About 80% of windows in Russia are plastic. All new buildings are equipped with only PVC double-glazed windows. From the side of the street, the windows seem impregnable. But is it really so? Let's figure it out.
The record for opening a closed window from the street is 6 seconds. Perhaps the person who is going to enter your home through the window will spend much more time. But that doesn't make it any easier for you. There are several ways to open a plastic window from the outside.
You can break a glass unit with a hammer, brick, the heel of a work boot, or any other strong, heavy auxiliary material. Put your hand inward and open the sash. This method is used if the house or dacha is located far from people, somewhere in the forest or on the outskirts. Nobody will hear the sounds from hacking.
This method is unlikely to be used by an experienced thief, since no one needs extra noise and you will have to tinker with the glass unit. Modern PVC windows consist of several chambers and each of them will have to be broken in turn.
How to open by squeezing
It's time to talk about the device of a plastic window. The window has a fixed part - a frame with metal plates inside. The frame is attached to the window opening with metal anchors. The movable part is the glass unit itself. Attached to the frame with hinges. A metal plate with movable pins is installed at the end of the window. The pivot is driven by a handle installed from the inside of the window.
The number of pins depends on your order and on the size of the window. The very first plastic windows were made with one pin near the handle. But, the window was not pressed evenly, there were complaints and manufacturers began to install more trunnions in order to avoid cracks and freezing of the window in winter.
The window closing mechanism is as follows. By turning the handle, a metal bar with pins is set in motion. The window is closed when the trunnions are behind the metal plates on the frame. So, you can press on the place on the window between the frame, where the pins are supposed to be. The plastic frame is flexible and flexible. Therefore, using force, you can simply push the window away from the frame to the distance of the trunnion so that the latter can be outside the retaining plate. The same operation must be done with the rest of the trunnions. It is more difficult to squeeze out the very first pin. For this method, a strong screwdriver, crowbar, nail puller, chisel, thick table knife, and other similar tools are suitable.
Pulling way
If the second method can be called dynamic, then this method is static. But strength is still required. The pulling method is based on a window closure design. You can move the metal plate with trunnions outside the window. This will require a thin metal plate or ruler, a knife will do.
The plate is inserted between the window and the frame. Leading along the window, the ruler rests against the pin. You just need to understand that the ruler rests against the trunnion, and not against the locking plate. Otherwise, efforts will be wasted from long and fruitless pressure. Having determined that there is a pin under the ruler, you need to make an effort and press on it. The trunnion is connected to other trunnions through a metal plate. Therefore, by shifting one pin, the entire mechanism is shifted. As soon as the trunnion has moved below the striker plate, the window will open.
Mechanical method
You will need a cordless drill with a 10-12 mm drill bit. Drills of course can be of a smaller diameter, then you will have to make more than one hole. It is necessary to determine the place of attachment of the handle on the inside of the window. A hole is drilled into the end opposite the handle to expose the opening mechanism. As soon as access is open to the handle mechanism, you can start opening. The mechanism is turned with the same handle with a square profile or a screwdriver.
Another way is to call the Ministry of Emergencies
This is the easiest method, but the most flawed. First, the guys from the Ministry of Emergency Situations need a good reason for breaking the window. Either the children stayed at home or the weak people. Otherwise, the Emergencies Ministry will not go. Second, the goal is to open the window, not save it. That is, the window will be opened, but it will have to be subsequently changed or overhauled. Again, the Emergencies Ministry has a retractable staircase and can reach the windows on high floors. In many cases, this method is the only one, since our houses grow upward, and not in length.
Generic tools for opening a window
- Ruler... The ruler should be metal with sufficient rigidity. School tin rulers won't work. The length of the ruler should be from 10 cm, width from 2 cm to 5 cm, thickness up to 3 mm. The main thing is that it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand to press on the trunnion.
- Screwdriver. The screwdriver must be flat. Length not less than 15 cm, thickness not less than 5 mm. The main thing is that when you press the window, the screwdriver does not bend and squeeze the plastic structure.
- Drill... The drill, as mentioned above, can be any that comes to hand. Even for metal, even for wood. Plastic is a soft enough material and any drill will make a hole in it. The length must be at least 3 cm. The number of holes will depend on the diameter of the drill. The main thing is that there is enough charging on a cordless drill.
