Figure: 1. Modes plastic windows.

AT different time year, we need different functions from all systems in the apartment - in the summer everything should work for cooling or, in extreme cases, preventing excessive heating. In winter, on the contrary, heat conservation is valued, which can be achieved different ways... What is popularly called "winter and summer mode of PVC windows", in construction world known as the adjustment of the support pin (eccentric) or the adjustment of the sash against the frame. With the winter mode, about which today in question, the clamp is the strongest - air at closed window should not get into the apartment at all. The clamp also regulates the humidity in the room by improving the tightness of the structure.

Today, most windows are equipped with a winter mode function. It is easy to check whether your window belongs to this group: we open the sash and find an eccentric (pivot) on it - a round or oval piece of hardware responsible for pressing the sash. If the trunnion has a hex hole or star screwdriver, and if the trunnion is oval, then your window can be adjusted.

If you are confident in the quality of the sash insulation, then you can not switch the window to winter mode, however, in order to reduce the load on the sashes and increase the service life window construction, it is recommended to carry out this simple adjustment. Experts call this a kind of PVC prevention - by adjusting the pressure, we pay attention to how tightly the structure is made. If air comes from somewhere in winter mode, further regulation is required window profile or calling a repairman, as the problem may concern slopes. Adjusting the window for the winter is not difficult, it requires accuracy and careful study of the structure.

Modes of plastic windows: what is it, and what are

In modern pVC windows the manufacturer offers two types of adjustment of the sash to the frame. Strong pressure is suitable for low temperatures and protects the room from cooling. A weak pressure, on the contrary, promotes the inflow and outflow of air, does not create a load on the insulation, and maintains the necessary humidity in the room.

An eccentric is located on the sash of the window (sometimes more than one, so be careful when adjusting). If it has a wrench hole, a hexagon or a star screwdriver, then the window can be adjusted. The oval shape of the eccentric also signals the presence of this function.

It is simple to find out which mode was set initially: firstly, it depends on what time of year the metal structure was installed for you (the wizard immediately switches the window to the "current" mode), and secondly, this can be seen by the eccentric (if it is oval, then in winter mode it is located perpendicular to the frame; if it is round, then its position is closest to the frame itself, that is, as far as possible from the handle).

Figure: 2. How to find out which mode is set.

Summer mode plastic window

When the trunnion (eccentric) warms up, it is advised to switch to summer mode. First, to enter the premises fresh air and its cooling, secondly, to reduce the load on the window seal. In order to switch the window to summer mode, it is necessary to open the sash and use a special suitable tool (hexagon, screwdriver, asterisk) to bring the pin counterclockwise to the stop. If there are several such pins, then everything must be switched to summer mode. There are fittings, which must first be pulled out of the case a little, and after adjustment, drown. If the pin will not rotate without this manipulation, do it.

Figure: 3. Summer mode.

Winter mode plastic window

With the onset of cold weather, it is advised to transfer the windows to winter mode. A signal for action can be blowing cold air from the window sash.

In order to work on changing the pressure, you need to open the window sash, use a hexagon, an asterisk screwdriver or another tool suitable for your eccentric to turn this hardware clockwise to the maximum point. This operation will tighten the sash to the frame, and cold air will not penetrate into the apartment.

Keep in mind that the winter mode puts significant pressure on the window insulation due to the pressure, due to which the insulation wears out. After winter seasons, always check its quality carefully and replace worn out material.

Figure: 4. Winter mode.

How to find out if it is possible to transfer PVC windows to seasonal mode

Figure: 5. How to find out if a winter-summer transition is possible.

Most modern designs are equipped with this function, but often the installer does not tell the customer about it. Of course, the most easy way to learn about the possibility of transition - this is to ask the wizard during the installation. You can also find out on the Internet if there is such an opportunity for windows and accessories of your marking. However, even without these steps, it is quite easy to check whether the transition "winter-summer" is possible on your hardware. Follow the given algorithm:

Open the sash of the window;

• Find the pins (eccentrics) on it - round / oval-shaped fittings located on the side surface of the sash adjacent to the frame;
• Pay attention to the number of pins (in some windows there are several of them);
• If the trunnion has a hole in the center for a hex key, a screwdriver or an asterisk, then your window can be switched to seasonal mode;
• If the trunnion is oval, then your window is subject to seasonal adjustment.

When is it necessary to transfer PVC windows?

Figure: 6. Position of the axle.

1. Winter comes on the calendar, and you want to make the window as tight as possible;
2. With the onset of frost, you feel a draft;
3. You are not satisfied with excessive humidity in the room, which may be caused by the adjustment of the glass unit inappropriate to the temperature regime.

