Modern plastic windows are of good quality and durability. To prolong their service life, it is necessary to properly maintain and operate the devices. One of the main conditions for the correct operation of systems is the adjustment of plastic window fittings. Such an operation may be required when switching from summer to winter mode or after several years of operation. It may also be necessary to repair the handle if it is jammed or there is a backlash, repairing the doors that stop opening smoothly and effortlessly. Another popular problem is the displacement of window elements and clinging to the frame. Let's try to figure out how to solve these problems on our own, without calling a specialist.
Which tool do you need?
It is quite possible to adjust the fittings of plastic windows on your own. This does not require not only the participation of a professional, but also the availability of special tools, the main thing is the desire and understanding of the functioning of the system.
Among the required tools:
- Key withfour millimeter hexagonal tip (similar to those used for servicing bicycles and mopeds).
- Several screwdrivers with "T", "TX" or Phillips bits (depending on the type of fastening of the serviced elements).
- Pliers.
- Engine oil or "Wade" (WD-40).
Adjustment of plastic window fittings: key nodes
Insulating glass units are adjusted at several key points:
- Setting the bottom hinge of the sash in vertical and horizontal position.
- Adjusting the angle of reclining on the top hinge like scissors.
- Checking the eccentrics around the entire working perimeter for clamping force to the frame.
- Handle position and stability.
The need to adjust plastic window fittings may occur in the following cases:
- If there is clinging of the sash to the bottom of the frame. There is a high probability of deformation of the seal, which will significantly reduce the quality of the insulation.
- The sash is not pressed tightly against the base. This problem contributes to the reduction of thermal insulation and the penetration of cold air into the room.
- If there are drafts and blowing around the perimeter of the lot.
- If the window cannot be closed.
- Detection of metal friction when opening or closing the sash.
- There is a jamming of the handle or its loosening.
Maco hardware adjustment in plasticwindows
Let's consider examples of correcting identified faults on double-glazed windows equipped with fittings from one of the most popular brands. These recommendations are relevant for most modifications from other manufacturers.
Often such manipulations are carried out in horizontal and vertical planes. When touching the base with the lower part of the sash, vertical adjustment of the part will be required. This situation can also arise if the installation of a double-glazed window was carried out in violation of the technology. For example, there may be a gap between the frame and the sash flange of the order of 12 millimeters. This oversight is usually discovered after installation, but it is quite possible to correct the situation without resorting to removing the structure.
First you need to take basic measurements. To do this:
- Using a sharpened pencil, draw a line along the edge of the closed sash.
- The ruler measures the distance from the drawn line to the edge of the sash.
- If the final result does not exceed eight millimeters, it is not necessary to make adjustments. For larger or smaller values, the Mako fittings for plastic windows (as well as any other) should be adjusted as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the seal and other elements will work inefficiently and deform.
Sash pull up
First you need to determine the reference point - it is located at the top of the lower loop of the processed sash and is protected by a special cap that can be easily removed. Then we go directly to the adjustment.
Stages of work onsash pull up:
- A suitable square should be selected from the tool kit. It is undesirable to use keys that are not suitable in size, because you can knock down the control pattern, which can make the further process difficult.
- Tightening up is performed by turning the control screw clockwise, to lower the element, do similar manipulations in the opposite direction.
- When performing work, care and accuracy should be observed, since the screw is rather fragile. Reconciliation of the position of the sash is performed every quarter turn. Rotations must be performed freely, without extraneous sounds and obstacles.
Horizontal Adjustment
A more complicated procedure is the self-adjustment of plastic window fittings in a horizontal plane. Here you will have to change the position of the swing-out mechanism.
Step by step instructions:
- There is a screw on the side of the bottom hinge, which should be unscrewed with a square wrench.
- Turning clockwise will bring the sash closer to the hinge, and turning it in the opposite direction will move it away.
- To set up the scissor mechanism, you first need to open the sash and gain access to the device. There is an adjustment screw located on the fixed part.
- Rotating this screw counterclockwise allows you to remove the frame from the sash, in the opposite direction - to bring it closer. Manipulation is carried out using the samesquare key.
Adjusting Maco fittings on plastic windows horizontally and vertically is carried out using a plumb or building level. They allow you to accurately determine the correct ratio of sashes and frame.
Clamp test
It is quite easy to check the pressure density yourself. A piece of paper is applied, after which the window closes. When pulling, note the degree of pressing at several points. Where the lightest pressing will be observed, there is a problematic place. Experts resort to more professional methods of verification - using a caliper and a depth gauge.
