Self- adjustment of the plastic window may be required in various cases. It happens that the 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 fitters according to the opening parameters. If everything is done correctly, problems should not arise in the future. Plastic windows can serve faithfully for forty years or even longer. And yet, over time, the appearance of unpleasant situations, often associated with external influences, is likely.
Possible breakdowns and their consequences
The most common problems that reduce the quality of the design 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, it will be necessary to adjust the hinges of the plastic windows, perhaps six months after their installation, because the building may shrink. External factors often lead to the fact that the fittings begin to seize, as a result of which the movement of the wings is difficult, drafts arise, therefore, insulation is disturbed.
All this can be avoided by adjusting the plastic windows. It should be done independently approximately 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 design into working condition with your own hands, spending only ten to twenty minutes on it? Adjustment of plastic windows Rehau, Veka, KBE and most other brands is relatively simple, because they are equipped with fairly convenient mechanisms.
Basic structural elements
- Frame - plastic fixed part of the window. Sashes are attached to the frame.
- Sash - the opening part of the window.
- Double-glazed window - glass sealed in a special way. Packages, depending on the number of glasses used, are single-chamber (one camera and two glasses) and two-chamber (two cameras and three glasses).
- Accessories - window hinges, locking devices, handles, latches and other mechanisms necessary to open the leaves and fix them in a certain position.
- The reinforcing profile is a reinforcing steel element that is located inside the PVC profile. It is necessary for stiffening the window construction.
- Impost - the profile of the box designed for the sash. It is also necessary for hinging sashes in three-stage windows.
- Shtapik - a special plastic rail that holds a double-glazed window in a window.
- Low tide - an extensive and flat profile mounted on the outside. It is designed to divert rainwater from a window.
- Slope - a profile that is used to gently trim the side surface of a window opening.
Types of Faults
Adjustment of plastic windows can be done independently in cases when:
- the sash touches when closing the frame from below or from the side;
- the sash is loose against the frame;
- when you turn the knob in the closed position, the window does not close;
- when the sash is closed and the handle cannot be turned, the window does not close;
- handle breakage occurred;
- it is possible to open the casement only with great effort, the handle hardly rotates.
Tools for repair
Structural troubleshooting, as well as adjusting plastic windows for the winter, will be difficult if you do not have specific tools available. But it is worth noting that for repair only the most basic devices are needed, namely:
- 4 mm hexagon;
- pliers;
- a set of "stars";
- Phillips and flat head screwdrivers.
General principles of adjustment
Most modern windows are designed so that you can adjust the shutters in 3 planes at once. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve the most correct position in the sash frame and the optimal level of clamping of the seals around the perimeter of the opening part of the window. Depending on the manufacturer of the hardware, the individual elements of the work may differ, but in general, adjusting the plastic windows, which everyone can independently carry out, involves adjusting horizontally and vertically, as well as optimizing the shutter pressure. Next, we’ll talk about what actions should be performed in each case in order to fix the problem.
Sash touches when closing the frame from the bottom or side
It is necessary to remove the leaf sideways or the top of the upper hinge. To do this, open it and turn the adjustment screw, located at the very end of the sash, not far from the upper hinge, by three to five turns clockwise. After that, you need to close the sash and remove the cap from the lower hinge, and then turn the lower hinge by three to five turns in a clockwise direction with the hexagon. That's all, it remains only to check the free movement of the sash. If the problem persists, repeat all of the above steps again.
The sash is loose against the frame
On the sash, on the side end on the handle side, there is a system of eccentrics. It allows you to adjust the density of the clip to the frame. Depending on the manufacturer, outwardly these designs may be different, but the principle of operation is identical. The hexagon or pliers should rotate the eccentrics until the necessary degree of fit of the sash to the frame is created.
Clamp Adjustment
If blowing is felt around the sash, there is therefore a problem with the clamps, and they need to be adjusted. Opening the sash, you will see oval clips on the side; when you turn the handle, each of them comes into its place on the frame. It is possible to ensure maximum fit to the frame by turning the mechanism with pliers and setting it perpendicular to the sash. If the clip is set parallel to the leaf, a minimal fit will be ensured. Adjusting the plastic windows for the winter just consists in changing the position of the clip in such a way as to block the ingress of air through the cracks.
Hinge adjustment
Blowing can also be from the hinges. 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 all the way. So you squeeze the sash to the frame as much as possible. If you turn the screwdriver in the other direction, push the loop as far as possible from the frame.
As for the upper loop, you should pay attention to the special tongue on it. This is a blocker, in other words, a limiter. Often it is provided for tilt-and-turn window models. If the lock is pressed, you cannot turn the knob up or down. The hinge adjustment in this type of construction is carried out by setting the position of the tongue parallel to the sash and raising the handle up to fold. As a result of such actions, you will see a hole for the hexagon on the upper hook on the inside. The closer the mechanism is to the edge, the greater the pressure will be, the farther from the edge - the smaller. After adjustment, it is necessary to 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, in winter it is recommended to install a strong sash pressure to the frame, and in the summer - weak. If there is no need to adjust the pressure on the hinge side, then you should take action using the adjusting screw that is on the lower loop. If the design has a swing-out sash, you must additionally adjust the sash pressure with the upper hinge. To get to the screw, you should open the sash, press the lock and turn the knob to the "airing" mode. By rotating the stopper clockwise, you will press the shutter against the frame, and when you turn the lock counterclockwise, you will push it.
The fittings of some types are regulated using special screwdrivers located on the side of the handle on the window frame. Using a hexagon, you can change the position of screwdrivers. Plastic windows, which are adjusted for the winter on their own, will reliably protect you from the penetration of frosty air if you move the screwdriver closer to the street. Thus, you will provide a stronger pressing of the sash to the frame.
When you turn the handle in the closed position, the window does not close
In order not to break the hardware mechanisms, the window handle should be turned only at the moment when the sash is closed. To prevent accidental rotation of the handle, certain locks are provided that do not allow this to be done with the sash open. 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 clutch of the limiter and the counter element on the frame did not work. There are two ways to fix the problem:
- Using the adjusting screw located under the lower hinge, move the sash slightly to the side where the mating element is located.
- Loosen the mount slightly, and then insert between the counterpart of the stop and the window frame a thin plate of some hard and strong material.
Handle breaks down
Slightly pull the handle pad toward you, and then rotate it perpendicularly. Loosen the screws and remove the faulty handle. When a new hardware element is installed, return the pad to its original position. Window handles are sold in many construction and hardware stores. Replacing the mechanism may be required not only in the event of a breakdown, but also if you want to install a modified handle, for example, with an additional lock.
The handle is difficult to turn
The most common cause of this problem is a lack of lubrication. Mechanisms should be lubricated at least once a year, and preferably more often. Aerosol grease or machine oil is suitable for this purpose. Remember: monitoring the technical condition of the structure, even in the absence of obvious defects, must be carried out regularly.
Finally
So, adjusting the plastic windows on your own is a very simple, one might even say, elementary process. However, despite the simplicity of the troubleshooting methods presented above, you need to start manipulating only when you clearly understand what and how to do it. If you are worried that the available skills will not be enough, and you can’t do it yourself with an adjustable plastic window, it is better to contact professionals in this matter.