How to switch metal-plastic windows to winter mode. How to switch plastic windows to winter mode

Modern fittings for plastic windows provides the ability to regulate the sash pressure. The operating mode is determined by the clamping force. There are three modes in total: weak (summer), strong (winter) and medium (standard). They need to be used wisely, taking into account the current state of the structure and the level of comfort in the room. If there is a need to move the sashes to winter mode, you should determine the type of eccentrics and study the instructions below for adjusting them.

Changing the mode on PVC windows: unnecessary or necessary

By default, the wizard who installs the windows sets the mode at his discretion; he can be guided by the time of year or own experience. Therefore, during installation, it is advisable to find out what clamping force will be installed.

The mode directly affects the wear rate of the structure:

At summer The sealing rubber does not experience pressure. The sash fits without a gap, but does not squeeze the seal. This mode is the most preferable, since the service life of the rubber is maximum. Plastic structures expand and contract freely as the temperature outside the window changes, which puts less stress on the welds.
Standard The operating mode already slightly compresses the seal. It perfectly protects against dust, noise and drafts. It can be used all year round, but the wear rate of the rubber will be higher.
At winter mode, the sash fits as tightly as possible, the seal is compressed, this can be felt by the tight turn of the handle. With constant use of this mode, the rubber wears out over several seasons, it loses its shape and is no longer able to restore it. When switching to summer mode after prolonged use of winter mode, blowing may occur.

The ideal operating mode for PVC windows is summer. If there is no discomfort for residents, the windows provide good insulation from cold air, dust and street noise, then it can be used constantly.

Switching the sashes to strong pressure is necessary in the following cases:

There is a blowing air, and cold air can be felt around the perimeter of the sash.
The seal has worn out, lost elasticity or dried out.
In case of heat loss, in order to save on space heating.

Not all types of fittings are equipped with a mechanism for switching modes; as a rule, the cheapest options do not have this capability. Kits from the middle and expensive segments are most often equipped with movable pins (eccentrics), by changing the position of which you can adjust the clamping force. These are fittings from the brands Roto, Maco, Siegenia Aubi.

Rules for using modes:

The period of use of the sash in winter mode should be shorter than in summer. It is recommended to switch the mechanism to a tighter fit in late autumn, and return it to its original position in early spring.
For the first year or two after installation, it is advisable to use only summer mode. There is no need to convert to winter.
You cannot use strong pressure in the warm season - this can lead to serious damage to the fittings and increased load on the welded seams of the sash, since the structure expands when heated.

A simple method will help you determine that the sash does not fit well to the frame and you need to switch the clamp to a tighter one: you need to hold the edge of a notebook sheet between the sash and the frame and turn the handle to the “closed” position, then try to remove the paper. If the sheet comes free easily, the seal is loose. If it is difficult to pull out or is torn, then the pressure is sufficient for the winter season and there is no need to tighten the trunnions.

What do trunnions look like and where are they located?

Trunnions or eccentrics are part locking mechanism accessories. They are located at the end of the sash on the handle side. They are easy to spot if you open the window. By changing the position of the eccentrics you can adjust the clamping force. Window sashes standard size equipped with 3 pins: bottom, center and top. Depending on the dimensions of the sash, there may be more.

Eccentrics vary in shape, which determines how they are adjusted:

● Some round eccentrics have an offset center; you can find several points on them or one mark that goes through the entire trunnion. In this case, the largest point or the longest part of the mark serves as a guide. If these marks are directed closer to the room, then the mode is winter, closer to the street - summer. You can also focus on the center of the eccentric; the closer it is to the street, the stronger the rebate.

Trunnion positions with an offset center and a long notch.

Multi-point trunnion

Which tool to use to switch plastic windows to winter mode or return them to summer mode also depends on the shape of the eccentrics. If they have holes, use the appropriate tool (hexagon, sprocket or screwdriver). The position of trunnions without special holes (oval) is adjusted with pliers.

How to convert eccentrics to strong pressure with your own hands

Switching mode is a simple operation. You can handle it yourself without involving a specialist. Before adjusting the eccentrics, it is necessary to prepare plastic windows for winter operation. This is the normal maintenance procedure for plastic profile products:

Clean the surface of the frame from dust and debris.
Wipe dry and soft cloth all metal parts of fittings.
Apply special lubricant or industrial petroleum jelly to the moving parts of the fitting mechanism.
Open and close the sash several times to ensure that the lubricant is evenly distributed.
Remove excess compound with a dry cloth.

It is better to clean and lubricate the fittings before making adjustments, as debris and sand can accumulate on them during movements. protective covering the metal will be damaged by abrasive particles, which will lead to corrosion.

