During the initial installation of a plastic window, installers are required to adjust the windows so that in the next 30-40 years (as manufacturers say) they serve their owners faithfully. However, it happens that for one reason or another the windows require additional adjustment. Let us consider in more detail what factors can cause window failure, the main window defects and ways to eliminate them.
Structural components of a window
To understand how to troubleshoot a window, you must first become familiar with the elements that ensure the operation of all the mechanisms of the window unit.
The main elements of a plastic window include the following:
Main types of plastic window faults
The main types of plastic window malfunctions include the following:
In order to independently adjust the window fittings, you may need tools such as a hex screwdriver (0.4 cm), star, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, and pliers.
Let's take a closer look at the technique for eliminating the two most common problems with plastic windows.
Adjusting the plastic window system yourself, a video of which you can watch at the end of the article, requires attention, precision and accuracy in work.
In winter, windows are adjusted to fit the sash more tightly to the frame, and in summer the connection is loosened. In order to adjust the degree of fit of the sash to the frame, you need to work with the upper and lower hinges of the fittings.
To get to the adjusting screw located on the above hinges, you need to press the lock with the window sash open and lock the handle in the ventilation mode, as shown in the figure. Turning the screw clockwise will strengthen the connection of the sash to the frame, and counterclockwise, on the contrary, will weaken the connection.
Sometimes window fittings require actions to tighten and move the sashes away from the frame using a locking pin. The locking pin is located at the end of the sash. You can work with the trunnion using a hexagon, pliers or screwdrivers (it all depends on the type of trunnion). In order to loosen the fit of the sash to the frame, it is necessary to turn the pin towards the apartment, and to tighten the sash - towards the street.
The main thing to remember when adjusting the trunnion is that it cannot be turned even ¼ of a turn. The trunnion is adjustable by a small range of movement in one direction or another.
Adjusting plastic window fittings, video tutorial
Adjusting the fittings of a plastic window may be necessary in case of problems with opening/closing the sashes, fixing the window for ventilation, or poor closing of the sashes.
Let's briefly consider ways to solve various problems with fittings.
If you notice the formation of a gap through which cold air enters the room when the window is closed, then you need to adjust the clamps that are located at the end of the frame.
If adjusting the clamps did not solve the problem with inflation, then the hinges were the cause of the gap formation. Then, having removed the protective cap from them, using a hexagon you need to press (or press) the sash as far as possible from the frame.
The video below will help you adjust the plastic window fittings yourself.