The mode of switching plastic windows for the winter. How to transfer plastic windows to winter position. Additional window insulation for winter

In the modern world, people have forgotten that any problems with windows are possible. Most of the population has replaced their old windows with plastic ones. There are many principles for choosing the right windows and no less important aspects of their use. Let's take a look at the most common ones.

Winter mode of plastic windows

When buying window fittings, we do not think at all about the intricacies of the operation of these structures and the features of functioning at different times of the year. Often, when installing windows in the summer, buyers are faced with the problem of blowing plastic windows in the cold, completely unaware that these structures have a summer and winter mode of use.

The winter mode of plastic windows is designed to ensure that the sashes fit snugly against the window frame. The mode of plastic windows affects the preservation of heat in the room in the cold.

Quite often, the ventilation of a plastic window from the winter mode can be confused with the regulation of fittings for the winter period, however, these are two completely different window abilities.

When it comes to the tightness of the sash adjoining, this is the mode that protects your apartment from excessive blowing of plastic windows. When it is necessary to ventilate the room, flow valves are used. Windows can be switched to winter mode by a special master. With some skill, you can do it yourself.

The summer mode of plastic windows is different in that the sash does not adjoin so tightly. Thus, it becomes possible to constantly supply free air to the apartment due to micro-ventilation.

There is a classic position - the mode of the middle adjoining of the sash to the frame, when the eccentrics or trunnions are located in the middle position. A double-glazed window in this mode performs its functions equally well in all seasons and ensures adequate sealing.

By changing the window modes, you can not only avoid drafts in the apartment, but also extend the life of the structure. In winter, the material becomes more compressed, and in hot weather it returns to its original position or expands. Setting the window fittings in the right way reduces the wear threshold of the seal and fasteners.

One of the leaders in the production of plastic windows, which provide for winter and summer operation, is Rehau. The company was founded over 70 years ago.

During its existence, the company has grown to a well-known brand with 170 branches around the world. Rehau is the main partner of Porsche, Volkswagen, BMW and Audi. The company manufactures parts and systems from polymers for these concerns.

Rehau's scope of work is focused on the development and implementation of not only plastic windows, but also car body systems, ventilation equipment, seals for cars, modular battery systems for electric car batteries.

The installation of Rehau plastic windows will provide the room with everything necessary for the unhindered penetration of daylight, as well as protect it from city noise and cold.

But how to transfer plastic windows to winter mode on your own? Let's consider this question in more detail.

We translate windows into winter mode correctly

Switching windows to winter mode in autumn is an opportunity to save on heating. It is possible not to switch windows to another mode while maintaining the good qualities of the seal. When spring arrives, switch your windows to summer mode. Due to the correct adjustment and reduction of the load traction on the window seal, the windows will last longer.

You can switch the window fittings using the eccentrics (pins) intended for this, which are located on the side of the sash. If the eccentrics have sockets for a hex wrench, sprockets, screwdrivers, or oval-shaped eccentrics, then this design is capable of transitioning to some kind of window mode.

Eccentrics in their structure can be round or oval with openings for hexagons. To switch the window to cold mode, all eccentrics must be adjusted.

It is not difficult to switch plastic windows to winter mode. It is important to remember that incorrect adjustment can adversely affect the windows. Schematically, the process is as follows.

1. First, to switch the plastic window mode, you need to take a hexagon to tighten the window sash.

2. When you open the window, a round pin will be visible from the end of the door. The pattern located on the trunnion in most cases is directed upwards. This indicates that an intermediate window mode has been set between winter and summer.

3. The hexagon must be inserted into the central hole of the pin and turned at a right angle in the direction of the seal. Now the adjustment of the notch on the trunnion should look at the seal.

4. It should be noted that the majority of windows have more than one trunnion located along the area of the window sash. To avoid blowing through, all pins must be switched to winter mode.

5. To evaluate the work, insert a piece of paper between the frame and the sash. Next, see how easy or difficult you can get the paper out of the window. In this way, you can understand the quality of the pressure and accurately switch the window to winter mode.

