Winter clamping of plastic windows. How to transfer plastic windows to winter mode - adjusting window fittings. Plastic window modes - what are they and what is it

The design of plastic windows implies the ability to adjust the degree of pressing the window sash, this function is designed to transfer the system to seasonal winter-summer modes.

Plastic windows are installed in almost every third apartment or private house, but not all users are aware of the operational possibilities provided by metal-plastic windows.

One of the functional features is the transfer of the plastic window mode from winter mode to summer mode, and vice versa. This ability is determined by the type of fittings used. Of course, this property is not inherent in all PVC windows, but only in those on which more modern fittings are installed.

Plastic window modes - what are they and what is it

Winter mode of plastic windows- this mode allows for a closer fit of the window sash frame to the window frame and, accordingly, helps to save heat in the winter season;

Summer mode of plastic windows- differs in a less tight fit of the sash, which ensures the possibility of constant air circulation between the room and the environment, i.e. allows you to implement the micro-ventilation mode.

Standard position(mode of medium pressing of the sash to the frame - the eccentric is in the middle), as a rule, a window with a double-glazed window in this mode works equally well both in winter and in summer, providing optimal pressing of the seal.

Why do you need to adjust the modes of plastic windows

Setting the modes makes it possible to extend the life of the window. Adjustment allows you to change the degree of fit of the sash to the frame. After all, in winter the material is compressed, and in summer it expands. Adjustment of PVC window fittings makes it possible to reduce the wear of the seal and fasteners.

In addition, some of the reasons why you need to change modes include:

Blowing from the window. Cold air in the winter or dust in the summer is something to avoid when installing a new window;

The sash opens/closes poorly. For example, if a plastic window is stuck in the ventilation mode, then one of the reasons may be an incorrectly set mode;

Sagging window sash. It is a consequence of the wear of the hinges, it is eliminated by switching to the winter mode or replacing the fittings.

The ability to switch between modes is implemented in fittings from well-known manufacturers, such as: Maco, Roto, Siegenia Aubi, GU. However, today, setting up fittings is the rule rather than the exception for all fittings that are above the budget class.

How to determine if it is possible to switch windows to winter mode?

Often, during installation, the user does not receive information about the capabilities of window fittings. To understand whether a transfer to different modes is provided for a particular PVC window, you need to study the appearance (marking) of the fittings, in particular the pins.

A trunnion or eccentric is an element of fittings that allows you to adjust the degree of pressure of the sash against the window frame. It is located on the side of the sash.

If holes for a key are marked on the surface of the trunnion (in the form of an asterisk, a screwdriver, a hexagon) or the trunnion has an oval shape, this indicates that this fitting makes it possible to operate the window in different seasonal modes.

Do I need to convert windows to winter mode?

In autumn, with the approach of cold weather, it is recommended to switch the fittings to winter mode. Otherwise, there is a high probability of blowing from the side of the sash. If the seal is in good condition, you can leave the window in summer mode. During the period of warming, the transfer of fittings to summer mode helps to reduce the pressure (load) on the seal and is a prerequisite for its long-term operation.

How to determine in what mode plastic windows?

There are two ways to check which mode a window is in:

Assess the degree of pressing the window sash to the frame. Take a sheet of paper and place it between the sash and the frame. If, after closing the window, the clamped sheet is pulled out with minimal effort, then the window is set to the summer mode, if it is not pulled out (torn), then to the winter one.

Look at the position of the trunnion (eccentric). On the round trunnion there is a dash (dot, asterisk), by which you can evaluate the mode. If the dash is oriented towards the room - this is a winter mode, if towards the street - summer.

For oval trunnions, a different rule applies. If it is located vertically, a weak pressure of the sash to the window frame is provided, which allows us to assert that the window is set to summer mode. If horizontally - strong pressure, i.e. winter mode.

How to switch plastic windows to winter mode or summer mode

The transfer between modes is simple, but each step needs to be paid attention, otherwise, the fittings will fail, and it will need to be replaced or the window needs to be overhauled. Some users prefer to apply for a service to the company that installed the windows.