The best time to switch from summer to winter mode is also considered to be the period when the heating in the house is connected. In private houses, the room temperature +14 degrees (without heating) can serve as a signal for regulation.

With nighttime temperature drops, windows that are in summer modemay be covered with ice, which negatively affects the fittings. If you see such a situation on your window, be sure to switch it to the "winter" mode.

Important features of the translation of window fittings

Figure: 7. Window fittings.

Despite the fact that, in general, the translation of fittings is not difficult, there are a number of points that you need to keep in mind:

• Use tools that are suitable for your pin;
• Translate all pins on the sash;
• All manipulations should be carried out gradually and carefully - damage to fittings can lead to costly repairs;
• Do not leave windows in winter mode all the time - strong pressure damages the insulation;
• After moving the window, check the operation of the handle - in winter mode, its rotation should be tighter, but feasible;
• Perhaps, if the hardware is difficult to adjust, it should be lubricated with a special oil;
• If, after switching the window to winter mode, you feel the flow of cold air into the room, then you should replace the seal.

Metal-plastic windows made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are considered a qualitatively new level of comfort in our home.

When installing such structures, you will need the help of a professional, but how to adjust plastic devices yourself in everyday use is given in the recommendations below.

Replacing the traditional old wooden windows modern, you need to periodically inspect the operation of the opening and closing mechanisms, the state and functioning of the fittings, which will increase their durability and functionality.

Tool and places for adjusting the fittings of plastic windows

We recommend that the adjustment of serious breakdowns and malfunctions be carried out by the specialists of Okna Expert ()

The most common malfunctions that can be dealt with without the help of a specialist:

• When closing, the transom touches the frame from below or from the side.
• Insufficient fit to the transom frame.
• Striker plates are worn out.
• When the leaf is open in the "closed" mode, it does not open window frame due to blocking of the handle.
• The handle, loosening, does not fit snugly against the frame, or turns very tightly.

You can troubleshoot using the tool:

• pliers or pliers;
• hex wrench (size 4 mm);
• flat and curly (cross) screwdrivers;
• a set of "star keys" for adjusting the clamping force;
• scissors for cutting the seal;
• oiler for lubricating fittings.

Basic rules for customizing PVC windows with your own hands

In modern metal-plastic windows to achieve optimal gasket pressure along the entire sash perimeter, the adjustment is carried out in three projections.

Individual elements, transom fittings and tools may differ, but the instructions below are taken as the basis.

Summer and winter adjustment mode

A distinctive feature of modern PVC window hardware is the ability to transfer it to the "winter" or "summer" modes.

Window fittings are:

• budget;
• standard;
• specialized.

Due to the low price, budget-type fittings have limitations. functionality... It is produced mainly domestic producers and is used in new buildings. In such hardware there is no function of transfer to different seasons, it only allows the transom to open and close.

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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 figure out why this function of window fittings is needed, what problems may arise when using it and how to fix these problems. So, let's go.

What it is

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

• In winter mode, the sash is pressed against the frame more tightly;
• In the 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. He describes the behavior of almost any material when heated: the linear dimensions of an object made from it change in big side.

Window profiles are no exception.

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

A little bit, right? However, when heated, say, at 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 intuitive.

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 sash perimeter - a draft that will lead not only to quite understandable discomfort, but also to unreasonably large heat losses. For which, for a minute, you pay.

Excuse me, the surprised reader will say, but what about elastic rubber? Doesn't he compensate slight change sash sizes?

Of course it compensates. However, rubber tends to lose its elasticity over time. The permanently squeezed rubber profile will acquire the shape and dimensions of the gap between the frame and the sash over several years.

Since the size of the gap changes following seasonal fluctuations in outdoor temperature, after a couple of years in winter, it will begin to see through the window. Simply because the seal pressed by the profile expanded in the summer heat will cease to 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 fitting the hardware, its pinch rollers are usually in a neutral position.

How to transfer plastic windows to winter mode with the onset of cold weather? All you need to do is turn all the rollers 90 degrees so that the larger of the oval roller radii is directed towards the sash.

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

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

1. The roller can be turned by hand, without tools. To do this, it is enough to stretch it along the axis in the direction from the sash and turn it to the desired position;
2. The roller turns with some effort using a hex key.

A set of hexagons suitable for adjusting windows can be found at any bike or car dealer.

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

• With a flat screwdriver, inserting it into the groove of the roller;

Not all fittings have a slot for a screwdriver.

• Pliers. Under their lips, you need to put a thick cloth or thin rubber (for example, a piece of an old bicycle camera) folded several times, 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 central locking, without pressure rollers?