Important! When operating the fittings, having noticed blowing with the sash closed, you should perform an adjustment - transferring the structure to winter mode. But this mode can significantly wear out the rubber seal of plastic windows. Therefore, you should not tighten the eccentrics too much, because due to such an adjustment, the trunnions and the window frame will fail much faster.

When summer comes, switch the windows to summer mode. Using the wrong mode will soon ruin and age the seal.

Plastic windows can be switched from winter mode by inserting the hexagon into the eccentric and turning it clockwise. Remember, the life of the window depends only on your correct adjustment and prudent use.

There are great advantages in the presence of installed “winter-summer” or “winter-summer-autumn” systems with seasonal adjustment of fittings: in winter, waterproofing and thermal protection are preserved through the sealing of window parts, and in summer there is enough protection from dust and heat.

Unfortunately, not every plastic window provides the ability to change the settings, it depends not on the quality of the double-glazed window, but on the class of the installed fittings.

It is customary to distinguish three main types:

Budget furniture. Provides basic functions - open and close window sashes without additional resources. It belongs to the low price segment and is often installed in new buildings.
Standard fittings. Adjustment systems are present, good quality characteristics. Average price category.
Specialized fittings. Developments with elements of anti-burglary fortifications. Seasonal changes of settings "summer-autumn-winter" are provided.

What are they and why are they needed?

Switching the window to winter and summer mode

The concept of the operating mode is related to the degree of pressing of the window fittings to the base and, accordingly, of the sashes to the frame seals. In winter mode, the setting ensures the tightness of the structure as much as possible. Thus, isolation from the external environment is enhanced.

At the end of the winter period, it is time to reconfigure the winter settings for summer ones in order to prevent wear of the fittings fastening parts and erasure of the seal.

By default, when buying or installing windows, summer mode is always set to extend the shelf life of the internal seal. Unfortunately, when installing double-glazed windows, it is very rare for consumers to be instructed about the functioning and operation of seasonal settings.

Summer and winter modes, as the main ones, provide protection of the interior from drafts, guarantee the comfort and tightness of plastic windows depending on the season. If there is such a technical possibility, it is recommended to carry out periodic adjustment.

Adjustment is available to any consumer, calling specialists is not required. The only recommendation when changing the settings is to be careful not to damage the fittings and extend the life of the double-glazed window.

How to check the window for the possibility of translation?

If, during installation or moving into an apartment, it remains unclear whether the double-glazed window has season settings, then you can find out for yourself. First, open the sashes and look at the fasteners. On the side there are special eccentrics, or otherwise trunnions.

This is the name of a small mechanism that serves to hold the sash when it is closed. When the window is closed, you can hear a characteristic click - this is the sound of a working pin. Thanks to this device, the setting for the change of season is carried out.

The eccentrics must have hex key holes., a star screwdriver or a standard screwdriver. Their presence is a kind of confirmation of the ability to adjust the seasonal settings of the compactor.

The oval shape of the eccentric also speaks of this. There can be several pins or one, depending on the size of the valves and the manufacturer. With their help, you can translate the mode.

In the absence of the specified holes, it will not be possible to change the seasonal settings. The solution to the issue may be to replace the fittings or sealant to ensure the sealing of the structure in winter.

How to change the mode yourself?

Pin adjustment scheme

Changing the seasonal regime on double-glazed windows is a simple task. But before you get started, decide if this is necessary. Double-glazed windows are inherently reliable protection from the external environment. In mild, not too cold weather, it is not worth reconfiguring the mode so as not to subject the seal to additional wear.