Instructions for adjusting windows for the winter:

Find all the eccentrics on the open sash. Everything needs to be translated at once. Some models of fittings are equipped with recessed trunnions; before starting work, they need to be pulled towards you.
Find the mark on the trunnion indicating the clamping force. The closer the mark is to the street side, the stronger the fit. For trunnions with an offset center, another rule applies - the closer the center is to the street, the tighter the vestibule.
Using a window wrench, an asterisk or pliers, turn the eccentric: oval to a horizontal position; round - with a point (point) towards the street; round with an offset center - the wide side into the room.
The eccentrics do not have an extreme point; they scroll around their axis. The maximum rotation when switching from summer to winter mode is 180°. From standard to winter or summer - 90°.
You can check the result using a piece of paper.

In the spring it is necessary to return the sashes to their original position.

If the sash does not fit well enough to the frame on the hinge side or sagging is detected, you will need to adjust the hinges and scissors using a hex key. To do this, you need to remove the decorative plugs, find the holes on the hinges for the hex key to enter and align the position of the sash vertically and horizontally. If the fittings provide adjustment for pressure on the hinge side, you can make the fit tighter around the entire perimeter. The clamp is adjusted on the bottom loop or scissors.

Diagram for adjusting the sash horizontally, vertically and for clamping.

Possibility of adjusting the clamping force - useful property accessories. This allows you to reduce heat loss in winter and extend the service life of sealing rubber and plastic by loosening the pressure in the warm season. But in order for the windows to serve as long as possible, you should not abuse this function.

For many modern models plastic windows have an undeniable advantage - the ability to switch to winter and summer mode. This is a very useful function for our latitudes, where temperature changes between seasons are very noticeable. Today we will talk about the features of such windows and how to use them correctly.

Is this function necessary on plastic windows?

With the onset of cold weather, even from the sealed structure of a plastic window you can feel the air blowing. In winter, it is very important to keep the room warm. Therefore, switching the window to winter mode must be done without waiting for frost. But if you do not feel any discomfort or draft from a window in summer mode, then you should not switch it: winter mode can greatly wear out the structure.

Correctly adjusted mode will help you maintain a comfortable indoor climate

In summer, on the contrary, constant ventilation and access are required fresh air from outside to room. Switching a plastic window to summer mode ensures the above without letting in dust, dirt and heat from the street, unlike a regular window.

How to determine whether it is possible to change windows to winter/summer

Accessories for PVC windows can be budget, standard and specialized. The cost of such double-glazed windows increases accordingly. When you move into a new building, you will most likely find windows of the first type - budget. Their fittings provide only two positions: open and closed. If you want to install other windows, please note: designs with standard and specialized fittings do not always have the function of switching to winter and summer modes.

Carefully inspect the ends of the window sashes near the locking hardware. In a frame equipped with a winter mode, a trunnion is visible - a protruding mode lever. It can be in the form of a hexagon, asterisk or washer with a horizontal groove for a screwdriver.

An example of a trunnion that allows you to switch the window to winter and summer mode

On some models of trunnion profiles (the eccentric) first extends above the surface, and after adjustment it is pressed back. But on most modern windows eccentrics look like hexagons small size with a recess for a key, or as convenient ovals.

Standard size windows have 5 eccentrics: three near the handle, at the end of the sashes, and one each near the top edge, top and bottom. These trunnions provide pressure on the sash, preventing it from sagging. How larger size windows, the more eccentrics are located around the perimeter. Proper distribution of the load between the locks ensures maximum tightness in winter and good ventilation in summer.

Hardware conversion technology

This process is quite simple, but do not forget that incorrect translation can damage the fittings and even break them. Therefore, be extremely careful when switching a plastic window to winter mode.

Switching fittings to winter mode

Find all the pins on the window sash. You need to translate each of them.
Take suitable tool- screwdriver, hexagon or pliers. Turn each eccentric clockwise to the maximum possible position.
Some types of fittings have a peculiarity: the eccentrics must be pulled towards you before adjustment (like a winding mechanism in wristwatch), and after the fittings are transferred, recess them back. Specify such features when purchasing a window so that you do not have to call specialists at the wrong time.
Check the result of the work done. To do this, you need to close the window and pay attention to how tightly the handle turns. Since in winter mode the fittings press the sash especially tightly, the window handle should also close tightly.

Note! There is a simple way to check the pressing force of the sash. Place a piece of paper between the frame and the sash before closing the window. Then pull the sheet towards you. If it comes out freely, then the window remains in summer mode. If the paper is stuck tightly and breaks when you try to pull it out, congratulations, the procedure for switching to winter mode was a success!

To switch the window to summer mode, you need to turn the locking pin in the opposite direction, counterclockwise.

Switch your windows to seasonal mode once every six months. However, do not forget that metal plates may require adjustment due to frequent use. To protect your windows from damage, regularly clean the sashes and fittings from dirt and lubricate them according to the instructions.

