Modern plastic windows quickly burst into the life of not only urban, but also rural residents. Convenience, comfort and durability of such structures allow to displace simple wooden frames from everyday life.
The main task of plastic bags to ensure the influx of fresh air into the room, since its lack adversely affects the performance and health of people. In structures that open for ventilation with a slope, this is not a problem. But if the sash has only rotary opening, then this drawback can be easily eliminated by installing a comb on a plastic window with your own hands.
What is a comb?
The limiter for opening plastic windows (comb) is a special device that allows the movable window opening to be opened at a predetermined distance in order to carry out the ventilation process at any time of the year.
Such a device is usually not included in the standard package of plastic windows, so it has to be ordered separately during installation or purchased at any specialized store. The zealous owner prefers the second option, as well as installing the comb on a plastic window with his own hands. This device is best suited for mounting on pivoting plastic windows that are not equipped with a hinged opening system.
Types of Limiters
Structurally, the comb for plastic windows consists of two elements - the latch and the bracket with notches. Differences of devices from each other are characterized by the following parameters:
- the material from which the product is made;
- color coating parts;
- by fixing the comb for plastic windows.
Plastic comb
The most common and affordable type of limiter. It is made by molding from strong, shock-resistant types of plastic. Plastic limiters have many finishing options, which allows you to choose the full combination of colors with different window designs.
The standard number of comb grooves for plastic windows is three or four recesses, but if desired, their number can be increased to five. A greater extension of the fixture significantly reduces the strength of the entire structure.
The plastic stop has a small measure of strength under lateral loads. Therefore, installing the comb on a plastic window is not recommended from the side of the building, where there is a high wind load.
Metal comb
Such limiters are much more durable and stronger than plastic structures, which, accordingly, increases their cost. The metal comb for plastic windows must have an anti-corrosion protective layer, since it is used in conditions with high humidity.
The best material for the manufacture of the limiter is considered to be brass coated with a zinc layer. The design of the metal bracket usually has 4-5 teeth. The color scheme is quite wide, but golden and silver shades prevail, which give a noble appearance to various PVC windows.
Combined fixtures
Combined devices are made of two materials - metal and plastic. Typically, a comb lock is made of metal for plastic windows, and the bar itself is made of impact-resistant plastic.
The color of such a product is most often white, for standard plastic designs. But for windows with a profile for wood, brown limiters are produced. Other colors are mainly made to order, and it is not easy to find them in free trade.
Location Classification
According to the option of attaching combs for a plastic window, it can be conditionally divided into two types:
- The external structure is designed for installation on the flap of the window unit or on the window leaf. It fixes the window in a predetermined position, and the latch is most often installed under the handle to open the window. With this option, the entire design of the limiter is in sight.
- The built-in comb performs the same function as the external, but at the same time remains invisible to the human eye. The use of such a device allows you to completely preserve the aesthetics of the appearance of the window, and in the case of a balcony, the doorway, as the built-in stop is invisible. At the same time, the built-in comb can be installed at any end of the window without creating obstacles for the effective action of the locking elements of the adjacent block sash.
Pros and cons of combing
The manufacturers of restrictive devices indicate that they are mainly intended for comfortable ventilation of the room, and also serve as reliable protection of the glass packet from mechanical damage as a result of a sharp slam of the window sash in a strong wind or draft.
The advantages and disadvantages of combs can be considered depending on the type of device used. So, plastic models are easy to install and have a huge selection of colors, while they are not very expensive.
The main disadvantage of such devices is their low strength. With lateral force, they are subject to mechanical damage.
Metal limiters, on the contrary, have a solid base that is resistant to various loads, which increases their durability. At the same time, the limited color gamut and the high cost compared to plastic devices can be considered a disadvantage of metal limiters.
The main advantage of installing a comb on a plastic window with your own hands is the creation of a gap from 5 to 80 mm wide, which contributes to the effective ventilation of any room.
A common drawback for all types of window limiters is that the air flow is distributed in a strictly horizontal or vertical position, and this creates conditions for drafts. At the same time, the design of the comb does not fulfill the function of a lock, so installing it on the lower floors of the building is not able to protect the room from intruders.
Comb mounting technology
Before installing the comb on a plastic window, it is necessary to prepare the following tools and materials:
- The device itself is the limitation.
- Electric drill.
- Drill (diameter no more than 2 mm).
- Screwdriver.
- Screws that are included. You can use other screws, the length of which does not exceed 12 cm, so as not to damage the reinforcing layer of the profile.
- Marker to markup.
The installation process itself must be carried out correctly and without rushing, since putting the comb on a plastic window is incorrect - it means to break the tightness, thermal insulation and sound insulation of the profile block.
Installation takes place in two stages: first the latch is mounted, and then the bracket.
Latch setting
At the first stage, it is necessary to carry out preparatory operations in order to further install the latch. For these purposes:
- First you need to remove the handle, which consists of a decorative strip that fits snugly against the sash of the frame, and the device itself. Using a knife, pry off a decorative plate. This element must be removed very carefully so as not to disturb the appearance of the product. The functionality of the part will not suffer when the cover is scratched, but the aesthetics of the entire structure will decrease.
- Then we unscrew the fixing screws that are under the decorative strip.
- The holes on the latch strip are combined with the openings of the sash, ideally they should clearly coincide.
- Then we install the handle up and tighten the screws.
- By turning the decorative strip, we close the entire device.
It is very important that the screws be tightly and without scrolling so that they do not weaken in future work.
Mounting the comb bracket
At this stage, a very important condition for proper installation will be to determine the exact mounting location of the strap.
Therefore, it is necessary to strictly comply with the following recommendations:
- First of all, you need to put the bracket with teeth on the latch.
- Then tuck in the window sash and attach the bar to the frame.
- With the help of a marker, it is necessary to mark the location of the comb attachment.
- We make small holes at the attachment points.
- We attach the limiter to the frame and tighten the screw into any of the holes.
- Having set the bar strictly vertically, we twist the rest of the screws.
- We check the correct installation so that there is no twisting of the plane of the comb.
Installation of a limiter in the weld
This type of installation of the device is carried out by installing a latch in the end part of the window sash and is an alternative to a simple comb. This installation option is used if, due to the presence of additional fittings on an adjacent sash, it is not possible to install a latch under the window handle.
To install the latch, it is necessary to use a large length self-tapping screw to break through two parts of the jumper from the end of the sash (overlay). It is such a mount that can provide a reliable connection.
The installation of the comb in the surfacing is possible only on plastic structures, since wood profiles along the fibers can crack on wooden profiles.
Some recommendations and operating tips
Ventilate the room at least twice a day, while the duration of the procedure should be at least ten minutes. In winter, the airing period can be reduced to five minutes.
During strong squally gusts of wind, it is better to abandon the use of ventilation, so as not to damage the comb during a sharp opening of the sash.
Periodically, you need to check the reliability of fastening. If the screws are loose, they should be tightened. Poor attachment may damage the stopper.
Regularly clean the locking device from dirt and dust. Metal combs must be periodically lubricated with appropriate oil. This protects against the harmful effects of moisture and prolongs the life of the structure.
Remember that the proper organization of ventilation will create a comfortable climate in the apartment and will help maintain good health. And installing the comb yourself is easy and simple.