Most people prefer plastic windows, because they have better characteristics than wooden structures. However, during operation, they must be taken care of so that they do not break. Often it happens that the plastic window does not open. What is this connected with and how to fix the situation without involving specialists? Below we will talk about this.
The main problems and causes
Most often, homeowners are faced with the fact that the structure does not open completely, partially, it does not allow switching to the ventilation mode or it wedges its bottom. There are also cases when the window sticks, the accessories stop working, the profile is deformed, the handle does not rotate or break. All these problems can be dealt with if you know the causes of the breakdown.
Most of the malfunctions due to which the plastic window does not open properly are associated with:
- breakdown of the folding mechanism;
- incorrect alignment of the harness;
- incorrectly made adjustment;
- sagging or warping of the sash;
- wear of accessories, because it is subjected to serious stresses during operation.
If the window sticks
If the sash does not open well, closes or sticks, most likely it touches the bottom or side frame element. With each passing day, it is skewing more and more, as a result of which it may even stop closing. In this case, adjusting the design will help. Similar manipulations will also be required if the plastic window does not open for ventilation.
The shutter is adjustable in length, height, width and along the axis of rotation (horizontal and vertical). Before starting work, it is necessary to remove the decorative pads from the hinges and find the adjusting element (at the lower and upper ends). It can be represented by a hexagon, an asterisk or a hole for a conventional screwdriver. The adjustment is to turn these eccentrics. Near the edge of the roller, you need to find a point that will show how tightly the sash is pressed (maximum approximation to the seal).
Hardware problems
Over time, window fittings become clogged with dirt, as a result of which it stops working. In this case, it is necessary to sort out the mechanisms and clean them from pollution. If the plastic window does not open due to fittings, you need to:
- remove decorative elements from the hinges;
- pull the axis out of the upper loop (hit the top and pull it out from below);
- remove the sash from the lower hinge and put it in a place convenient for parsing;
- find around the perimeter all the screws that hold the hardware (located in a special groove);
- pull out the mechanism, put it on the film and rinse with a brush dipped in a cleaning agent;
- dry the parts with a hairdryer or just wait;
- Coat all transmission and rubbing elements with a lubricant (special, for plastic windows);
- return the hardware to its place and fasten it with screws;
- put a window in the opening and grease the hinges.
Warp profile
Windows with both a tilt and swing mechanism and a pivot are susceptible to this malfunction. The cause of the problem may be poor installation (stretching the frame with an anchor), lack of leveling plates (located between the profile and the glass).
If in this case the plastic window does not open, then it can be repaired quite quickly. It is necessary to remove the glazing bead (near the hinges) and insert straightening plates between the profile and the glass. To remove the glazing bead, you need a wide chisel or a tight spatula. The tool leans against its base and, with a light stroke, disconnects the element.
It is worth paying attention to the plates located at the bottom of the window. If necessary, they can be supplemented with pieces of a school line (the width corresponds to the thickness of the glass unit). They are easily inserted if you move the sash 3-5 mm (with the same chisel). It is necessary to ensure that the edges of the plates do not rest against the glass, otherwise cracks will appear.
The handle does not turn
There are other reasons why a plastic window does not open. Does the handle not turn? Most likely, the hardware has dried out or the sash has sagged. To begin with, the window is inspected for sagging, which can be seen with the naked eye. If they are, then adjustment is necessary (the rules of execution are described above). If there is no slack, then you will have to check the lubrication.
Plastic windows have a rather complicated hardware system, which is controlled by just one handle. In order for all mechanisms to work efficiently and smoothly, it is necessary to care for them and regularly lubricate them. For these purposes, you will need universal penetrating or special hardware lubricant. This composition should be processed all moving elements.
The handle broke
If the handle of the plastic window does not open or it breaks, you can change it yourself. For work, you need a screwdriver, a new pen and a little patience. To replace it you need:
- turn the plastic cover at the base of the handle 90 degrees;
- unscrew the screws holding this important element with a screwdriver;
- remove the old handle and put a new one in its place;
- return the screws into place and tighten them;
- put back the plastic cover.
If you often have to ventilate the room, it is worthwhile to install special opening limiters in the form of a comb. They not only protect the pen from constant twitching, but also protect children.
If the plastic window opens in two positions
Most often, this situation is not considered a malfunction. This can happen if the plastic structure is not used properly. Incorrect opening of the window can lead to the fact that you have to quickly return it to its original position. Users should be aware that in the manufacture of structures, various swing-out elements are used to change the opening mode. Typically, a window is equipped with a device that blocks the simultaneous use of two modes. However, there are situations when this still happened. With what it can be connected?
1. The balancing of the main mount has not been completed. If the window is not fixed correctly, it may open incorrectly. Most likely, the spring, responsible for the operation of the handle, blocks the movement and does not allow the sash to fall into place. It is important to do everything carefully: you need to close the window and turn the handle to the correct position.
2. The handle is locked. This happens when you shift a small part in the window - “scissors”. The solution to this problem is to disassemble a part of the frame, and replace the part.
3. The ingress of a foreign object (such as water flow). It is necessary to check its presence in the space between the sash and the frame and, if necessary, remove the interference.
Opening the window outside
If the plastic window does not open, then you can do it outside. For these purposes, you will need some tools. The structure can be opened using a metal ruler or plate. The tool is placed between the frame and the glass to get to the latch. It needs to be hooked and gently pulled down.
An emergency screwdriver may come in handy. It is necessary to determine the position of the latch, squeeze the sash with a tool and press the fittings. The window should open slightly, after which it remains to turn the handle.
A more serious way of opening a plastic structure is drilling, which is used in extreme cases. In this case, a hole is drilled, because of which it will be necessary to change the entire sash.
Repair of plastic windows should not cause difficulties, so you can do everything yourself. The main thing in this business is not to overtighten the product, not to overdo it, and also to make sure that the problem place is identified correctly.