Plastic windows are easy to open. Even a small child can handle this procedure. This is unsafe. To prevent pets from falling out of the window, you must install a special limiter. It greatly improves operational safety. How to install a stopper on a plastic window will be discussed later.
Description of the comb
Before considering how to install a stopper on a plastic window, you need to consider the principle of its structure and application features. Most often, a comb is used for such purposes. This is a small bar, on one side of which there are teeth. Therefore, one edge of the comb is wavy. Thanks to this special shape, the window stop was called a comb. It is also called a retainer.
The main functions of the comb for the window are as follows:
- Airing the room. To do this, leave a gap that will have the desired size. This allows you to adjust the level of ventilation in the room.
- Preventing the sash opening too wide. If there are animals in the house, an ajar sash cannot open wider. This will protect the pet from falling out of the window.
- Locking the sash in a certain position. Due to a draft or gusts of wind, the window will not open more strongly, will not slam, and will not hit nearby objects.
Combs are made from different materials. Their cost depends on this. The simplest varieties can be purchased at a price of 150 rubles. If you take into account how much a plastic window costs with the function of opening the sash for ventilation, then you can understand how much more profitable is to get an independent lock.
The structure of the limiter is simple, therefore, its independent installation does not cause difficulties. The comb consists of the following elements:
- Strap. It has 3 to 5 teeth. They determine how wide the sash will open. The comb is mounted in a special stand. She provides his mobility. The stand has holes for attaching to the frame.
- Kernel. Most often it is made of metal. The rod is attached to the window. A comb clings to him.
Varieties
Before buying, you need to familiarize yourself with how much a plastic window with a built-in stopper costs. In this case, the sash will open to the top ventilation mode. The disadvantage of this design is the fact that the pet can still overcome the half-open barrier. In this case, the pet may fall out or even become stuck in the open gap.
The limiter, which is purchased separately, is devoid of this drawback. On sale are various variations of such devices. Their choice depends on the mechanism for opening the sash. So, for folding versions, an external or integrated comb is used. If the sash is equipped with a swing-out mechanism, a stop with a brake function must be purchased.
If an outer comb is included in the package when the window is delivered, it will be fixed on the window sash. Thanks to this feature, the system will allow you to control its position. However, when using an external comb, the appearance of the window profile is deteriorated. Therefore, the integrated design for many customers is preferable.
If you need to prevent accidental opening of the sash, you must also install a braking mechanism. He firmly fixes it in a predetermined position. This type of construction can cause certain difficulties during installation and operation.
The most optimal design option is a mechanism with an included brake. It is most often mounted on the balcony door.
Limiters also differ in material. They can be made of plastic, metal or a combination thereof. They have some differences. When using plastic, it is possible to set the distance between the frame and the sash, which will be from 1 to 7 cm. This is the most budgetary version of the presented devices. It is easy to install, but lacks strength.
Combs of metal are installed using self-tapping screws. This is the most durable version of the design, but the cost of such a limiter is higher. The metal should be coated in order not to stand out from the window.
Advantages and disadvantages
Before you consider the technique of how to properly install the limiter on plastic windows, you need to pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of such a design. It can be fixed on the end of the sash or under the window handle. The first option somewhat spoils the appearance of the window. Therefore, it is preferable to mount the stopper under the handle. This installation option has more advantages.
When installing the system on the end of the sash, the likelihood of deformation of the frame and depressurization of the window increases.
Both installation options have certain advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of using limiters include the low cost of refinement. At the same time, the window operation safety increases significantly. Installation does not cause much difficulty. Even a novice master will cope with it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. In this case, it will be possible to equip the window with an important revision.
However, it is worth remembering that the limiters have a number of disadvantages. There is always a risk of damage to the frame during installation. Because of this, the window will begin to let cold air into the room. It will need to be replaced in the near future, and this is an unforeseen waste of the family budget. Therefore, the installation must be done carefully, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
The latch is usually not very strong. With its frequent operation, it quickly fails, requires replacement.
Existing shortcomings do not stop the owners of houses and apartments. Therefore, they decide to install a comb for the window. You can do this procedure with your own hands.
Alternative to comb
Today, window stoppers are also installed in apartments where there are small children.
To prevent the child from opening the comb, other types of limiters must be preferred. The main ones are:
- Lock handle. It is made of metal. A mechanism is mounted inside the structure, which opens and closes with a key. So parents can be sure that the child will not be able to open the sash. By simply replacing the standard plastic handle on the window, you can lock it in one of two positions. The leaf can be closed or folded. At the same time, you can only change its position using the key.
- Laid on lock. It is mounted on the lower sash profile. It also opens with a key, allowing you to fold the sash if necessary.
- Wrap limiter. It looks like an overhead lock. But in this case, the system is installed on the frame, and not on the sash.
- Mortise lock. Installation of this kind of system is more complicated. In this case, it will be impossible to do without special tools. The tilt function in this case is not limited. Using the key, you can lock the sash, not allowing it to swing open.
- Key handle. The design looks like a standard mechanism. But, moving the sash to the desired position, you can remove the handle. It serves as a key in the design. When the handle is removed, its seat closes with the help of a decorative outlet.
- Chain. By the principle of operation, this limiter is similar to a door chain. The design provides a metal cable in a plastic shell. It must be strong enough so that the child cannot tear it. There are options with a chain, but the cable is stronger. Its length determines the degree of opening of the sash. There is no limiting brake in the design.
- Lock for sliding sashes. It is fixed on the side of the frame. Using the lock with a key, you can close the sash in the desired position.
The presented plastic window opening limiters are much safer than a comb. The kid, and an adult, will not be able to open the window without special keys that are supplied.