Adjustment of window fittings on plastic windows for clamping is done in the following ways:
- Using the controller on the bottom loop.
- By changing the angle of the lock pins.
- The control screw that is on the turn-lock scissors.
Workflow
Window hardware "Mako", like many other analogues, has a design that allows you to quickly adjust the pressure on the loop from below. The element makes it possible to move the sash in three planes at once. The screw is at the base of the hinge and is adjusted with a TORX-15 key. This procedure allows you to adjust the lower part of the sash.
Top adjustable with scissor mechanism. There is also a control screw, which is serviced by a standard hexagon. The scheme of operation is simple: the revolutions increase clockwiseclamping density, turns in the opposite direction - weaken.
Tuning with trunnions
Adjustment of fittings on plastic windows "Samara", as well as "Mako", can be done by means of trunnions. These elements are oval or round movable heads. Details are placed on the end part of the valves. The trunnions are connected to each other by special devices, which can be verified by turning the handle with the window open.
This setting is advised only if the problem area is in the middle of the frame. It is advisable to adjust the pins before the start of the winter period, since in the hot season the constant opening and closing of the valves leads to a weakening of the assembly, which causes cold air to enter the room. In summer, it is better to loosen the trunnion, which will allow even with the window closed to provide a little ventilation.
Adjustment sequence
The regular placement of the trunnion is determined by the angle of 45 degrees between it and the web vertical. This position refers to the average mode. Do-it-yourself adjustment of plastic window fittings is done as follows:
- Turning the pin clockwise will increase the pressure level.
- Similar manipulation in the opposite direction loosens the pressure.
Work is done with pliers or a spanner wrench. The structure to be machined must rotate without applying significant force. If youoverdo it, the whole system may simply fail.
Prevent sagging sash
There is an opinion that window sashes sag only when open. In fact, the problem can manifest itself in any position, just in closed mode, it is not immediately noticeable. When the sashes are locked, the trunnions are set in motion, aggregating with the oncoming slats. The result is friction that causes sagging.
In order to avoid this breakdown, manufacturers install special "microlift" blockers. This mechanism consists of a small lever, which, when the handle is activated, is set in motion. As a result, part of the load from the mass of the structure is transferred to the frame. The blocker is directly responsible for partial braking of the handle, preventing it from opening if accidentally pressed.
Recommendations
Adjusting the fittings of Roto plastic windows, like many analogues, involves adjusting the lift blocker during installation and during periodic maintenance. The protective element should be placed below the bar by 1-1.5 mm. Adjustment is made using a TORX-15 key. First, the blocker is unscrewed, after which it is placed in the desired position. To simplify the procedure, a scale is preliminarily applied, on which the unit of movement of the slider does not exceed 0.5 millimeters.
What to do if the handle is jammed?
The process of adjusting GU fittings on plastic windows often includes solving the problem of a jammed handle. This problem may occur due toincorrect location of the blocker, quick opening or closing of the window, failure of the handle itself.
The problem is solved in the following ways:
- Try to turn the handle while holding the blocker as close as possible to the sash.
- The second option is appropriate if the slamming happened on the scissors. The blocker is gently held with one hand, and with the other they try to turn the handle. It is necessary to press the blocking element carefully, it is advisable to use not fingers, but a suitable object or tool.
It is worth noting that the use of excessive force in this case will not help. On the contrary, it may damage the parts. If you cannot turn the handle following the above recommendations, there is probably a malfunction in the scissors or lock mechanism. In this case, the elements must be replaced. The work should be entrusted to specialists, as it requires the use of a special tool and appropriate skills.
Repair of a loose handle
The handle on double-glazed windows sometimes loosens up. Especially this problem often occurs if the window installation technology is violated.
Solve this problem easily by following these steps:
- First, the decorative strip is displaced, which serves to cover the internal filling. The protection is removed carefully, in different ways, depending on the type of fittings (usually it is pryed off with a sharp object, shifted to the side and removed).
- The screws fixing the main mechanism are tightened with a Phillips screwdriver. Effort notshould be excessive to avoid damaging the plastic.
- After checking the operation of the mechanism, the pad is mounted in its place.
Loosening of the handle does not play a significant role in the operation of the entire structure, however, there is a possibility of a lack of sashes, which reduces the life of the double-glazed unit.
Conclusion
The types of fittings for plastic windows and their adjustment are discussed above. As you can see, all of these works can be done by hand, without special experience and skills. No special tools are required for manipulation. If you regularly adjust window elements, you can significantly extend their service life and increase operating efficiency. For more complex work or in case of serious breakdowns, it is better to contact specialists.