However, the translation process is not complicated and it is quite possible to perform it on your own, spending no more than half an hour on everything.

How to adjust plastic windows for winter mode with your own hands

Adjusting pins on plastic windows - step by step instructions:

Determine the location of the pins. The number of eccentrics depends on the leaf size. As a rule, there are three of them on the side of the handle and one each on the opposite side (where there are hinges, canopies, as well as on top and bottom of the sash). You need to find all the trunnions, because. when changing modes, you need to change the position of each of them;

Wipe all window elements and thoroughly clean the fittings. This will prevent dust from entering when turning the trunnions and protect them from mechanical damage;

Clean lubricated elements. After the transition, it is better to apply the lubricant again;

Consider pins. Find on their surface strips or other designations indicating the operating mode of the window. If the pins are oval, pay attention to their position relative to the horizontal;

Rotate each of the pins to the desired position. You need to turn either with a hexagon (or other suitable tool) or with pliers (for oval pins).

Check the correctness of the translation by placing and then removing a sheet of paper from the closed window.

Note. Some manufacturers of plastic windows make the trunnions "recessed" into the sash. Before turning them, you need to pull them out, then set them in the desired position and drown them again. The turning procedure is similar to the procedure for moving the hands on a mechanical wrist watch.

Please note - when switching to winter mode, a long dash (or dot) should be directed towards the room (i.e., to the sealing gum), and in the case of an oval pin, it is located horizontally.

How to transfer plastic windows to winter mode - video

For your information, the ventilation mode for plastic windows in the winter mode works as standard and the window opens in the usual way.

Switching to summer mode is carried out in the same way, in reverse order. Knowing the sequence of transition to the winter mode, it is easy to set the window fittings to the summer one.

Features of setting up window fittings - rules

Despite the fact that the fittings provide for the possibility of switching between modes, it is not recommended to do this in the first year of operation of the window. The window is still functioning optimally;

Translation is carried out every six months. Moreover, the duration of the winter period is shorter than the summer one;

It is undesirable to operate the window in summer in winter mode, this increases the wear rate of the seal.

Is it worth switching plastic windows to winter mode?

The constant change of modes leads to the fact that the sealant loses its properties. This happens especially quickly in winter mode, because. trunnion pressure on it increases. In addition to the impact of the trunnion, the seal is affected by low temperature and high humidity. This leads to the destruction of the seal (it starts to blow, it becomes necessary to insulate the plastic window), the worn rubber of the seal needs to be replaced. In summer mode, the compactor lasts at least twice as long.

Conclusion

Despite the opportunities that modern window fittings provide, you need to evaluate the feasibility of each option. On the one hand, switching to winter / summer mode provides a more comfortable temperature regime in the room and reduces heat loss through the window opening. On the other hand, translation contributes to the rapid wear of the seal, which necessitates its replacement and additional costs. Therefore, it is necessary for each user to transfer windows for the winter or not, based on his personal preferences.

The design of plastic windows implies the ability to adjust the degree of pressing the window sash, this function is designed to transfer the system to seasonal winter-summer modes.

Plastic windows are installed in almost every third apartment or private house, but not all users are aware of the operational possibilities provided by metal-plastic windows.

Plastic window modes - what are they and what is it

Winter mode of plastic windows- this mode allows for a tighter fit of the window sash frame to the window frame and, accordingly, helps to save heat in the winter season;
Summer mode of plastic windows- it differs by a less tight fit of the sash, which ensures the possibility of constant air circulation between the room and the environment, i.e. allows you to implement the micro-ventilation mode.
Standard position(the mode of medium pressing of the sash to the frame - the eccentric is in the middle), as a rule, a window with a double-glazed window in this mode works equally well both in winter and in summer, providing optimal pressing of the seal.