Proper adjustment of a plastic window will prevent you from freezing in winter

Video: how to switch windows to winter mode

We hope our tips will help you do the job correctly and easily. If you have any questions about this topic, please ask them in the comments. Good luck to you!

Now it's hard to imagine modern apartment without plastic double glazed windows on the windows.

Indeed, plastic windows are very popular today, as they have many advantages.

One of them is their ability to change mode from winter to summer. Of course, not all windows have this mode, but not the cheapest window models have this function.

Due to the fact that winter temperatures in our region differ significantly from summer temperatures, the requirements for windows are also different.

In winter mode, the seal is pressed as much as possible, and in summer mode, on the contrary, good ventilation occurs due to the precise distribution of the load between all the locks.

To find out if your window has this feature, you need to inspect it. If on the side of the sash there is a hole on the trunnion (lever) for an hex key or an asterisk next to the eccentrics, then your windows have the function of switching to summer and winter modes.

When to switch windows to winter mode

If in summer a slight blowing around the perimeter of the window is completely unnoticeable and does not in any way affect the temperature inside the room, then in winter, even a slight blowing due to a loose seal becomes noticeable.

If the temperature in your apartment has dropped significantly with the onset of cold autumn weather (this is especially true for the off-season period, when the heating in the houses has not yet been turned on) and, when you approach the window, you feel the air blowing, and the window sill is quite cold, then it’s time to change the mode operation of your window for the winter.

Transferring plastic windows to winter mode: instructions

How to switch windows to the desired mode?

First, wipe all window elements with a rag, and clean the fittings from dirt with a brush.
Some parts are oiled. It is best to remove the old grease and re-treat the mechanisms with silicone grease.
After this, it is necessary to adjust the position of the valves.
Then you need to find all the pins on the sash (the larger the window size, the more there are). They are usually 5-8 mm in size. All trunnions must be switched to the required mode, otherwise the seal will be pressed unevenly.
Consider the axle. They usually have risks indicating winter and summer periods work.
Next, using a hexagon or a screwdriver with pliers, you need to turn each lever to the maximum position. Sometimes it is necessary to first pull the trunnion towards you, and only then turn it clockwise. Then it is necessary to return the trunnion to its previous position, that is, to drown it. You perform a similar action when changing your wristwatch.
At the end, you need to check how correctly you did everything. In winter mode, the handle will close much tighter due to the seal being attached more tightly. You can insert a sheet of paper into the sash and close the window, and then try to pull the sheet out. In winter mode, it should not be easily removed, and with a high-quality seal, the sheet should be securely fixed. If this is the case, then you did everything correctly, and now there will be no air blowing from the windows.

In principle, this is not so difficult, but it should be taken into account that if something is done carelessly, there is a risk of damaging the structure. Therefore, if you are not sure about own strength, it would be better to turn to professionals for help in translating windows.

Note! If the apartment is warm without switching the windows to winter mode, then there is no need to do this, since the wear of the seal in this mode is much greater.

Finally

Based on all of the above, we can conclude: if you notice any changes in the functionality of your plastic window, for example, if it starts to blow from the window or the window freezes and condensation occurs, or the sash begins to cling when torn off, then you need to change your window mode. As mentioned above, this is quite easy to do.

9606 0 3

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

The topic of this article is winter-summer mode in plastic windows. Together with the reader, we will figure out why this function is needed. window fittings, 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 more tightly to the frame;
In summer the gap is a couple of millimeters larger.

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

Why is this necessary?

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

Window profiles are no exception.

When cooled, the size of the object decreases accordingly. 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 to, say, 60 degrees, a modest five to six hundredths of a millimeter per meter will turn into 3 - 3.6 mm.

Thermal expansion - simple and clear.

In terms of standard thickness metal-plastic profile (60 mm), 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. Which, for a moment, is what you pay for.

Excuse me, the surprised reader will say, but what about elastic rubber? Doesn't it compensate for the slight change in sash size?

Of course it compensates. However, rubber tends to lose its elasticity over time. Over the course of several years, a constantly compressed rubber profile will acquire the shape and size of the gap between the frame and the sash.

Since the size of the gap changes following seasonal fluctuations in street temperature, after just a couple of years in winter it will begin to seep through the window. Simply because pressed by the expanded summer heat profile, the seal will no longer completely close the gap in winter. However, it is worth increasing the gap between the profiles during the warm season - and the problem will be completely eliminated.

How to regulate

When installing hardware, its pressure rollers are usually in the neutral position.

How to switch plastic windows to winter mode when cold weather sets in? You just need to rotate all the rollers 90 degrees - so that the larger radius of the oval roller is directed towards the sash.