Walkthrough:

Step 1. Preparatory. Open the sashes and use a damp cloth to clean the joints and joints of the front side of the sashes. It is important to prevent dirt from entering the internal mechanisms and hinges. With a hard brush, you need to clean the fittings and remove traces of dried grease. If necessary, replace the worn seal and re-lubricate the adjustment screws and hinges with machine or vegetable oil. On sale there is a special tool for processing accessories in a syringe tube, convenient for use.
Step 2 In order to avoid warping or sagging of the sash, it is recommended to check the geometry of the window position. To do this, the closed sash is lightly outlined with a pencil around the perimeter. Then, the sash needs to be opened and the distance from the drawn lines to the frame opening measured. Ideally, it should be the same or have a small error of up to 5 mm. If there are deviations in the upper part, then decorative inserts should be removed from the hinges and the screws at the bottom should be tightened with a hexagon. If there are deviations in the lower part of the contour, the correction is made at the top. The load on the hinges must be uniform.
Step 3 Count all the eccentrics, or trunnions. Their number may vary depending on the size of the window. Everything needs to be switched to another mode.
Step 4 Using pliers, a hex wrench or a screwdriver, turn each eccentric clockwise so as to press the seal as much as possible. Some types of fittings provide for the primary pulling of the trunnion towards itself before turning it, following the pattern of the clockwork mechanism.
Step 5 The result of the mode change can be seen with a simple sheet of paper. Place the sheet so that it is sandwiched between the sash and frame and close the window. Try to pull out the paper. If you succeeded without difficulty, then the established summer regime has been preserved. If the paper is pressed tightly and tears in an attempt to pull it out, it means that the setting has been changed, the window has been sealed in a winter format. Please note that the turn of the window handle also began to be carried out with great effort.

When is the right time to transfer?

You can replace seasonal modes and adjust accessories along the way if there are the following reasons:

Window sashes are blown around the perimeter in cold autumn, heat escapes, cold air, dust enters the cracks. The fittings operate in summer mode or you do not know its condition.
Spring-summer period. It's time to free the windows from additional load to save the seal and other parts from wear.
Difficulty opening doors, which may be due to the winter mode or sagging loops.
The presence of sagging sashes or offsets relative to the window. Perhaps the cause is a worn seal or an incorrect seasonal setting.

It should be noted that unreasonable reconfiguration of modes is not recommended, especially for new windows. On average, fittings can be adjusted no more than once every six months.

Changing the "winter-summer" regime at plastic windows is carried out by residents mostly on their own.

Refer to instructions, if they are preserved, to study the features of the delivered double-glazed windows.
Consult with specialists of window installation companies or experienced insulating glass users.
Correctly assess the technical condition of windows for adjustment: you can break the adjustment bolts or cause the seal to deform. As a result, a complete replacement of fittings and seals will be required.

In general, the right decision will allow you to create maximum comfort in the room at any time of the year, and your plastic windows will last for decades.

Plastic windows are no longer a rarity. They are widely used in new buildings.

They are also often replaced by old wooden window structures, which have long served their time.

Modern PVC windows have many advantages, which explains their prevalence and popularity among the population.

The difference between the modes is the tightness of the sash to the frame.

How to determine the presence of such a function

With the advent of cold weather, the owner of the apartment may find that a slight chill begins to blow from the window. The presence of such a phenomenon indicates that it is high time to think about regime change. But how to determine if there is such a function in the window block.

To do this is quite simple. You just need to open the sash and carefully inspect the surface of the end face.

If there is a hole for a screwdriver or a hexagon on the end, this means that the window has the function of changing the winter / summer mode.

If there is no such hole, then the window unit does not have such a function.

It is important
In winter, the compactor is under severe stress. This is the key to preventing chills. As a result of such a load, the life of the seal is reduced. Therefore, experts recommend that regime change be carried out only when absolutely necessary.

Before proceeding with the mode change, it is necessary to determine the state of the window at the moment. In other words, you need to know what mode the window is in.

To do this, a sheet of paper is taken and inserted between the sash and the frame. If the sheet is not removed, it means that the double-glazed window is installed in winter mode.

Features of the modes

The peculiarity of the modes lies in the tight fit of the sash to the frame. When the window is in summer mode, the sash fits very lightly, which allows you to create a small air circulation.

This is the creation of an optimal temperature regime in the room.

As for the winter mode, the sash fits very tightly. As a result, the seal occupies a large space between the sash and the frame.