Why do you need to adjust the modes of plastic windows

In addition, some of the reasons why you need to change modes include:

blowing from the window. Cold air in the winter or dust in the summer is something to avoid when installing a new window;

sash opens/closes poorly. For example, if a plastic window is stuck in the ventilation mode, then one of the reasons may be - an incorrectly set mode;

sagging window sash. It is a consequence of the wear of the hinges, it is eliminated by switching to the winter mode or replacing the fittings.

How to determine if it is possible to switch windows to winter mode?

A trunnion or an eccentric is an element of fittings that allows you to adjust the degree of pressure of the sash against the window frame. It is located on the side of the sash.

Do I need to convert windows to winter mode?

How to determine in what mode plastic windows?

There are two ways to check which mode a window is in:

Assess the degree of pressing the window sash to the frame. Take a sheet of paper and place it between the sash and the frame. If, after closing the window, the clamped sheet is pulled out with minimal effort, then the window is set to summer mode, if not pulled out (torn), then to winter.

Look at the position of the trunnion (eccentric). On the round trunnion there is a dash (dot, asterisk), by which you can evaluate the mode. If the dash is oriented towards the room - this is a winter mode, if towards the street - summer.

For oval trunnions, a different rule applies. If it is located vertically, a weak pressing of the sash to the window frame is provided, which allows us to assert that the window is set to summer mode. If horizontally - strong pressure, i.e. winter mode.

How to switch plastic windows to winter mode or summer mode

However, the translation process is not complicated and it is quite possible to perform it on your own, spending no more than half an hour on everything.

How to adjust plastic windows for winter mode with your own hands

Adjusting pins on plastic windows - step by step instructions:

determine the location of the pins. The number of eccentrics depends on the leaf size. As a rule, there are three of them on the side of the handle and one each on the opposite side (where there are hinges, canopies, as well as on top and bottom of the sash). You need to find all the trunnions, because. when changing modes, you need to change the position of each of them;
wipe all window elements and thoroughly clean the fittings. This will prevent dust from entering when turning the trunnions and protect them from mechanical damage;
clean greased parts. After the transition, it is better to apply the lubricant again;
consider pins. Find on their surface strips or other designations indicating the operating mode of the window. If the pins are oval, pay attention to their position relative to the horizontal;
rotate each of the pins to the required position. You need to turn either with a hexagon (or other suitable tool) or with pliers (for oval pins).
check the correctness of the translation by placing and then removing a sheet of paper from the closed window.

Please note - when switching to winter mode, a long dash (or dot) should be directed towards the room (i.e., to the sealing gum), and in the case of an oval pin, it is located horizontally.

How to transfer plastic windows to winter mode - video

For your information, the ventilation mode for plastic windows in the winter mode works as standard and the window opens in the usual way.

Switching to summer mode is carried out in the same way, in reverse order. Knowing the sequence of transition to the winter mode, it is easy to set the window fittings to the summer one.

Features of setting up window fittings - rules

despite the fact that the fittings provide for the possibility of switching between modes, it is not recommended to do this in the first year of operation of the window. The window is still functioning optimally;

translation is carried out every six months. Moreover, the duration of the winter period is shorter than the summer one;

it is undesirable to operate the window in summer in winter mode, this increases the wear rate of the seal.

Is it worth switching plastic windows to winter mode?

The constant change of modes leads to the fact that the sealant loses its properties. This happens especially quickly in winter mode, because. trunnion pressure on it increases. In addition to the impact of the trunnion, the seal is affected by low temperature and high humidity. This leads to the destruction of the seal (it starts to blow, there is a need for), the worn rubber of the seal needs to be replaced. In summer mode, the compactor lasts at least twice as long.

Conclusion

Translation process:

First of all, you need to find all the eccentrics. Depending on the type of window fittings, there may be several of them. Usually these are three trunnions at the end of the sash from the side of the handle, one from the opposite end, where the hinges are installed, one on the upper plane, the other on the bottom.

