How to switch metal-plastic windows to winter (summer) mode
Windows in our houses and apartments provide passive air exchange and are sources of natural light and ultraviolet radiation. They are designed to provide protection from street noise, dust and precipitation. Thanks to them, we can communicate with the outside world, contemplate nature and feel the vital rhythm of our society.
High-quality windows delight with their aesthetics, durability and comfort. It is no coincidence that metal-plastic windows replaced wooden ones and immediately gained a reputation as technological products. Plastic is durable and practical, and PVC window fittings can be customized and adjusted at your discretion. Just how to do it correctly and why not everyone knows.
Signs of improper window adjustment
The disadvantages of impaired air exchange in a room are usually visible to the naked eye. They can be combined into the following list:- Dampness on slopes, especially in their lower parts, can lead to the formation of mold and mildew;
- Fogging of double-glazed windows and accumulation of condensation on the frame and window sill;
- Damp walls and ceiling areas;
- Freezing of the lower part of the sash.
Why do you need to adjust winter-summer locks?
According to SanPiN standards, the temperature in residential premises should be in the range of 18-25°C. And if in the summer we ventilate the room and open the windows to cool it a little, then in the winter, on the contrary, we try to contain heat loss. Adjusting the winter-summer locks will help us with this.
The pressure of the sashes on metal-plastic windows determines the degree of passive ventilation. In their fittings, special locking mechanisms - trunnions - are responsible for this. These are moving elements in the form of round or oval rollers, the axial basis of which is the adjustment screw. Its center is shifted, so it is called eccentric. The closer the pin is to the strike plate, the stronger the pressure applied when the sash is completely closed.
How it works?
Winter-summer window adjustments are made in the following order:We find a small mark on the lock in the trunnion area.
Using a suitable key (hexagon or asterisk), slightly turn the trunnion screw clockwise (towards the room). This changes the degree of pressure of the sash against the frame.
We perform the same procedure with the trunnions on the lock fittings along the entire perimeter of the sash. Usually there are 5-7 pieces. Their location can be easily determined by the counter strips on the frame.
Practical advice
You can check the adjustment in a simple old-fashioned way: hold a lighted candle along the perimeter of the sash, the flame of which will indicate existing defects and heat loss from the window gaps.
Some types of fittings for PVC windows contain oval trunnions, which usually do not have an adjustment screw.To set them up, craftsmen have a special key with an oval hole, but it is difficult to obtain. In such a situation, ordinary pliers will help out. Wrap them with any rag so as not to leave burrs on the metal, and feel free to adjust their position.
Don't forget about the rubber seal, which dries out and becomes hard over time. Sometimes, because of this, winter adjustment leads to rapid wear and tear of the lock, because in order to close the door tightly in winter you need to make an effort. To avoid this, you can replace the replaceable seal yourself, and clean the fixed one from debris, dust and lubricate it with specialized products.
With the onset of warmth and an increase in temperature outside the window, you can return all settings to their place, allowing fresh air to penetrate freely into the room. Then it’s worth paying attention to the lubrication of the locks’ chassis.
Remember that timely care of lock fittings will preserve its functionality for many years, because the minimum service life of PVC windows is 50 years!