Of course, such contact prevents the formation of blowing and cold bridges. But, at the same time, the seal suffers, the wear of which increases several times.

How to transition from one mode to another

You can change the mode of the double-glazed window with your own hands. The work is done very carefully. This prevents damage to the fittings.

The process of changing the mode is carried out in the following sequence:

Find all the trunnions and put them into another mode.
To perform such a process, an appropriate tool is used: a screwdriver or a hexagon. The eccentrics rotate clockwise until they stop.
When doing this, be careful not to use too much force. In some models, the eccentrics must first be pulled over and then rotated. After changing the mode, they are placed back in the "nests".
Check the result of the work done. To do this, use the same paper. If it sits securely between the sash and the frame, then the mode change has been completed correctly.

When performing such work, care must be taken. This is especially true for the rotation of the eccentrics. All the design features of the window, you need to know even during the acquisition of the window block.

With the information and skills, you can easily do this work with your own hands.

The instructions contained in this article will help you find out what position the trunnion is in and figure out how to switch windows to winter mode without resorting to calling the master at home. The text contains an overview of the features and characteristics of window fittings, tips on its use and proper adjustment, as well as a visual video and photo with a clear description of this procedure.

Metal-plastic double-glazed windows are widely used for glazing apartments and private houses. Such designs have the ability to make adjustments and set the degree of pressing the sash. Thanks to such an adjustment of PVC windows, the system can be switched to winter or summer seasonal mode. This feature is very convenient, although not all owners know about it.

The presence of the adjustment function depends on the type of fittings used. This feature is not inherent in every type of windows, but only in modern modifications. There are several modes. Each of them has its own characteristics.

Standard, summer and winter modes of plastic windows

The standard mode assumes the middle position of pressing the sash. This means that the eccentric will be located in the middle. The window structure installed in this mode, in most cases, is able to work effectively both in winter and in summer. This ensures the optimum pressure level of the sealing material.

In winter mode, windows are characterized by a tighter fit of the sash to the frame. Due to this, in the cold season, metal-plastic structures effectively retain heat, keeping it indoors.

Summer mode is characterized by a less dense fixation of the sash. In this position, air currents circulate freely between the environment and the room. In other words, the effect of micro-ventilation is provided, due to which optimal microclimatic conditions are maintained in the heat.

Note! Using the summer mode allows you to weaken the sashes as much as possible, which has a positive effect on the condition of metal-plastic windows that have survived a long winter. At the same time, it remains possible to protect the premises from dirt, dust and heat.

Why is it necessary to adjust plastic windows for summer and winter mode

The transition from one mode to another allows you to keep the window structure in a functional state and extend its service life. Adjustment involves changing the degree of fit of the sash to the window frame. In the winter season, the insulation material shrinks, and in the summer it expands. It, like all fasteners, can be protected from wear by adjustment, video and photographic materials with instructions describing how this can be done, there is enough on the network.

Sometimes during operation there is a displacement of the sash. When it is warm outside, this does not cause inconvenience, but in winter, because of this, the temperature in the room can drop significantly. If this happens, you should check the condition of the frame. During the installation of metal-plastic windows, the craftsmen check the position of the sashes in each of the modes, as well as the absence of gaps between the parts. However, perfectly executed installation is not a guarantee that the sashes will not disperse over time.

If windows are installed in early spring or winter, the structures are exposed to external influences:

The outside temperature is rising.
Under the influence of climate change, plastic begins to expand.
The outside temperature is dropping.
Under the influence of temperature changes, the plastic decreases in volume, while it is not always able to take its original shape.

Similar processes occur if windows are installed in the summer. But first, the material contracts as temperatures drop, and then expands. At the same time, it is impossible to avoid changes in the technical characteristics of the product, therefore gaps often appear in the windows.

The need to transfer plastic windows to winter mode or summer mode may be due not only to the seasonal transition, but also to a number of other reasons:

Drafts from the window, carrying frosty air in winter and dust in summer.
Sagging sashes due to worn hinges.
Jamming of the sash in the ventilation mode.