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“Transferring to winter mode means adjusting all the eccentrics at the same time. If one of them is not transferred, then the pressure will be loose in some plane. And all the operations done before that did not make sense.

Now you need to thoroughly clean the trunnions and other planes and parts adjacent to it. The goal is to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the eccentric displacement planes. That is, in this way the problem of eliminating the mechanical impact on the adjustable node is solved.

After that, it is recommended to lubricate the fittings.

If the pin head is round, we are looking for a mark by which the set mode is determined.
Now all the eccentrics must be turned one by one to the required position. This will require tools that match the shape of the recess on the head of the rotary mechanism. If the head is oval, then the translation is carried out with ordinary pliers.

Now we need to check if everything is done correctly. It is better to check with a notebook sheet, as described above. You won't find a better option.

Be warned that some manufacturers of window fittings make eccentrics in the form of a recessed mechanism. That is, their hat is flush with the plane of the end face of the window sash. Before transferring eurowindows to winter mode, it is necessary to pull the caps of the trunnions out of the socket towards you. Rotate them to the desired position and then push them back into the sash.

By the way, before switching windows to winter mode with a hexagon, you need to accurately select this tool. Its size is 4 mm. A fixture is made of tool steel in the form of a tool bent at an angle of 90 degrees. It is easy to work with him, because his principle of action is a lever that increases the effort several times.

Video of the process of transferring plastic windows to winter mode

The video below shows how to correctly switch windows to winter mode. It clearly shows another type of window fittings, where there is no need to use additional tools when translating. Everything is done by hand. To do this, the pressure roller is simply pulled towards itself and rotates freely about its axis. This is how the switch is made.

Attention! Regardless of the set pressing mode, plastic windows open for ventilation in the standard way.

Window fitting requirements

The question of how to switch windows to winter mode is not only a simple turn of the pressure rollers. There are certain requirements that must be met:

During the first year of operation, the standard position should be set. Rubber seals are still in good quality condition, so they can ensure a tight fit of the sash to the frame.
You can not keep the winter mode in the summer, and the summer mode in the winter.
The transfer must be carried out twice a year in accordance with the temperature outside. For example, if it is still warm in November, that is, there is a positive temperature, then you should not make a transfer to cold weather. Better to wait a bit.

If even in the winter position of plastic windows between the sash, impost and frame it blows, it means that the rubber seals have worn out, their operational life has been exhausted. What to do in this case? Change to new ones. It's easy to do.

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Winter and summer mode in plastic windows: switching methods, malfunctions and their elimination

The topic of this article is the winter-summer mode in plastic windows. Together with the reader, we will understand why this function of window fittings is necessary, what problems may arise when using it, and how to eliminate these problems. So, let's go.

What it is

Summer and winter modes on plastic windows differ in the pressing force of the sash and, accordingly, the maximum gap between the opening sash and the frame:

In winter mode, the sash is pressed closer to the frame;
In summer, the gap is a couple of millimeters larger.

The clamping force is changed in the simplest and most obvious way - by turning the eccentric rollers responsible for fixing the sash in the closed position.

Why is it needed

Remember physics? There is such a term - thermal expansion. It describes the behavior of almost any material when heated: the linear dimensions of an object made from it change upwards.

Window profiles are no exception.

When cooled, accordingly, the size of the object decreases. For those materials that are used in the manufacture of modern windows, the coefficient of thermal expansion takes the following values:

A little, right? However, when heated, say, by 60 degrees, a modest five to six hundredths of a millimeter per meter will turn into 3 - 3.6 mm.

Thermal expansion is simple and clear.

In terms of the standard thickness of the metal-plastic profile (60 mm), the expansion when heated from winter -30 to summer +30 degrees will be about two tenths of a millimeter.

This seemingly small difference may well mean the presence or absence of a cold draft around the perimeter of the sash - a draft that will lead not only to understandable discomfort, but also to unreasonably large heat losses. For which, for a moment, you pay.

Let the surprised reader say, but what about elastic rubber? Doesn't it compensate for a slight change in the size of the sash?

Of course it compensates. However, rubber tends to lose elasticity over time. A permanently compressed rubber profile will take on the shape and dimensions of the gap between the frame and the sash in a few years.

Since the size of the gap changes following seasonal fluctuations in street temperature, after a couple of years in winter it will start to seep through the window. Simply because the sealant, pressed by the profile that has expanded in the summer heat, will no longer completely cover the gap in winter. However, it is worth increasing the gap between the profiles for the warm season - and the problem will be completely removed.

How to regulate

When installing fittings, its pressure rollers are usually in a neutral position.

How to transfer plastic windows to winter mode with the onset of cold weather? You just need to turn all the rollers by 90 degrees - so that the largest of the radii of the oval roller is directed towards the sash.

The mark on the roller in winter mode is directed towards the house, in summer mode - towards the street.

How to do it? The instruction depends on the type of fittings. There are two options:

The roller can be rotated by hand, without tools. To do this, just pull it along the axis in the direction from the sash and turn it into the desired position;
The roller turns with some effort with a hex key.

A set of hex keys suitable for adjusting windows can be found at any bike or car shop.

How to switch windows to winter mode if the hexagon is not at hand?

A flat screwdriver, inserting it into the groove of the roller;

Not all sets of fittings have a groove for a screwdriver.

Pliers. Under their sponges, you need to put a dense fabric folded several times or thin rubber (for example, a piece of an old bicycle tube) so as not to jam the surface of the roller.

How to transfer plastic windows to summer mode with the onset of heat? In the same way, only for the summer the roller turns with a long radius in the direction from the sash.

A special case

How to switch windows to summer mode if their sashes are equipped with only a central lock, without pressure rollers?

The pressing force of the sash can be changed by adjusting the counterpart of the lock. To do this, it is supplied with a pair of adjusting screws with hexagon heads located above and below the movable bar.

Alas, the benefits of such an adjustment will be rather doubtful. Deformation of the profile over time will inevitably lead to the appearance of cracks at the top and bottom of the sash. A window without pressure rollers will never close completely hermetically.

Problems and Solutions

What problems can arise when switching the seasonal mode of windows?

Roller won't turn.

You may be trying to rotate the roller without pulling it out of the latch slot. Try lifting the roller and turning it 90 degrees.

If this is not the problem, lubricate the roller with WD-40 grease. The price of a small (100 ml) aerosol can of this lubricant is about 150 rubles. Thanks to the kerosene contained in WD-40, the lubricant is able to penetrate into any thread in a few minutes and allow it to move out of place.

In the winter position, the window continues to see through.

Looks like the window seal has served its purpose.

You can purchase a new seal at any company that sells plastic windows and provides their service. To replace it you need:

Pull out the old seal from the grooves of the sash and frame;

Cut it in the corners with a clerical knife. In the corners, the seal is welded to the profile;
Insert a new seal around the perimeter and frame and press it into the groove until it stops with your hands or with a blunt steel spatula.

There is one subtlety in replacing the seal. The absolute tightness of windows is not always useful: it often leads to the fact that the room completely ceases to be ventilated. To ensure the flow of air, frames are often equipped with inlet valves, but there is a simpler solution.

If you cut a couple of pieces of sealant (bottom on the frame and top on the sash), you will ensure a constant limited supply of fresh air at no additional cost.

Modern window systems, contrary to the opinion of the inhabitants, require constant maintenance. Of course, they do not need to be sealed for the winter or painted every season, as is the case with wooden counterparts. For full-fledged functioning, metal-plastic double-glazed windows must be transferred to the mode corresponding to the season. How to carry out self-adjustment of plastic windows for the winter? And how important is it to do so?