Open a plastic window from the outside if it is ventilated
In fact, the window is already open. It is held by a small latch. It will not be difficult to squeeze the latch and comb. Of course, in summer the apartments are stuffy and fresh air is a must. Leaving your home, you can put the window on the "microclimate".
But, for security reasons, it is not necessary to open the window wide so that everyone can see it. A small step of airing is enough so that from the street side there is no noticeable window open.
How to open a plastic window from the outside without damage
The most gentle way to open a window is with a metal ruler. With this method, no blows, sharp clicks are applied to the window, holes are not drilled. The ruler runs between the frame and the window and does not actually damage the entire structure. If this is a door on the balcony, then you can order two handles: inside and outside. Then you don't need to open anything at all.
Hacking protection methods
Given the ease of opening plastic windows, I want to somehow protect my home. If the windows are in an accessible place, then you should think about their protection. Let's start with the metal grates. Reliable, but not entirely aesthetic protection. There are more aesthetic gratings - forged, custom-made. Nice but expensive.
There are more modern protective structures - roller shutters (roller shutters). Installation of roller shutters with mechanical or manual closing is possible. A choice for any wallet. Any window can be burglar-proof
Anti-burglary protection methods
Rough way protection
Of course, "there is no trick against scrap", but we must try. There is a special film that is glued to the glass and protects against flying objects. Yes, it is a car protective film that is sold in car stores. It is not expensive. Of course, it will not protect the window 100%. Rather, with the film, opening the window will take longer for a while. But, maybe this time is not enough for the burglar to achieve his goal. Taking apart the shards of glass hanging on the film is not a joyful prospect. Films are different: from simple to armor-piercing. Such a film will not save from burglary, but it will keep the window from objects flying out the window from the hands of hooligans.
Pressure protection
With this method, the window is squeezed away from the frame so that the trunnion extends beyond the striker plate. There is anti-vandal fittings. When the window is pushed away from the frame, the pin does not go beyond the striker plate. The secret lies in the design of the axle and striker plate. The trunnion is not made of a round or oval shape, but a mushroom shape. The striker plate is not just a flat metal plate, but with a corrugated profile.
When the window is pushed away from the frame, the trunnion clings with its mushroom shape to the profile of the retaining bar. Thus, the pin does not protrude beyond the stop frame. The window is not open. It is necessary to agree on special fittings in advance at the stage of ordering the installation of a window. The price of the window will be more expensive. If the window has already been installed with conventional fittings, then the window reconstruction option is possible. You will need to remove the window without a frame and install new fittings.
Pulling protection
The installation of special anti-burglar fittings on the window is also suitable against the pulling method. Indeed, with this method, the attacked pin is shifted along with the entire metal strip and other pins relative to the locking strip. The mushroom shape of the trunnion and the curved locking bar will prevent the trunnion from coming out of the grooves in the bar.
It is possible to install a handle with a locking lock. The metal bar with pins cannot be moved with the locking device in the handle. You can also order the lock in the handle when installing the window. Or, reconstruct an already installed window. Installing a lock in the handle will also save you from a rough way of breaking the window. After breaking the window, it is not possible to open the handle without a key. But, the lock in the handle will not save you from the pressing method. If the trunnion and stop plate are of normal shape. Pressing down, the trunnion will extend beyond the locking plate even with the handle closed.
Mechanical protection
Installing a security lock in the handle will initially prevent the lock from being opened from the outside. But, if the burglar goes further, then he will have a drill for metal of sufficient size to drill the opening device along with the lock. In this case, a hard metal protection plate is required. Such a plate is installed in front of the lock mask from the outside and is securely fastened to the internal elements of the window. But if a burglar suddenly has a working grinder at hand, then no protective device will help. He just drunk the window outside and will take it out.
It turns out that there is a simple and cheap device that can make it much more difficult to break a window, and maybe keep it from breaking. These are ordinary latches. One part of the latch is screwed to the movable part of the window, the second to the non-movable one. Moreover, it does not matter which part to which. In appearance, the bolt looks like a rustic one and does not fit modern apartment styles.
But there are latches and modern designs and colors. This is exactly the option when it is cheap and cheerful. It will be especially effective to install several bolts around the perimeter of the window. Currently, more modern security fittings are offered on the market. The principle is the same as that of the latch. Swivel latches are drilled around the perimeter of the frame. In working condition, the latches are closed and do not allow opening the window.
Conclusion
Citizens living on high floors will think: let the residents of the first and second floors take care of the protection of windows, and the thieves get to us high. They will put up powerful and sturdy safe doors and live in peace.
But if burglars spotted a rich apartment, then getting inside is a matter of time. Criminal people will find a weak point in the protection of the apartment and get there. Seeing window cleaners or workers repairing a building's façade will not pay much attention to them. Modern thieves know how to use climbing equipment and, disguised as workers, will try to enter your home.
Therefore, the installation of simple safety elements, even simple latches, will never be superfluous. And residents of the first floors and floors above the canopies and other structures should take good care of the safety of their windows. It is necessary to install protection: starting from simple latches, rotary latches, locks in handles and ending with protective roller shutters. Your safety is in your own hands.
Being closed from the side of the street, when you have no idea how to open a plastic balcony door from the outside, is unpleasant and even dangerous if the balcony is not insulated and the weather is not conducive to walking in home clothes. Owners of old-style plastic windows and doors that are not equipped with a handle for outside use are not insured against such incidents.
The absence of additional fittings is a feature of the simplest models of PVC windows and balcony doors. What to do in such cases and what are the effective ways to get home without damaging the design of windows and doors? There are options and anyone who does not have a balcony door equipped with a double-sided handle should take note of them.
Why doors are jammed: the main reasons
To begin with, let's figure out why the balcony door of a balcony or loggia, which has served well before, does not open. There may be several reasons. One of them is sloppy handling. Sudden movements in relation to a plastic balcony door can lead to the opposite effect - the latch mechanism will not work correctly and the exit will be blocked.
The malfunction of the door can also be affected by malfunctions of components. So, for example, the reason is:
- in malfunctions of the lock mechanism during the opening of the leaf in the "airing" mode;
- broken handle;
- in a skewed structure;
- in the freezing of the system due to the condensate formed between the box and the seal.
The listed malfunctions are not critical. As soon as it is possible to determine the cause of the blade jamming, it is worth trying to delicately return it to the "open" position. It is important at such moments to remain patient without panic trying to break the product. A broken balcony door will add to the hassle and cost of repairs and replacement.
Options for "release" from a balcony blocked from the inside
If the plastic door to the balcony is jammed, where there is at least a minimum set of tools (it doesn't hurt to keep it there, just in case), then the situation can be considered controlled. A simple screwdriver is enough to gently squeeze the lock latch, lightly pressing the hardware. If everything is done correctly, the leaf of the canvas will open slightly and it will be possible to stick your hand in for the final opening.
Instead of a screwdriver, a spatula, a hacksaw or a knife are suitable for this purpose. The main thing is to try with the help of a sharp object to lift the glazing bead, with which the glass unit is attached to the door on each side, disconnecting it from the central part to the edges. The same manipulations need to be done from above and below, and then try to remove the glazing bead by pulling in your direction, thus freeing the glass unit.
An important point: the weight of a double-glazed window in the construction of a balcony door can exceed 30 kg, so you should be extremely careful when holding it after all the manipulations.
After the glass unit is removed, unhindered access to the door handle from the inside will open. Even if the lock does not work and the door cannot be opened, you can get inside through the window opening, continuing to repair the door in a warm room.
Attention! Do not try to knock out the glass unit. The outer glass is thick enough and will most likely withstand the onslaught. Only a heavy metal object can cope with glass with a thickness of 4 mm or more. Shards from glass can cause injury, and replacing the glass unit will require an investment.
Balcony door unlock ruler - how to use?
If there was no set of tools, a knife or a hacksaw when the balcony door jammed on the loggia or balcony, but there is an opportunity to use a metal ruler, you should try to get out with it.
As with the sharp objects listed above, you can grab and pull down the blade latch with a ruler. Actions must be accurate, without haste, with respect for the material of construction. The plastic is flexible enough that the ruler will be able to reach the target. 
If opening the latch with a ruler did not work, for example, when the cause of the jam is not in the lock, you should try the effective and delicate method of unscrewing the door hinges. It will be easier to cope with the task if you know their structure. Typically, a balcony door hinge is a metal insert with fasteners, a frame part and a spacer sleeve.
By adjusting the integral hinges, even when the door is stuck, you can slightly move the canvas in the desired direction.
Important: most often, the door leaf screws are masked by decorative strips.
Door jammed: what to do indoors
It is not so unpleasant to face the fact of a jammed door inside the room, having everything you need to solve the problem on your own, as well as the ability to call a master who knows what to do if the door to the balcony is jammed and how to set it up for normal operation without replacing it.
Often, the balcony door from the inside is jammed in the ventilation mode. To solve the problem, it may be enough to set the handle in a horizontal position, and then try to find the metal tongue at the end of the canvas in the lock zone by touch, setting it in a vertical position. 
Alternatively, you should also try to press the spring-loaded plate, which is responsible for blocking the lock, or align the canvas in a vertical position, pressing it to the box with the handle turning down to the end. These actions help to open the balcony door from the inside without cardinal interference with the operation of the system.
In conclusion, we note that no one is immune from troubles associated with the operation of balcony door systems, and it is not so important whether the structure is equipped with an additional handle on the outside or not. The main thing is to be prepared for any force majeure situations, having a simple set of tools on the balcony or loggia that allows you to open a jammed door. Prevention of breakage will be regular door care, with lubrication and adjustment of the hinges, timely repair of the fittings.
Metal-plastic windows have won a solid place in the building materials market: they are increasingly preferred. Positive qualities: heat protection, nice design, excellent sound insulation please many owners. However, there are also troubles: sensitive mechanisms malfunction, a naughty lock can close at the most inopportune moment. The cause of the breakdown can be one of many factors. If your plastic balcony door does not open, then what to do? This is what will be discussed in our article.
Most manufacturers simplify the plastic door lock and put a three-position mechanism, where in the upward position the door is placed on ventilation, in the horizontal position it opens, and in the lower position it remains firmly closed.
- The deterioration of the mechanism conceived leads to disruption of its operation. Loose parts of the castle can fall out of their grooves, so a situation may happen when the owner of the apartment is locked on his loggia or balcony.
- Another option is problems with scrolling the handle: jamming, inability to open the door, or even turn the lock. The reason for this behavior can be rust, complete deterioration of the lock, lack of lubrication, cold.
- Another common cause is plastic wear. Most of the moving parts are poured from PVC materials, which tend to break, crack, and deform frequently. Excessive force, "slamming", insufficient care can aggravate the condition of the doorway.
- The weak point of the design is the curtains. The plastic door to the balcony does not open - it is jammed due to rust, plaque, debris or dirt on the curtains or hinges. It is even worse if only the lower curtain was damaged, which is responsible for the installation "for ventilation". In this case, the repair will take a lot of time and effort.
So, if the balcony door does not open, then the problem lies in one of the important components: curtains, lock, plastic frame. Determining where the breakdown is is quite simple.
- The lock is broken or jammed, if it is impossible to turn the handle, or when turning, you hear an uncharacteristic grinding, squeak, or the handle is difficult to turn.
- The problem is in curtains if it is impossible to fully open the opening directly when opening or setting the plane "to position".
- The problem of plastic deterioration with visible physical damage: cracks or missing fragments, curvature of the door plane.
Repairing these nodes at home is almost impossible. There are sets of locks, curtains, etc. in retail sale. for metal-plastic, but their installation requires at least two people (the weight of a glass unit reaches 70-80 kg), special tools, work experience. A simple type of repair is the replacement of the contents of the castle. The insides of the mechanism are hidden under a small plate at the end, which is fastened with two self-tapping screws. Replacement is carried out on site, without removing the door plane. Other types of repairs involve dismantling the opening and replacing the main components in a workshop.
Ways to solve the problem
If trouble finds you inside the house, it doesn't matter. An easy way to solve the problem is to call a locksmith at home. Only a master with extensive experience can determine the cause of the breakdown, quickly eliminate it and restore its former functionality. Reinforced-plastic windows have a very limited scope; high temperatures and special machines are used to create them.
It is quite another matter if the door is jammed when you were on the loggia or balcony. This can happen due to several reasons: if you pushed the eurodoor hard when going outside, or because of drafts and strong gusts of wind. If this happens, you cannot panic, especially if you live on the upper floors. Getting out of this situation is very simple.
- If you have the keys with you, call a friend or neighbor and let him help you out.
- You can try to get out through the adjacent balcony if the tenants are aware of your problem. (only if you have insurance).
- You can dismantle the glass unit yourself and climb back into the apartment through the window opening.
The latter option is the most preferable for the majority of people in such a situation. How to open a plastic balcony door with a regular coin from the inside? Very simple. To dismantle a double-glazed window, it is necessary to pry a plastic glazing bead along the contour of the glass with a thin metal or wooden object. After removing it, you need to slightly press on the plane and bend the glass to the other side. If possible, do not break the glass unit. This is a rather expensive part of the door, it costs a lot of money to replace it.
Also, do not knock out the glass unit from the outside. A thick layer of glass will not give in to even a physically strong man. You can aggravate your situation by hitting the door with a heavy object.
One way to unlock the door:
Instructions for removing a double-glazed window from a plastic structure:
Caring for a metal-plastic door
It is easy enough to recognize that something is not so easy with your reinforced plastic door. The main signs are:
- extraneous noise, grinding during opening;
- depressurization (water leakage, draft);
- violation of sound insulation;
- sticking of the handle;
- cracks, chips on the plastic.
In general, some problems of metal-plastic cannot be solved. This is especially true of the plastic frame, which can quickly deteriorate quickly, especially in an unfavorable northern climate. Protection of locks and curtains can be provided periodically (once a year or two) by lubricating them with medium-thick oil. Periodic inspection, lubrication of the main units, replacement of rubber bands and gaskets will extend the service life and protect you from trouble with a sudden jamming of the door.
HideHow to open a plastic window, especially from the side of the street ,
it is not only the thief who can think about it: sometimes this problem also arises for the landlords. So, the front door can jam. This can happen for various reasons: for example, you went out onto the landing, leaving the keys in the apartment, and the door was slammed shut or a small child locked it from the inside. Often apartment owners lose the keys to the front door, then the only way to get home is through the window. Also knowledge of how to open a plastic window ,
may be required if it is jammed.
In fact, products are rarely equipped with additional burglary protection and can be easily opened with a screwdriver or any flat metal object such as a ruler.
Opening plastic windows: methods and methods
Let's say the window is closed, you are outside, and you only have a flathead screwdriver. First you need to find where the latch is. You will need to gently squeeze out the sash by pressing on the fittings. If you manage to do everything correctly, the sash will open slightly, you can reach in and turn the handle, opening the window completely.
How to open a plastic window from the street using a ruler?
If there is no screwdriver at hand, but a metal ruler was found, you can use the following scheme: the ruler is placed between the window frame and . Then you need to find the latch, try to hook it and pull it down. You need to act carefully so as not to damage the plastic of the window. This material is quite flexible and will allow you to squeeze the ruler where you need it without any problems. If you do everything right, a window will open.
However, it should be borne in mind that they have a variety of designs, and you need to act in accordance with what kind of design you have installed. The above methods illustrate how to open a plastic window with standard handles. If you have a different construction in front of you, these methods may not work.
How to open a plastic window without a handle?
Self-opening of such a structure from the side of the street is extremely difficult. Any narrow object can be attempted as long as the window is not locked. This method will help protect the structure from damage, and it will continue to function. It may be damaged by opening. Almost always, mechanically applied scratches remain on it, less often chips.
Another way to open a plastic window from the outside is by drilling. It will harm the frame, as a through hole will appear in it, through which it will be possible to push a narrow object, for example, a wire or a handle, and open the sash with its help.
How to open a double-glazed window , without harming it - an important question for the owner of the window. Not everyone will want to change or repair after they need to get into the room. These methods are the safest for the design and allow you to maintain its functionality.
Features of outward opening windows
How to open from the outside , if the sash opens in the same direction? This question is quite interesting, since before trying to open such a window, you need to study its features.
Typically, such designs have double-sided lock-type handles, which allows them to open in the other direction. There may also be additional fittings that open the sash, for example, in ventilation mode. If there is such a function, this is good: you can try using the ruler to switch the window to this position, squeeze your hand inside and open it.
Quite often, this method does not work with this type of windows. You can try to pry them with a crowbar or chisel, but as a result, the window will be broken and it will need repairs, since the locking mechanism will be disabled.
How to open a window without a handle?
If you find yourself outside, you can try to open the glass unit with a screwdriver or a ruler using the method described above. But it happens that such a problem finds the owner indoors. The window has no handle, it is jammed, and it is impossible to open the sash. In this case, you will still need to purchase a pen or use pliers instead.
If you still can't complete the action, you should look for the reason in the element called scissors. Sometimes it comes out of the grooves and does not allow the window sash to move in the right direction.
Before opening the glass unit , you will need to find a tool to remove the sash from the frame. It is more convenient to remove the hinges located at the top of the structure. When they are unscrewed, you will see a metal plate; remove it, remove the hinge pin, lift the lower hinge and find the grooves of the scissors. After the element is in place, the window should work.
Tip: before disassembling the window, try to get to the scissors from above, sometimes the slopes do not interfere with this.
How to open a plastic balcony door from the outside?
A more common problem is a closed balcony door. For example, you went out to smoke, and you were locked on the balcony and not heard. There is a way out of the situation: if there is any tool on the balcony, you can try to open the door with a screwdriver. This is done according to the same principle as in the case of a plastic window.
Another way: unscrew, lift the door and open it from the other side. Or, stick your hand through the hole and turn the handle to the desired position. But this may not always help, since many doors are equipped with additional protection. If you have just such a door, then you will have to use the help of a specialist who repairs doors.
Output. Opening a plastic window from the outside is not as easy as it might seem. Without knowledge of the design, the presence of at least some tool at hand and a little experience, it may not work to open a window or a plastic door without damaging the structure. If you do not want to risk it, call a window repair technician: he will help solve the problem.
Ways to open a window from the outside
Many people believe that PVC windows are more reliable in protecting housing from penetration than old Soviet windows. However, in reality, things are exactly the opposite.
The fact is that doors made of plastic are much more flexible and softer than wooden ones, as a result of which they easily fold back. In an ordinary situation, this, of course, is a reason for frustration, but not in ours, when it is necessary to get into a locked house.
When deciding how to open a plastic window from the outside, it is worth noting that, in order not to harm the object, it is important to use a special tool.
method number 1
As from the street you can open a plastic window. Armed with a thin metal plate or iron ruler, this element must be carefully placed between the frame and the glass unit.
Your next step is to get to the plastic window latch. Succeeded? Then we hook it with a tool and slowly pull it down.
There is absolutely no difficulty here, because plastic is a rather flexible material that will not withstand the pressure of metal. The only drawback of this method is the possible appearance of minor scratches, or even dents.
As a result of these actions, the cylinder of the locking mechanism should jump out of the hook;
if the constipation is located on several sections of the valves, which is most often the case, the procedure must be repeated by inserting a screwdriver opposite each of them. The moment the trunnion pops out of the hook is accompanied by a loud click.
Hacking scheme for standard fittings
This opening method is quite simple, and, most importantly, after such a hack, the fittings remain intact. The only thing is, if you do the work inaccurately, you can scratch the plastic.
method number 2
Open the plastic window from the outside with a screwdriver and without damage. Determine where the latch is. In that place with this tool try to squeeze out the window sash.
A complicated option is when there are several pins in the opening mechanism. In this case, you need to act in stages. Opposite each of the trunnions, you need to tear off the sash, pushing the trunnion behind the bar, and proceed to the next one only after the previous trunnion is fixed on the other side of the bar.
It will be possible to open it by pressing the fittings. Further, if everything is done correctly, the sash will open slightly. The next and last step is to turn the constipation knob.
It should be noted that all these methods are effective only if the window is equipped with standard fittings. But if the intruders are professionals, they can also break windows with anti-burglar fittings Rocko and Mako.
Burglary protection fittings
method number 3
Is it possible to open a plastic window from the outside by drilling. It turns out that it is possible, but in most cases only burglars resort to this method. If in the previous methods minor scratches are damage to the window, then this is more and more widespread.
So, by drilling a hole with a handle or the same screwdriver, a window is opened. Of course, this will still get you into the house, but your window structure will be damaged.