Note! During the operation of windows, the sealing material is subjected to severe wear. Therefore, it is very important to timely carry out the adjustment of plastic windows with your own hands when switching to winter / summer modes.

How to check the possibility of adjusting plastic windows for the winter

The possibility of switching between summer and winter modes is provided by special fittings. The availability of this function depends on the class of these parts.

There are several types of accessories:

Budget fittings - parts that have the lowest cost and are solely responsible for opening and closing the window structure.
Standard accessories - the package contains standard and anti-burglary parts that allow you to prepare the window structure for summer or winter.
Specialized fittings - includes anti-burglary and specialized parts that allow you to transfer plastic windows to winter or summer mode.

Most modern manufacturers produce standard and specialized fittings with the function of switching from one mode to another.

How to determine which mode of plastic windows is set: winter or summer

Before adjusting plastic windows for the winter, it is necessary to establish in what position the fittings are installed. There are several ways to help you find out how the sash is placed. In each case, the technique depends on the shape of the trunnion.

How to determine the winter mode of plastic windows before setting up the fittings:

A sheet of paper is taken.
It is placed between the sash and the window frame so that one of the ends remains on the side of the room.
The window closes.
Then you should pull the sheet towards you.

If the paper passes easily, then the structure is set to operate in summer mode. Otherwise, it will break.

Useful advice! Manufacturers of metal-plastic structures advise operating windows in summer mode all year round. If there are no reasons for switching to the winter position of the sash, this procedure is not necessary.

In addition, there is a way to visually determine whether the winter mode is set on plastic windows, photo examples with markings can be easily found on the Internet. According to this method, it is necessary to find a marking in the form of a dash, asterisk or dot on a round pin. Next, determine the direction of this mark. If the marking points towards the room, then the windows are set to summer operation. If the mark looks towards the street, then the design is set to winter mode.

Related article:

Causes of the problem, types of malfunctions, ways to eliminate them. Tips for preventing door breakage.

Pins are not only round, but also oval. The mode of operation in this case is determined by the nature of the placement of the eccentric. If it is turned vertically, then the windows are set for summer weather. In a horizontal position, the trunnion presses the sash to the frame as tightly as possible, which indicates the winter mode.

Having determined the position of the sash, you can proceed to the solution of the question of how to switch the windows to winter mode, video instructions describing this procedure are presented on the network in large numbers.

How to adjust plastic windows in winter / summer modes: video review and description

To find out how plastic windows are regulated, it is advisable to read the manufacturer's instructions, study the descriptions and videos, which can later be used as a visual aid. If the work will be carried out without the help of a specialist, it is very important to fully understand the essence of the issue and act as carefully as possible, since there is a risk of damaging the fittings with a careless movement.

How to switch windows to winter modeoperation: photoand description of the preparatory phase

Preparing a window for customization begins with cleaning. To perform this procedure, you will need a certain set of tools and fixtures.

This list includes:

a mop equipped with a telescopic handle;
means intended for washing window panes;

paper napkins or towels;
means intended for cleaning accessories;
silicone-based lubricant;
brush or hard brush.

Useful advice! If you constantly take care of double-glazed windows and keep them clean, before adjusting plastic windows for the winter, you will not have to spend a lot of time preparing them.

The preparation of the window structure is as follows:

glass is washed;
the frame is wiped;
dirt on joints and joints is removed;

with a brush or a hard brush, the fittings are thoroughly cleaned;
all window elements are wiped (especially areas with grease);
by applying a few drops of silicone grease, the fittings are processed;
pin position is determined;
the pin is set to the required position;
relubrication;
all hinges are lubricated.

After all the above manipulations are completed, the result is checked using a sheet of paper.

How to switch windows to winter mode: photoand recommendations

To adjust the fittings on double-glazed windows, you will need a special tool. Experts recommend bringing with you:

Pliers.
Screwdriver.
Hex key.

