It is generally accepted that replacing a traditional wooden frame with a modern PVC profile immediately eliminates drafts, from the formation of ice, freezing. However, after the onset of cold weather, many begin to notice something is amiss: blowing from plastic windows as before. Why is this happening? And most importantly, how to eliminate this drawback?
Installation quality
The first thing that comes to mind is the carelessness of the installers. Indeed, the dishonesty of installers who did not bother to carefully adjust the frame, poorly foam joints or make other technological errors, very often causes subsequent heat losses. But sometimes we ourselves strive to save money by choosing a cheap but low-quality profile. Or we choose a single-chamber double-glazed window that does not cope with its task of maintaining heat in the conditions of Russian winters. And much depends on the fittings.
Hardware
The reason that cold air blows from plastic windows is unreliable hardware. It is she who is responsible for the leaking fit of the wings when locking. Sometimes it is enough to replace poor-quality fittings, and the problem will be resolved. Sometimes replacement is not required. It is simply necessary to adjust the existing system.
Now produce designs that are designed for two modes: winter and summer. The first option is characterized by a denser clip of the shutters. If your master has not explained to you all the features of the adjustment, you will have to deal with this issue yourself.
First of all, inspect the flaps around the perimeter. You will find round or oval elements called “pins”. These details are just responsible for the clamp. The trunnions must be moved to the maximum position at the same time, moving in a clockwise direction. The operation must be performed without closing the windows. For the procedure, you will need pliers or a screwdriver (this really depends solely on the type of hardware). Be sure to rotate all the pins. Otherwise, you will break the structure.
Some manufacturers have taken care of automating this process. Their accessories are equipped with a special roller on which the ring is located. Rotating it, we easily change modes from summer to winter and vice versa. In the winter version, the handle starts to work tighter, the junction of the wings is stronger, and the problem of blowing from a plastic window disappears in no time.
Take care of the seal
To avoid drafts, take care of a good profile seal in advance. Otherwise, low-quality tires simply crack with the onset of severe cold weather. Yes, and a very solid sealant can eventually become completely unusable.
Therefore, if you notice that it is blowing through plastic windows, then immediately check the condition of the rubber cord. And if defects are found, immediately change it. This procedure is simple. It is quite possible to cope with it independently. Or just call the master at home.
When choosing new gaskets, take a look at the commercially available silicone seals. They have excellent thermal insulating characteristics. And one more thing: before gluing a new gasket, do not forget to thoroughly wash the profile from dirt.
Such a subtle structural element as a glazing bead affects the quality of the seal. It provides a tight fit of the glass to the profile. The bead is also to be replaced. In addition to such a drastic measure, you can try to fill the gaps between the frame and the glass with silicone. Or resort to an effective "grandmother's" tool - to glue the gaps with thick adhesive tape.
Of all the cracks
Why is it blowing from plastic windows even when both the seal is in order and the glazing bead is good, and the fittings lock the doors more tightly? In such a situation, it is necessary to check whether drafts penetrate from the side of the slopes. The fact is that the space between the wall and the window structure, according to the technology, is foamed with polyurethane foam. A special polyurethane composition is introduced into the gap by means of a pistol or a bottle with a tube, where it increases quite rapidly in volume and solidifies. The excess is then removed with a knife.
If little foam is added, then this leads to the formation of voids. And this is the direct reason that it blows from plastic windows.
An assembly seam is not eternal. Five or eight years later, the foam begins to slowly collapse. There is a need to remove slopes, buy cans of foam and re-fill the gaps with the composition. After that, return the slopes to the place.
Blowing from under plastic windows
Sometimes similar gaps appear under the windowsill. Again, this is either a consequence of saving foam at the stage of installation, or simply wear. In any case, it is necessary to disassemble the window sill and restore the tightness.
As a preventive measure, it will not hurt to take additional measures to warm the space under the windowsill. Just buy a sealant and carefully apply it along the seam between the PVC structure and the wall.
To ensure that the foam does not collapse too quickly under the influence of moisture, it must be protected. Silicone or a vapor barrier film does a good job of this. They protect the wall from dampness and prevent fungi and mold from developing.
Check the loops
Sometimes you can find that blowing from the hinges of plastic windows. Why is this happening? In search of an answer, you will have to examine the outside of the frame. Look for extra holes. This is likely to be technological gaps for mounting on the window of the mosquito net. In winter, they are not needed, so we close them until the summer.
We hope that now you have received the necessary explanations as to why it blows from plastic windows. And like any problem, this trouble is better to be warned in advance. Meticulously choose a company for the installation of PVC structures, at least meticulously select a profile, accessories. Watch the quality of installation. Do not forget to ask for warranty service windows. So it will be easier and cheaper to eliminate detected defects. And also follow the rules of operation of plastic window systems, monitor the condition of the sealant, and eliminate any problems that may arise.