Modern window systems, contrary to the opinion of the townsfolk, require constant maintenance. Of course, they do not need to be sealed for the winter period or painted every season, as is the case with wooden counterparts.
For the full functioning of metal-plastic double-glazed windows, you need to translate into mode corresponding to the time of year. How to independently adjust the plastic windows for the winter? And how important is it to do?
Seasonal Maintenance
The main feature of the opening windows is that they do not have window panes. For better ventilation of the room, the system provides pivoting sashes. During the operation of plastic double-glazed windows, you can notice that a draft appears in the winter. Do not panic - this is not a manufacturing defect, but the seasonal regime is simply incorrectly set. The transfer of plastic windows to winter and summer modes is a mandatory procedure in maintenance.
During long-term operation, drafts are also possible. This is due to loosening of the hinge screws of the rotary locking mechanisms. By independently adjusting the windows for the winter, you can easily save 3-7 thousand rubles on the call of specialists.
Leak test
How to prepare plastic windows for winter? With the onset of cold weather, it is necessary to conduct a routine inspection of the state of normal locking of the valves in winter mode. Tightness can be checked in several ways:
- Tactilely. Running your hand along the frame, you can establish the presence of serious drafts.
- Fire matches or lighters. Deviation of the flame from the vertical indicates the presence of blowing.
- A sheet of paper. They leave him in a closed sash and try to pull it out. If the leaf comes out easily, it means that the sash does not close tightly.
Having identified the problem areas, they begin to regulate the system to optimal requirements.
Switching modes winter / summer
When installing double-glazed windows, installers set the initial neutral parameters for locking the shutters. All positions will be tuned for optimal functionality. However, then you need to make adjustments to the settings - ideally with a frequency of 2 times a year.
Why is it necessary
Often, seasonal adjustment is forgotten, leaving the sash pressure in the neutral position. As with any violation of the operating rules, over time, the consequences arise:
- drafts from under the sash, even with the correct installation adjustments;
- if the summer mode is set, then in winter it will not provide sufficient clamping of the locking mechanism, which will cause heat loss from the room;
- if you leave the winter position, then due to the constant strong pressure of the sash on the seal, the latter will quickly become worthless;
- in the absence of seasonal adjustment, the normal microclimate of the room is violated, including a rise in humidity (there is a risk of condensation and mold).
To do this, you need to correctly set the winter and summer mode of plastic windows in setting the sashes.
Adjusting mechanisms
Before proceeding with the change of mode, it is necessary to determine the places in which the devices for adjustment are located. In most cases, the system provides for special mechanisms - trunnions, which, depending on their position, determine the degree of pressing of the sash necessary for the season.
They are located at the ends of a metal-plastic window or door. The number of such mechanisms may vary depending on the size and manufacturer of the double-glazed window (from two or more).
The trunnions may differ in appearance, but they perform the same function as an adjustment function.
At the edge of the eccentric is a risk that serves as an indicator of the desired regime. By default, it is set up - this is a neutral position, which must be changed in accordance with the season.
How to switch
The process itself is quite simple, you only need one tool - a simple hexagon (usually 4 mm), less often an asterisk.
It is necessary to set plastic windows in the cold season before the onset of frost, when the temperature is still plus 5-10 °.
Open the double-glazed window and inspect the ends. Usually one eccentric is always on the side, the second on top.
Most likely, the regimes will be in a neutral position, and the risks point up. Having picked up the necessary tool, they change the position of the marker.
To set the plastic window for the winter, turn the notch on the regulator to the outside of the room. With the onset of the warm season, the position of the marker should be translated by a label inside the room. Accordingly, if there are several such regulators, then the transfer of modes is carried out by turning to one position all the existing eccentrics.
You need to constantly switch the modes according to the season - this is what will ensure the normal functionality, ventilation balance and sufficient energy saving in the housing.
What other adjustment methods are there?
If, while checking for tightness of the locking, cold air still penetrates from above or below the sash, then the problem is most likely the incorrect setting of the sash geometry.
The figure shows the main points where you may need to adjust the hardware. The window design provides several adjustment options:
- horizontal and vertical shift;
- setting the position of the lower corner;
- degree of pressing to the frame.
How are optimal modes set?
Vertical positioning
This is done by adjusting the bottom loop. Remove the protective pad. There are two adjustment points - horizontal and vertical. To raise or lower the sash, adjust the screw located on top of the hinge. To raise it, turn it clockwise, and vice versa, if you need to lower the height.
Horizontal adjustment
To perform this operation, both loops must be set.
On the side of the lower canopy there is a second screw designed to change the horizontal position. When it is rotated from left to right, the sash moves toward the hinge, and vice versa, when it is turned backwards.
Drafts are also possible through a non-lockable upper corner of the window. To do this, set the clamp of the upper loop, the regulation screw of which is on the side. We twist it and achieve the desired result - evenness and tightness of fit.
By changing the horizontal position, it is necessary to leave a gap of several millimeters between the hinge and the sash. Otherwise, with strong tightening, the ventilation mode will not work.
Changing the degree of pressing the sash
The clamping mechanism is another device in the form of a plate located on the frame. It is designed to counter hacking by pushing the sash off the street.
When turning clockwise, the tongue extends, which will contribute to a denser closure.
Adjustment of fit of the upper corner
To press the upper corner of the window to the frame there is another adjustment screw. To get to it, you need to open the window in two directions at once. To do this, press the lock at the end of the sash, as shown in the picture.
Take it all the way, turn the handle to ventilate, and then pull the upper edge of the sash towards you. Access to the clamping mechanism is open. On one of the plates there is a place for a hexagon. By turning it, you can adjust the fit of the upper corner of the sash.
These are the main problems that may appear during a long period of operation, when the system’s operation gradually weakens the initially set modes. But immediately after installation, all these settings are regulated by the installers themselves from the supplier company - they are required to ensure the correct operation of the system.
Of course, if there is no experience or it is not clear how to make the adjustment with your own hands, it is best to contact the installation company. They will send their specialist who will perform all the necessary procedures, putting the sashes in the right position.
If the adjustments do not work
A situation may arise when the sashes are correctly adjusted, the plastic windows are switched to the desired season mode and all mechanisms close well, and still there are problems:
- draft;
- condensate;
- freezing.
Such nuances can occur in several cases:
- Defective windows. This happens quite rarely and only when ordering in dubious companies.
- Incorrect installation. During installation, the correct technology must be observed: compliance with the gaps between the frame and the opening, high-quality fastening and mandatory sealing with construction foam.
- No trim on the slopes. Polyurethane foam without protection quickly collapses under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and moisture.
- Seal wear. It is possible with prolonged or improper operation of double-glazed windows.
When a malfunction is identified, it is eliminated. Now the windows should work correctly and provide sufficient tightness.