Plastic (even high quality) windows with a high level of thermal protection and high-quality waterproofing in the winter are subject to both sweating and freezing. This is not a sign of marriage or improper installation. Most likely, you just did not take care of the proper seasonal preparation of your own windows.
Today we will talk about this hot topic. So, how to transfer plastic windows to winter mode, get rid of drafts and achieve additional insulation of frames? To answer this question, we will take a closer look at all the “weaknesses”.
Winter mode plastic windows and fittings
About her - first of all. Mostly modern windows are equipped with fittings designed for 2 or 3 seasonal modes. This is either "summer-winter" or "summer-winter-fall." Some window owners do not even know about it and, when the temperature drops, they begin to swear by “hackers” -products. But we will correct this misunderstanding - we will talk about how to switch plastic windows to winter mode. Photos posted in the article will help the reader in terms of visibility.
Most often, the situation is fixable: it all comes down to turning a pair of bolts. We transfer our windows to the "winter" and forget about the problems. To do this, pay attention to the swivel pin. What it is? A trunnion is a miniature mechanism with which the sashes can be held in a slammed position, most often its location is around the window. Remember the click when the sash slams? It worked trunnion.
How to find her?
It may look like a ring or an oval lever. If this ring is in the shape of a nut, there is a marking hole on it. Check: when it is located close to the frame with a sealant - this is winter mode. When it provides the greatest fit of the sash to the profile. Why not use it all year round? Yes, simply because the sealant will quickly wear out and go "in circulation".
The trunnion is adjustable (with its oval shape) very easily, without any tools. In the form of a nut - using a hexagon. Turning them a ring, we achieve the movement of a small circle-mark closer to the seal. Going back to the summer is as easy as switching the plastic windows to winter mode by turning the ring.
Handles and loops in anticipation of cold weather need lubrication with machine or vegetable oil or a special tool from a tube-syringe.
We take care of the seal
It is a rubber gasket between the sash and the frame. It is also considered a sealant of the edges of a double-glazed window. At the end of autumn, test it around the perimeter and make sure of elasticity, especially in the corners. Normally, it bends easily and quickly takes its initial shape.
If this is not so, it is impossible to reanimate it by any forces; If everything is in order, then before putting the plastic windows into winter mode, take care of its preparation by purchasing silicone grease in an aerosol or tube with a syringe.
Lubricate with a brush on a well-washed and dried sealant (it is better to take the gel for dishes, but not alcohol or abrasive products). If the seal is multi-leaf, first place the product between the petals.
Do not forget about the sealant at the edges of the double-glazed window. If there is no glazing bead in this part of the window (not provided for by the design or simply broken), the grease of the double-glazed window seal is carried out similarly to the usual one.
What to do with seams?
We are talking about the seams between the profile and the window opening. That is where the main heat "flows" out of the room. Before putting plastic windows into winter mode, make sure there are no drafts. In addition to the latter, condensation and even ice on the window will tell about the broken thermal insulation. An additional layer of polyurethane foam will help get rid of these problems. Even more reliable - plastic plates or drywall combined with mineral wool.
It is not recommended to insulate plastic windows with "folk" methods - with cotton wool, homemade putties, etc. Most of these products are not only ineffective, but also capable of causing harm - the fabric and cotton wool retain moisture inside, which leads to fungus and condensation, and covering the gap with wax or molten paraffin, you risk ruining the factory seal.
How to transfer plastic windows to winter mode (roto)
We are talking about the popular accessories ROTO, widely known to the consumer market in various versions and supplied by various manufacturers in many countries. The principles of its adjustment are the same for any model.
How to transfer plastic windows to winter mode in the presence of such accessories? Modern models are regulated by a 4 mm hexagonal wrench, older ones by pliers and a screwdriver. What are the main problems requiring our intervention?
If, closing the window sash, we touch the frame with it below - it sagged. A slight rise is required: from the lower loop (at the top), remove the protective cap, wielding the hexagon inserted into the recess, raise (rotate clockwise) or lower the frame (counterclockwise) by a couple of millimeters. This is usually enough.
When the sash "knocks" with the frame in the middle part, you need to adjust it in the horizontal direction. This is done with special screws on the upper and lower hinges. If you rotate them clockwise, the sash will approach the loop (grazing will decrease), against the frame. Displacement is possible no more than 2-3 mm. In the same way, we are fighting with bias.
Other issues
If, in spite of the winter mode of the plastic windows, a draft is still felt (it simply blows out of the window), eccentric locking trunnions achieve better pressing of the sash (you can find them by looking at the sash end in the open position).
Some models of ROTO fittings contain several control eccentrics, try to act on them evenly.
If suddenly, when the quick open, the lock works correctly, and the handle is jammed in the middle position between the open and tilt window modes, look for the “clip” (tongue) below the handle itself and turn parallel to the seal. The handle can turn gently. Does not work? This means that the contact of the tongue with the lock is broken - unscrew the mechanism and put a thin plate inside so that the parts can again come into contact.
Sometimes it happens that the handle simply loosened up or it needs to be replaced (you decided to put a "children's" lock). Turn the bar 90 ° C, which covers its base, unscrew the screws and install a new one. If replacement is not needed - just tighten them tighter.
Do not forget about the care of fittings
In order for the mechanism to serve for a long time and efficiently, the fittings need lubrication. To do this, take WD-40 silicone or automotive grease and apply to the points of contact. This should be done at least once a year, before switching plastic windows to winter mode, and preferably twice as often.
Other, more complex problems require a service technician.