1 Seasonal maintenance
- 1.1 Leak test
2 Winter/summer changeover
- 2.1 Why is it needed
- 2.2 Adjustment mechanisms
- 2.3 How to switch
3 What other adjustments are there?
- 3.1 Setting the vertical position
- 3.2 Horizontal correction
- 3.3 Changing the pressure level of the sash
- 3.4 Adjusting the fit of the top corner
4 If the adjustments do not work

Seasonal maintenance

The main feature of opening windows is that they do not have vents. For better ventilation of the room, the system provides for rotary shutters. During the operation of plastic double-glazed windows, you can notice that a draft appears in winter. Do not panic - this is not a manufacturing defect, but simply the seasonal mode is incorrectly set. Transferring plastic windows to winter and summer modes is a mandatory maintenance procedure.

The tilt and turn mechanism of the double-glazed window must be adjusted depending on the season of the year

Drafts may also occur during prolonged use. This is due to the loosening of the screws of the hinges of the rotary-locking mechanisms. By independently adjusting windows for the winter, you can easily save 3-7 thousand rubles on calling specialists.

Leak test

How to prepare plastic windows for winter? With the onset of cold weather, it is necessary to conduct a preventive examination of the state of normal locking of the valves in the winter mode. Tightness can be checked in several ways:

Tactile. By running your hand along the frame, you can determine the presence of serious drafts.
Fire matches or lighters. The deviation of the flame from the vertical indicates the presence of blowing.
Sheet of paper. They leave him in a closed sash and try to pull him out. If the sheet comes out easily, then the sash does not close tightly.

If the paper sheet is easy to pull out through the sash, then the window is leaking.

Having identified problem areas, they begin to regulate the system to optimal requirements.

Switching winter/summer modes

When installing double-glazed windows, installers set the initial neutral parameters for locking the sashes. All positions will be adjusted for optimal functionality. However, then it is necessary to make adjustments to the settings - ideally at intervals of 2 times a year.

Why is it needed

Often, seasonal adjustment is forgotten, leaving the sash clamp in the neutral position. As with any violation of the rules of operation, over time there are consequences:

drafts from under the sash even with correct mounting adjustments;
if the summer mode is set, then in winter this will not provide sufficient pressure on 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 unusable;
in the absence of seasonal adjustment, the normal microclimate of the room is disturbed, including an increase in the level of humidity (there is a risk of condensation and mold).

See also: Causes of fogging of plastic windows in winter
Incorrect operation may cause condensation to form on the glass

To do this, you need to correctly set the winter and summer modes of plastic windows in the sash settings.

Adjustment mechanisms

Before proceeding to change the mode, it is necessary to determine the places where the devices for adjustment are located. In most cases, the system provides for the presence of special mechanisms - trunnions, which, depending on their position, determine the degree of pressing the sash required for the season.

They are located at the ends of the 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).

Places of possible location of eccentrics - they are in different places for different manufacturers

The trunnions may differ in appearance, but perform the same adjustment function.

Options for the appearance of eccentrics

On the edge of the eccentric is a risk, which serves as an indicator of the desired mode. By default, it is set up - this is the neutral position, which must be changed in accordance with the season.

Risk indicating the set modeHow 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 mode 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.

Label indicating adjustment mode

Most likely, the regimes will be in a neutral position, and the risks will point upwards. Having picked up the right tool, change the position of the marker.

To set a 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 into the room with a label. Accordingly, if there are several such regulators, then the modes are switched by turning all available eccentrics to one position.

You need to constantly switch modes according to the season - this is what will ensure normal functionality, ventilation balance and sufficient energy saving in housing.

What other adjustments are there?

If, when checking for tightness of locking, cold air still enters from above or below the sash, then most likely the problem is in the incorrect setting of the sash geometry.

The figure shows the main points where you may need to adjust the fittings. The design of the window provides several adjustment options:

shift horizontally and vertically;
setting the position of the bottom corner;
the degree of pressing to the frame.

Location of adjustment points

How is the optimal mode set?

Setting the vertical position

This is done by adjusting the bottom loop. Remove the protective cover. There are two adjustment points - horizontally and vertically. 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.

Vertical position correctionHorizontal correction