The necessary tool should be purchased immediately after the purchase of windows, as the need to configure them may arise suddenly. Sometimes eccentrics do not protrude, and many owners search the net for videos on how to adjust plastic windows with similar features. The secret is to pull the pin out. After that, it can already be configured. When the eccentrics are in the required position, they should be sunk into the sash again.

Experts do not recommend changing modes in the first year of operation of windows. In new designs, the sealing material has not yet been subjected to wear, therefore, mechanical loads on the fittings should not be increased and adjusted. If the winter in the region does not differ in too low temperatures, the operation of double-glazed windows in summer mode is allowed. At the same time, winter adjustment should not be left for the summer, since in such a mode accelerated wear of the seal will occur.

Note! Mode change is allowed to be performed no more than 2 times a year. Moreover, the length of the winter period of operation is much shorter than the summer one.

Setting up plastic windows: how to adjust the sashes horizontally and vertically

Regardless of the mode of operation, it is not allowed for the structure doors to be skewed. Sometimes you have to resort to correcting their position in order to correctly set up the fittings. The presence of sagging or distortion will shorten the life of the seal. To work, you will need a pencil with a soft lead and a ruler. All manipulations with the window must be performed very carefully, otherwise you can ruin the plastic.

Preparing a window for sash adjustment:

The structure is closed.
The sash is outlined with a pencil around the perimeter (marks are applied to the frame).
The window opens.
The distances between the frame opening and the marked lines along the entire perimeter of the structure are measured.

On all sides, the indicators should be the same. A slight deviation is allowed, but not more than 7 mm. If the level of the left edge is underestimated in relation to the right, or vice versa, you need to correct its position. To do this, you will need to remove the decorative insert and tighten the screws that are installed at the bottom.

In some cases, it becomes necessary to raise the sash. To do this, the upper screw is unscrewed halfway. If the sash placement level is too high, the fasteners are screwed in ¼ turn. If it is clearly underestimated, the bolt is unscrewed ¼ turn. The horizontal adjustment of the sashes is carried out by means of screws that are located on the hinges.

How to adjust plastic windows horizontally:

The window opens.
A hole is found, the configuration of which corresponds to a hex key.
The screw turns smoothly until the sash is aligned to the desired position.
A check is in progress.

To check the quality of the setting, you should close the window structure. If it is necessary to reduce the distance between the hinge and the sash, the hex key must be turned clockwise. If the distance between these elements is too small, then the tool rotates counterclockwise.

Important! A strong horizontal displacement of the window is not allowed. The maximum allowable indicator is 3 mm (in either direction).

Possible problems with metal-plastic windows and ways to solve them

You can check the quality of the work performed not only with a sheet of paper, but also by ear.

A well-adjusted window behaves like this:

nothing prevents the free opening of the valves, they close freely;
there is no creak, rattle and other extraneous sounds;
all the screws holding the sash in the desired position are screwed in approximately the same way;
around the entire perimeter of the window, the sealing material has the same thickness and shape;
after opening/closing the sash, the sealing material returns to its original shape.

Changing the operating mode of a structure is sometimes accompanied by problems. If the roller does not turn, it may need to be pulled out of the slot on the retainer by turning 90°. If this does not help, the part must be lubricated with WD-40. This lubricant is in the form of an aerosol mixture in a can. It is designed for processing joints and threads.

If, when switching to winter mode, drafts from the window do not disappear, then the life of the seal has ended. It is very easy to replace this material. It is enough to remove the old seal from the frame and the grooves of the sash and insert a new one in its place (by hand or with a blunt spatula). Since the material is welded to the profile in the corners, you will have to cut it to remove it.

The information contained in this article clearly explains how to put windows on winter mode. Video, photographic materials and detailed descriptions of the procedure allow you to fully understand the features of adjusting double-glazed windows. Using this data, you can quickly and easily provide warmth and comfort in your own home when it's cold outside.

On the one hand, such manipulations promise advantages, reducing heat loss through the window structure, and on the other hand, as a result of adjustment, the seal wears out quickly.