Standard airing mode
Window limiter allows you to ventilate the room. In this case, you can not be afraid to leave an open window unattended. But sometimes manufacturers have already provided the appropriate modes for ventilation as standard. There is such a mode as micro-ventilation. In this case, the sash slightly reclines, but the window seems visually closed.
This mode allows you to ventilate the room without leaving the window open. In this case, you will need to install the limiter on plastic windows with your own hands only if there are children in the house. If the child can already turn the sash handle, appropriate protection must be provided.
In other cases, you can order a window with three micro-ventilation modes. The handle can be in one of four positions. When the lever is turned down, it means that the window is tightly closed. In this mode, it should remain airtight. If this is not the case, you need to change the rubber bands or generally plan the purchase and installation of a new window.
If you turn the handle in this design 90 °, you can open the sash. This feature is essential if you need to wash the window. Therefore, in most cases, the sash has such an opening mechanism.
If you move the handle up another 45 °, you can open the window for micro-ventilation. In this case, a small gap appears between the frame and the sash. The window appears to be closed. This mode allows you to ventilate the window in the cold season with minimal heat loss. For some manufacturers, the micro-ventilation function is adjusted when the knob is turned 45 ° from the lower position. How to open the sash in this mode, you need to contact the window manufacturer.
If the lever is turned exactly up, this puts the system in the ventilation function. The leaf at the same time leans back at the top. This allows you to quickly ventilate the room. This function is used mainly in the warm season.
Climate valve
Considering recommendations on how to install a stopper on a plastic window, you should pay attention to another variation. This is a climate valve, which is one of the most modern types of such structures. It allows for sufficient microcirculation of indoor air. In this case, the window does not have to open.
The advantage of installing a climate valve is the fact that humid air is constantly removed from the room, but the heat loss will be minimal. Passing through a complex valve system, the external air masses have time to warm up. Therefore, the room is still warm.
By installing a climate valve, it is possible to normalize the humidity level in the room. This avoids condensation on the windows. With a normal level of humidity, fungus and mold do not develop, and people living in the apartment are much less likely to get respiratory ailments.
How to fix the stopper to the plastic windows of the type presented depends on the features of its design. You will have to drill a hole in the top of the sash to install the system. This work must be entrusted to a professional. If a wizard without experience performs a similar procedure, he will most likely just ruin the window. Therefore, the climatic valve must be installed by a master who gives a guarantee for his work, has sufficient experience and theoretical knowledge of this procedure.
Outside and inside the window, decorative linings are installed. Therefore, the appearance of the frame will not be damaged. Modern systems of such devices allow you to adjust the humidity level in the room without using power.
Preparing to install the comb
It is quite possible to set the simplest types of window limiters yourself. It will be easiest to mount a comb. In order to prevent mistakes, you need to consider the advice of specialists. Otherwise, even with such a simple installation, you can ruin the window.
It is necessary to prepare the necessary materials and tools. You need to choose a comb of the appropriate type. It is better to give preference to painted metallic varieties. They are stronger and more durable. Installation is carried out using a drill. Self-tapping screws are purchased for installation. You will also need a Phillips screwdriver and pencil.
Often the necessary items for installation are sold complete with a comb. It is nevertheless advisable to purchase self-tapping screws separately. They will be better, which will also extend the life of the system.
When choosing screws, you need to consider the thickness of the window frame and sash. Fasteners longer than 13 mm are not recommended. Otherwise, the wizard will damage the reinforcing layer of the window profile. It is depressurized and will need to be replaced soon.
Beginning of work
How to fasten the stopper to plastic windows? It is necessary to consider in detail the procedure for carrying out such work. Under the window handle will be located latch. The comb will be installed directly on the frame. In this case, you should not rush. It’s better to double-check everything several times than to get a damaged frame in the end.
First you need to dismantle the window handle. To do this, first remove the decorative cover. She covers the base of the handle. To do this, carefully pry off the lid with a knife. Care must be taken as the plastic can be easily damaged. Scratches will make the appearance of the lining very unsightly.
Under the cover are self-tapping screws that fix the handle. They are unscrewed and a handle is removed from the seat. It has a pin with which the window mechanism opens and closes.
Considering the method of how to put the stopper on a plastic window, it should be noted that it is in place of the handle that a metal frame with a bracket is installed. It is necessary to combine all the holes. After the adjusting pin is installed in the corresponding hole, the structural bar will be correctly installed on the seat. Using self-tapping screws, the structure is firmly fixed. The tip of the shaft should protrude slightly from the outside of the sash.
Comb fixation
How to install a stopper on a plastic window? It is very important to correctly determine the installation location of the system. To do this, you need to perform several sequential actions. A serrated comb is put on the protruding part of the rod. Next, you need to cover the window by applying the bracket to the frame. The bracket will be attached here.
Using a pencil, make appropriate marks. Here you will need to make holes for fixing the bracket. Then again you need to check whether the limiter hits the latch. It will not be possible to redo work after installation. Ugly traces will remain on the frame.
A screw is screwed into one of the holes in the base of the comb. You can use a screwdriver for this. The base must be placed exactly vertically. Then it is fixed completely. For this, a self-tapping screw is screwed into the second hole. It is better not to make preliminary holes.
Expert Advice
The comb is usually quite fragile. Therefore, in order to extend its life, some actions need to be taken. It is better to choose a comb of a simple cast form. You need to check that it is strong enough. If the system consists of individual elements, they break faster.
From time to time it is necessary to tighten the screws, since due to vibration during the active use of the fasteners can weaken. This will affect not only the quality of the comb, but also the security of the system.
It is also recommended to purchase a comb only in a specialized store. Otherwise, you can purchase a product of dubious quality. Such products cannot be durable.