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

How to do this? The instructions depend on the type of fittings. There are two options:

You can rotate the roller yourself, without tools. To do this, it is enough to pull it along the axis in the direction from the sash and rotate it to the desired position;
The roller turns with some effort using a hex key.

A set of hexagons suitable for adjusting windows can be found in any bicycle or car shop.

How to switch windows to winter mode if you don’t have a hexagon on hand?

Using a flat-head screwdriver, insert it into the groove of the roller;

Not all hardware kits have a slot for a screwdriver.

With pliers. Under their lips you need to place a folded one several times thick fabric or thin rubber (for example, a piece of an old bicycle inner tube) so as not to wrinkle the surface of the roller.

How to switch plastic windows to summer mode when it gets warmer? 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 only with central locking, without pressure rollers?

The pressing force of the sash can be changed by adjusting the mating part of the lock. To do this, it is equipped with a pair of adjusting screws with hexagon heads located at the top and bottom of the movable bar.

Alas, the benefit of such an adjustment will 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 airtight.

Problems and solutions

What problems may arise when switching seasonal window 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 turning it 90 degrees.

If this is not the problem, lubricate the roller with WD-40. 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 can penetrate any thread in a few minutes and allow it to move out of place.

In the winter position the window continues to show through.

It looks like the window seal has served its purpose.

You can purchase a new seal from 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;

Trim it at the corners stationery 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 a dull steel spatula.

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 air flow, frames are often equipped with supply valves, however, there is a simpler solution.

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

Plastic windows are very popular.

It's quite reliable modern designs, which can protect against noise and dust and cope well with cold weather.

However, not all plastic windows are the same; they may vary depending on the fittings:

A budget option. These are economical windows, there are no additional modes, you can only close and open.
Standard. This class means that it is possible to switch between summer and winter modes.
Specialized plastic windows. In addition to switching the mode, here you can additionally block the system from hacking; this is excellent protection against thieves.

It’s better not to skimp on comfort and buy models with fittings no lower than the standard class. There will not be a big loss in money, but it is much more convenient to use such windows.

Need for adjustment

Modes are necessary in order to plastic construction could adapt to the weather outside the window.

When the cold weather passes, there is no longer any need to keep everything warm and save money on heating.

However, reliable protection from noise and dust is necessary; in addition, in the summer heat it is useful that the windows do not allow hot air to pass through.

The window performs all these necessary functions perfectly even in a state when all connections are relaxed. No gaps are formed, but there is no such tight pressing as in cold weather.

Winter mode means the tightest possible pressure.

Plastic windows do not let in cold air, which helps maintain comfortable temperature without unnecessary expenses for heating.

Thanks to the seal and correct setting windows and sashes fit into the frame and do not let anything through. However, this mode can wear out the rubber bands quite quickly, so it is necessary to switch plastic windows at the first opportunity, as soon as it gets warmer and spring fully comes into its own.

Summer

First you need to check what mode the window is in.

In the summer one there is a small gap between the doors; a thin sheet of paper can fit into it.

Thanks to this, the fittings do not press the seal too hard and allow the window to last much longer. Such rest is simply necessary even for the most modern and expensive design options.

After winter, switching is quite easy. You need to unscrew the hexagon to the minimum. The eccentric, a special mount for converting rotary motion into translational motion, due to which the seal is loosened, must be located as close to the street as possible in order to loosen the seal.

To do this, you should find a suitable key and simply unscrew it all the way. It is imperative to check that all eccentrics switch to the new position.

It is the summer mode that is the most gentle for plastic windows. You don’t have to worry that noise, dust will pass through it, or that hot air will actively heat the room. The design will perfectly cope with its basic functions without the tightest compression possible.

Winter

When the windows were installed by the previous owners of the apartment or house, or the renovation was carried out quite a long time ago, and the residents managed to forget the details about the type of fittings, first of all you need to find out whether the transition is possible.

From the very beginning, you need to carefully examine the side parts of the sash. If there is a hole for a hex key or an asterisk in this place, then tightening and switching to another mode are possible.

The procedure itself is quite easy, you need to turn all the fasteners clockwise and tighten them until they stop.

After such an operation, the windows become as tight as possible.

If beginners have a question about whether they really managed to do everything correctly, it is worth trying to hold a sheet of paper against the window; in winter mode it will be almost impossible to pull it out, the seal will not leave such a wide gap.

Feasibility

Many, even if the design of their plastic windows provides for changing modes, do not use them.

This reduces comfort. In winter, cold can penetrate into this small gap, and it can even blow mercilessly right next to the window. In summer, it is necessary to loosen the compression so that the seal does not deteriorate.

When installing plastic windows, you must carefully study all their capabilities and operating rules. In this case, they will serve for a long time and provide complete comfort. In any season, your home should be warm, cozy and pleasant to be in.

Watch the video in which a specialist explains how to switch plastic windows to summer or winter mode: