Nowadays, hardly anyone will challenge the advantages of plastic windows. And in fact, they bring additional comfort and coziness to the apartment. If window structures are purchased from a trusted manufacturer, if they are installed by experienced craftsmen who observe all the subtleties of installation technology, they can serve without fail for many years. However, even with such products, problems sometimes arise; window repairs and/or fittings need to be replaced. You shouldn’t panic about this, and you shouldn’t rush to look for a professional repairman: repairing window fittings and replacing its elements can often be done yourself, with your own hands.

Adjusting the horizontal position of the frame

To set the correct horizontal position of the frame, you do not need to repair the fittings or the windows themselves. You just need to move the sash in the desired direction, using the adjustments provided in both hinges. This operation is performed with a single tool - one of the VIRA hex keys.

Adjusting the horizontal position of the sashes can only be done if they are fully open. Only then will the nodes be visible, which will be discussed below.

To access the bottom hinge, remove the decorative trim, which will provide access to the adjustment groove.

To move the top of the structure in the horizontal direction, you should find the adjusting screw located on top of the sash in the top hinge block. The selection of the required position of the sash is ensured by turning the adjusting screw.

Adjusting the sash connection

Since there are no vents in PVC windows, the window structures include a ventilation mode - that is, a slight opening with the formation of a small gap. Its size can be adjusted depending on the external temperature and the needs of the apartment residents. We will now describe the procedure for this adjustment.

The degree of pressing of the top of the sash is regulated by a mechanism located on top. To open access there, the sash must be set to the “open” position, while at the same time giving it a ventilation position. When a locking device is activated that does not allow these two actions to be performed simultaneously, its tongue, which is an integral part of the handle mechanism, should be pressed in. Having opened the sash in this way, you can see a knot on top, designed to hold it and resembling scissors in appearance. At the bottom or top of these “scissors” there is an adjusting element, which can only be turned with a hexagon. By rotating it, you can achieve a position that suits users in a particular situation.

By adjusting the pressure, you can also eliminate the air leaked by the seal. If this adjustment does not help, you will need to repair the fittings of your double-glazed window.

The pressure of the valves can also be adjusted in the locking mechanism formed by trunnions together with strikers. Since locking is ensured by the interlocking of these two elements, one of them can be adjusted, which is determined by the design of the fittings.

Repair, adjustment of fittings mounted in plastic windows, and/or their replacement are presented in numerous videos on the Internet. There or on your window structure you can see trunnions, which are rounded elements. If they have a hex cradle, they can be adjusted with a hex wrench; if there is no cradle, you should use pliers. Using one of these tools, the trunnions are turned so as to bring them closer to the sealing gasket. Moreover, this operation should be performed on each of the trunnions installed around the circumference of the sash. During adjustment, you should strive to ensure uniform pressure throughout its entire perimeter.

Features of repair of fittings in plastic, wooden and aluminum windows

Repair of fittings in wooden, aluminum and PVC windows is similar if they are made according to modern European standards. All of them consist of profiles, double-glazed windows, seals, hinges, closing and opening mechanisms. However, there is a difference.

Replacement of fittings in PVC windows

quite simple. All components of a single design are quite easy to disassemble. To adjust the sash, you need a hex key, which is sometimes called a furniture key. The seals here can be removed without much effort, as well as the handles. Removing the sash from its hinges is not a problem.

Features of replacing fittings in wooden windows

depend on the type of window frames. If they are made according to European standards, then they are very similar to PVC structures. There are also the usual hinges, seals, and double-glazed windows. The sashes are removed from the hangers in the same way as plastic ones: to do this, remove the decorative trim from the top hinge, remove the pin, then lift the sash, pulling it out of the lower hanger. The main difference is that the glazing beads holding the glass unit are glued here. Often seals are glued to the glue. To change the fittings, you will have to drill it out and then make new holes, since the old ones will no longer be suitable for reuse. Installing new hinges is also a rather painstaking process, requiring care and choosing a suitable place to attach them. Sometimes you have to make grooves (for seals), seal cracks or holes with special compounds, and treat wood to eliminate rot and mold.

The main difficulty of replacing aluminum window fittings

The problem is that you have to carefully dismantle the entire system. Usually only fitting kits are sold, and not individual products, as for PVC profiles. The fittings here are mounted around the perimeter of the profile, inserted into a special rail at the end. To transmit movement, teeth with hinges are used. Adjustment of swing and tilt sashes is done in the same way as in plastic or wooden ones. The difficulty arises when adjusting sliding windows. To do this, you have to adjust the position of the rollers. Sometimes the doors do not close tightly or do not close at all due to the incorrect position of the strike plate, or because the tongue does not extend completely. The solution lies in a complete overhaul of the mechanisms followed by adjustment.

Repair of sash and plastic window fittings using replacement method

It is quite clear that if we are talking about completely new windows, then their repair, as well as maintenance, is carried out by the supplier free of charge within the framework of the guarantee provided to them. The average warranty period is 24 months, although there are some deviations. If the warranty has already expired, you will have to pay for repairs. However, this can be avoided provided that the repair or replacement of fittings is done by yourself. We hope that our story about the main characteristic faults and methods for eliminating them will help you successfully perform these operations.

When do you need to replace fittings?

The most common problems that arise during the operation of plastic windows are the following:

• entry of water and dust into the room through the sash;
• low level of sound insulation;
• freezing of the window structure;
• the occurrence of a draft.

All this indicates the presence of defective or failed mechanisms. Adjusting the handle and hinges most often eliminates such problems. If nothing has changed after it, you will have to buy and install new mechanisms. There is also a need for repairs if the handle malfunctions and the window structure is skewed.

After the first signs of malfunction are detected, the fittings must be replaced immediately, since damage to the frame and sashes is possible with prolonged use of failed elements.

Before starting work, you need to understand what kind of fittings are needed. The best option is to purchase devices identical to those already installed. Due to this, you can avoid situations where elements turn out to be unsuitable, as well as reduce the time spent on installation. Upon careful inspection of the mechanism, you can find the manufacturer's markings. If it is missing, the elements must be removed and, when you come to the store, ask the consultant to find similar ones.

The handle is broken, an opening limiter is required: what to do

If the window handle is faulty, and also if you need to install a window opening limiter to protect your baby from potential troubles, then do not rush to call a specialist.

This repair is quite simple, so you can handle it on your own, having previously purchased the product you need. When repairing a window, you will need to perform the following operations:

• unfold the decorative plate covering the base of the handle, unscrew the screws and remove the handle;
• install the newly purchased handle, secure it with screws;
• Rotate the decorative plate so that it hides the screw heads.

If you need an opening limiter, which is also a ventilation regulator (the so-called “comb”), then its plate should be installed under the new handle.

As you can see, such a replacement of fittings, carried out in plastic windows without the involvement of a specialist, but with your own hands, is quite simple. Therefore, there is no point in making expenses that are completely unnecessary and sometimes quite burdensome for the family budget.

Preventative work

The dirt and dust that appears on the fittings as a result of long-term use causes the mechanisms to perform their functions worse. For preventive purposes, repair of plastic window fittings is carried out in the following order:

1. First of all, the sash should be removed from its hinges. Without this, repairs are almost impossible.
2. When it is removed, you will need to remove decorative elements that may interfere with the repair.
3. Then the axle is knocked out at the top hinge. To do this, first strike from above, and then from below. After which the axle can be removed without any problems.
4. Next, you should remove the sash from the bottom hinge. Now you can unscrew a couple of bolts under the plastic cover and thus remove the handle.
5. Next, the screws holding the fittings are unscrewed.
6. The window mechanism can then be removed from the groove and placed on the table. Here it will be convenient to wash all the parts with a special liquid and a brush.
7. Once the fittings are cleaned, you need to thoroughly dry all the parts.
8. All window components that are subject to friction during operation must be lubricated with machine or special oil. After which the fittings can be put back in their place. It is recommended to lubricate the hinges before installing the window.

Disabling the locking device when the open handle is jammed

Do not be alarmed if you open the handle and it suddenly gets stuck in this position. Most likely, the culprit is a triggered blocking device. It is available in many types of fittings to prevent possible breakdowns. The purpose of its installation is to prevent the handle from turning when the sash is installed in the tilted or tilted position. However, it happens that it sometimes works inappropriately. Most often, the reason for false alarms of the blocker is excessively fast manipulation of the handle. In order to disable the blocker or perform any repairs to the fittings inside the plastic window blocks, it is necessary to determine which brand a particular product belongs to.

Accessories brand AUBI

During repairs, the sash must be vertical. In the “turn - tilt” position, the blocker associated with the top hinge assembly will also prevent the handle from turning. To resolve the problem, you should:

• find spring-loaded metal plastic;
• press it with your fingers, moving it to the sealing gasket;
• turn the handle.

Accessories brands GU, Winkhaus, Maso, Roto

In the mechanism of these fittings, under the base of the handle, there is a metal tongue protruding from the frame at a certain angle. If you press on it to make it parallel to the cut of the sash, the handle can be easily returned to the position that is normal for it.

If the desired effect is not achieved, you should check whether the locking device is touching the response mechanism bars installed on the frame. It may happen that as a result of temperature deformations, this element begins to slip. To eliminate this phenomenon it is necessary:

• open the window;
• find the counter element bar on the cut of the frame, designed to hold the blocker;
• unscrew the screws securing it;
• place a small spacer under the support of the counter element;
• install the element on the gasket in the space provided for it.

Thanks to the operations performed, adhesion between the blocking device and the restored counter element will be ensured on the target.

Replacement of accessories: progress of work

Due to its intensive use, the window handle breaks more often than other elements. Dismantling the old device and installing a new one is carried out according to the following algorithm. To begin with, the decorative plastic insert is moved aside to provide free access to the fasteners. The screws that hold the handle are unscrewed with a Phillips screwdriver. Now all that remains is to mount the new handle.

The need to replace hinges occurs less frequently, and repairs are easy and quick.

The decorative trim is removed; to do this, just pull it up with a little force. The hinge fastening is separated from the sashes and the frame itself using a hexagon or Phillips screwdriver. For assembly, the procedure is reversed. The rotation axis of the device is dismantled in a similar way.

Difficulties may arise if the loop itself fails, and not its cylinder. And if at first replacing plastic window fittings does not cause any difficulties, then installing a new part takes a lot of time. Sometimes the holes on the purchased hinge do not match the fasteners on the frame, in which case new ones must be made. To do this, holes are drilled in designated areas of the window frame using a special template. Inadmissible errors can be avoided by drilling through a template rather than along marks. Before starting work, it is necessary to study the internal structure of the frame so as not to damage the structure of the double-glazed window.

Difficulty manipulating the handle

There can be only two reasons for difficulties in manipulating the handle:

1. sash sagging;
2. drying out the lubricant present in the mechanism.

If there is sagging, it should be removed in accordance with the method described above. If there is no sagging, then the problem is certainly the state of lubrication. It should be remembered that the internal mechanism of plastic windows is very complex, and the handle is the only control that operates a large number of different components. All this mechanics with its numerous joints can work flawlessly only if it contains clean and high-quality lubricant. Therefore, it is always necessary to have a universal lubricant or one specially oriented for window fittings on hand. This will allow periodic lubrication of all moving components and elements present in the mechanism of the window structure.

If after performing the manipulations the handle does not move better, it makes sense to call a professional.

Opening the frame simultaneously with its tilting

If this happens to you, do not panic. Calmly adjust the sash vertically so that it remains only in rotation mode. In this case, the top hinge should be pressed against the frame.

When making this repair of both fittings and mechanisms of PVC windows, the sashes should be kept completely open. The handle should also be moved to the same position, making it horizontal. If the locking mechanism prevents this, it should be disabled in accordance with the procedure described above. The doors are then closed by turning the handles down. To check the correct operation of the window mechanisms, the position of the handle should be slowly changed, repeating this action several times.

Installation of the comb (opening limiter)

Not everyone has a micro-ventilation function on PVC windows. In order not to open the sash completely, it is propped up with something heavy. A plastic window opening limiter allows you to do without such stands. This device consists of two parts - a bar with recesses and a pin. Because of its characteristic shape, the limiter is called a comb, clamp or crocodile. This is no longer a repair of plastic windows, but their modernization, but this operation can easily be done with your own hands.

This is what a PVC window opening limiter looks like

To install the comb on a plastic window, you must first remove the handle on the sash that you will use for ventilation (see above). A lock is put on the removed handle (look at the photo). It is unfolded so that it sticks out of the window sash.

How to install a ventilation restrictor on a PVC window

The handle with the lock is installed in place. Now you need to screw the locking bar. For it you will need two small screws and a drill with a 1.5-2 mm drill.

PVC window ventilation limiter installed

We place the bar on the window frame so that it “clings” to the protruding stopper. First we apply it, check if it works properly, put marks in those places where holes need to be drilled. You must drill carefully so as not to drill through the frame. Next we screw the bar. That's it, the comb (lock) is installed on the plastic window.

Draft through sealing gasket

There is no need to replace fittings or elements of plastic windows in this case either. To eliminate a draft, the sash should be pressed against the frame, following the method described above. When performing the operation, it is necessary to check the correspondence of the positions between the trunnions and the strikers interacting with them. All you need to do this job is a set of VIRA hex keys.

It is possible that there may be no engagement between the trunnions and their counter strips. If this is the case, then the slats need to be moved. If the draft does not stop, you will have to call a technician, since the cause of the malfunction may be due to other reasons.

Replacing gaskets

Repair of plastic window mechanisms, repair and replacement of their fittings should be carried out as the window structures age. This provision fully applies to sealing gaskets. They should be replaced on average every 10 years. However, the condition of the gaskets is easily noticeable during normal visual inspection, so they should be replaced immediately if signs of aging are detected.

Before replacing, you should purchase a new sealing gasket, giving preference to German ones, which are of higher quality and greater durability. Replacing this element begins with removing the old seal from the frame groove. Then, the rubber cord of the new product you purchased is slowly inserted into the groove that has been previously washed and lubricated with glue so as to prevent it from being stretched or compressed.

So, we have told you about the main malfunctions of plastic windows, which can be eliminated on your own. If the defect in its functioning turns out to be more serious, we recommend seeking professional help from specialists engaged in this type of activity.

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Tags:

• Home renovation

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