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

Alas, the benefits of such an adjustment would be rather dubious. 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 I encounter when switching window seasonal mode?

• The roller does not turn.

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

If this is not the problem, lubricate the roller with WD-40 grease. Small price (100 ml) aerosol can this lubricant - 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 be moved from its place.

• In winter position, the window continues to show through.

It looks like the window seal has served its purpose.

You can purchase a new sealant at any company that sells plastic windows and deals with them. service... To replace it, you need:

1. Pull the old seal out of the sash and frame grooves;

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

Replacing the seal has one subtlety. 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 supplied with supply valveshowever, there is an easier solution.

Cutting out a couple of pieces of gasket (at the bottom of the frame and at the top of the sash) will provide a constant, limited supply of fresh air at no additional cost.

Conclusion

As you can see, seasonal window adjustment is extremely simple, does not require expensive tools and any special skills. You can learn more about it by watching the video in this article. As always, I would appreciate your comments. Good luck, comrades!

November 5, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!

A distinctive feature of modern window fittings is the ability to switch windows to summer and winter mode, respectively, the season. Today on the market there are great amount a variety of accessories from well-known and not so famous manufacturers. It is divided into budget, standard and specialized options. If you plan to switch your new windows to different modes when the seasons change, then you should pay attention to whether the fittings with which they are equipped have such a function.

It is not entirely correct to ask how PVC windows can be switched to winter mode (or summer) after their installation, since it should be raised at the stage of ordering the manufacture of a window, when you are just discussing with representatives of the installer the question of what your new window should be , the number of chambers and glasses, its dimensions.

The ability to switch the window to seasonal mode is determined by the type of fittings:

Budget fittings. Usually it is limited in functionality, since it is intended for low-price insulating glass units. It performs standard functions: to close and open a window, in some cases - to put the sash in ventilation mode. Such fittings are usually used in large-scale construction when it is necessary to reduce costs and make a new building more affordable.

Standard fittings. The most common type, it is distinguished by the optimal combination of price and quality, their functionality is much higher than in the first version. Most often, such accessories are equipped with the function of transferring to the seasonal mode. Among the products of such renowned manufacturerslike WDS, Rehau, Salamander, KBE have medium offer price category, which are great for glazing most residential, public, industrial facilities.

Specialized fittings. It is made for windows installed in rooms with special conditions. This category includes: burglar-proof and reinforced fittings, fittings for entrance PVC doors... Such fittings are also equipped with the function of transferring to winter-summer modes.

How do you know if your window fittings have a seasonal switch function?

Transfer to the seasonal mode is carried out using special pins, which are located on the side of the sash. To understand whether it is possible to adjust the hardware and switch it to a different mode, you just need to see if there are holes on the trunnions. They can be oval, hexagons or stars. If there are such holes, it means that the fittings can be adjusted and rearranged to the mode you need.

When to switch the window to seasonal mode

There are no exact terms for the transfer - as soon as you feel that the windows are cold along the sash perimeter, immediately start changing the regime. If on the street already subzero temperature, and the window is still in summer mode, then it can become icy, which can negatively affect the fittings, and other parts of the window glass unit are sealed. However, there is another side to the coin. Winter mode, when the sash is tightly pressed against the seal, leads to rapid wear of the latter. Therefore, if you are not worried about blowing from the window or it is absent as such, then it is better to leave the window in the same mode. In any case, the window should not always be in winter mode, since the seal wears out very quickly due to the strong pressure.

When the warm season comes, it is worth switching the fittings back to summer mode so that the room can be ventilated even if the window is closed. In summer, pay attention to the condition of the seal. If it leaves much to be desired after winter, then the warm season is an excellent time to start looking at replacing it.

We also note that it is better to entrust the transfer of windows to another mode to a specialist, since if it is done incorrectly, then you can seriously harm window fittings... At a minimum, the sash will sag and will have to be tightened, at the maximum, the sash opening mechanism may fail and its rather expensive repair will be required.

How to switch PVC windows to winter mode: instructions

If you decide to complete the translation yourself, then for the first time you will definitely need step-by-step instructions:

Step 1. Find all the pins you need ... their number will directly depend on the size of the casement. But regardless of the quantity, each of them will have to be translated.

Step 2. We translate the pins. Use a hex wrench, pliers or star tipped screwdriver (depending on the shape of the hole on the eccentric). It is necessary to turn to the maximum possible position strictly clockwise, while changing the degree of pressure upward. When switching to summer mode - to a lower one, and turn counterclockwise.

In some fittings, the trunnion must first be extended to rotate (mechanical wrist watch), and after turning - "drown" again.

Step 3. Check the result ... Carry out the check carefully: you need to close the window, paying attention to how tight the handle turns. The clamping force can be checked with one in a simple way - using a sheet of paper. Take a regular sheet, place it between the sash and frame, and close the window. After that, try pulling out the sheet. If the flap is pressed tightly, then the sheet will be pulled out with difficulty, or it will be impossible to pull it out at all. If the sash is not pressed too hard, then the sheet will come out easily and easily.

Modes of switching plastic windows allow you to regulate air exchange in the room. In summer mode, highly heated air and dust will not enter the apartment, and in winter mode, frosty air.

Setting on desired mode achieved by adjusting the rollers in the fittings, as a result, either the seal is pressed more tightly or weaker against the frame. This work can be done by hand without resorting to the help of a master. The main thing is to be accurate in translation so as not to break the window elements.

Determining the modes

On the side of the window sash there are special clamps, which are made in the form of an eccentric - mode levers, with their help, translation is performed.

To find out if it is possible to change, you need to inspect them for holes.

They can be in the form of an asterisk, oval with a groove for a screwdriver, or 6-sided. If there are these regulators, then setting in the desired mode is possible.

Usually in windows standard size installed 5 eccentrics: near handle 3, and 1 each from the ends of the window sash. But with an increase in the size of the glass unit, their number is added along the perimeter of the frame. They provide the sash clamping, and do not allow them to sag. Also provide good tightness in winter period and ventilation in the summer.

However, not all double-glazed windows can be adjusted, it depends on the fittings installed on them.

In the production of plastic windows, different types of it are used, which can be divided into 3 classes:

1. Budgetary - windows function as standard, there is no possibility of adjustment, relatively inexpensive in price, often installed on windows in new buildings.
2. Standard - used quite often, made of materials excellent quality, has good functionality, most often seasonal modes are included in the design.
3. Specialized - designed for rooms with special conditions, that is, strengthened against burglaries, as well as for entrance doors... Always equipped with the function of transferring to summer-winter mode.

How to switch double-glazed windows to the desired mode

1. First, take a clean rag and wipe down all the end connections of the flaps and joints. You can remove the remnants of the old grease from the hardware parts with a brush, and then apply a new one silicone grease or machine oil.
2. Let's find all the eccentrics we need on the frame sash. With the size of the window, their number also increases, everything must be translated, otherwise the rubber seal will be unevenly pressed against the frame.
3. Depending on the shape of the holes: a hex star or oval, take the right tool. In some fittings, the clamp must be pulled out in order to turn it (as when winding a watch), and after adjustment, return it back.
4. The levers are notched to indicate the winter and summer seasons. If the location of the risks is parallel to the sash, then the summer mode is set, and if perpendicular or horizontal, then the winter mode. There is a groove in the center of the eccentric, insert a hexagon or a screwdriver into it and turn it 90 degrees to the side rubber seal, the notch should look there.
5. We will check the result of the work done by closing the glass unit,at the same time, noticing that the handle on the frame now turns tightly, since in winter mode the sash is pressed tightly.
6. The tightness of pressing the window sash to the frame can be checked with a sheet of paper. To do this, put a sheet between them and close. If you pull on it and it comes out freely, then the summer remains, and if the paper is tightly stuck and tears when pulled out, then it turned out to change the seasonality setting. It is necessary to repeat this procedure on different sides of the glass unit, where the clamps are regulated.
7. Transfer to summer mode is done in the same manner as only the eccentrics must be turned in the opposite direction.

When to translate

Autumn-winter season (tighter fit). The best time for adjusting the fittings of plastic windows for the winter - autumn period... At this time, you can notice the airflow along the perimeter of the frame, you feel a draft, moreover, due to the fact that cold air gets into the slots, the glasses fog up.

Spring-summer season (less dense porch). It is necessary to relieve the pressure on the seal and other parts of the frame fittings, in order to protect them from premature wear and deformation.

1. If the window is in summer mode and there are no drafts from it, then switching to the winter season is not necessary, since the rubber seal wears out due to the more tight pressing of the window sash to the frame.
2. It is advisable to carry out maintenance of a double-glazed window at least twice a year - in spring and autumn. Be sure to treat all rubber bands on the frame and sash; you can use both silicone grease and technical petroleum jelly. Apply them first to a clean cloth, and then rub the rubber seals.
3. It is advisable to read the manufacturer's recommendations before trying.
4. It is recommended to transfer double-glazed windows from one season to another no more than once every six months.

If there is no work experience in this area, then it is better to contact a specialist.