double-glazed windows may require adjustment over time.
And if you have such windows installed at home, then this article will not be superfluous for you. So, how do you adjust double-glazed windows with your own hands?
Finding out the reasons
First, let's find out why there is a need for constant adjustment of the sashes. Most often, the reason for this is the natural shrinkage of the house. The walls of the building change their configuration a little, and accordingly, the sash will not be pressed so tightly against the frame. Oddly enough, this problem occurs even in new buildings.
The second reason is the natural wear and tear of the windows themselves. Often from longoperation, some elements of a double-glazed window (namely, seals) are simply erased or dry out. Depending on the quality, this part serves from 3 to 5 years (seasons) of operation. In this case, adjusting the double-glazed window will not completely solve the draft problem. In this case, it is necessary to make a complete replacement of the worn part. You can buy a seal for a plastic window at any specialized store, and installing it will not be a problem.
Sometimes it happens that the lower part of the sash, when opening the window, touches the surface of the frame. This is because over time the first part sags from its own weight. But natural subsidence at home can also contribute to this. In this case, it is not necessary to install a new seal - it is enough just to correctly adjust the window sashes.
Preparing the necessary tools
In order for the adjustment of the double-glazed window to pass without problems, you only need to have one key - a hexagon.
When you open the window, you will see that there are 6-pointed holes on the hinges. The key should be inserted into them. By rotating it, you adjust the position of the loops. The main thing you need to know is in which direction you need to turn the hexagon. The window setting starts with the upper hinge, after which the position of the lower one is set.
By the way, wooden double-glazed windows are adjusted according to the same principle. Below we will look at how toconfigure PVC window sashes in different locations.
Top flap adjustment
In order to get rid of the sash meshing with the frame when closing, you need to start by adjusting the sash relative to the frame. As we noted earlier, to set the desired tilt parameters, you need to have only one tool - a hexagon. They also adjust the double-glazed door. The top of the sash is configurable from left to right at the place where this element is attached to the plastic frame from above.
In order to properly adjust the window, you need to open it completely and find the screw. This adjustment element is located on the element sash. It is him that we will twist with a hexagon. After a few turns, remove it from the adjusting screw and close the window. If it opens with difficulty (it touches some part of the frame), then you need to re-set all the settings. So the adjustment of the double-glazed window occurs until the window closes normally. In time, this work will not take you more than 20 minutes.
Do-it-yourself double-glazed window adjustment: how to adjust the lower hardware hinges
This element serves to adjust the bottom of the sash to the left or right, as well as to set the values of the element up and down relative to the window frame. To adjust the bottom, turn the bottom screw. It is located directly on the window frame. To adjust up and down, rotate the element placed directly onsash itself.
How to adjust the sash pressure?
At the end of the sash there are special mechanisms responsible for the correct closing of the double-glazed window. Several such elements can be located along the perimeter of the window. Here, in addition to the hexagon, you will also need a screwdriver. It needs to rotate the head, which, when closing the metal-plastic window, enters the frame. It is made in the form of an eccentric and is responsible for adjusting the pressure.
Tips for the care of plastic windows
In order for your double-glazed windows to last as long as possible without additional adjustments, do not make strong seals with a roller pressure in the summer. In a stressed state, this element wears out very quickly, and soon you will have to install a new sealing mechanism with it. However, if this is an adjustment of double-glazed windows for the winter, then strong seals by pressing the roller are allowed.
And in order to avoid frequent distortions and loosening of the hinges, purchase windows with an opening sash width of no more than one meter. The very material (plastic) of double-glazed windows should be as light as possible, but at the same time strong enough. So the load on the window elements will be significantly reduced, and accordingly, their service life will increase.
So, we found out how do-it-yourself double-glazed windows are adjusted, and how to prevent frequent distortions and wear of metal-plastic window elements.