The instructions contained in this article will help find out in which position the trunnion is located and figure out how to convert windows to winter mode, without resorting to calling the master on a house. The text contains an overview of the features and characteristics of window fittings, tips on its use and proper adjustment, as well as visual video and photos with a clear description of this procedure.
How to convert windows to winter mode by myself
Metal windows are widely used for glazing apartments and private houses. Such designs have the ability to make adjustments and set the degree of pressure of the sash. Due to such adjustment of PVC windows, the system can be transferred to the 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 window, but only in modern modifications. There are several modes. Each of them has its own characteristics.
Standard mode assumes the middle position of pressing the sash. This means that the eccentric will be located in the middle. The window design installed in this mode, in most cases, is able to work effectively both in winter and in summer. At the same time the optimum level of pressing of sealing material is provided.
In the 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 flows freely between the environment and the room. In other words, micro-ventilation effect is ensured, due to which optimal microclimatic conditions are preserved in the heat.
Note! Using the summer mode allows you to maximally weaken the sash, which has a positive effect on the state of the plastic windows that survived the long winter. At the same time, it remains possible to protect the premises from dirt, dust and heat.
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 is compressed, and in the summer it expands. It, like all fasteners, can be protected from wear by adjusting plastic windows, video and photographic materials with instructions describing how to do this is sufficient on the network.
Sometimes during operation there is a shift of the sash. When it is warm in the street, it does not cause inconvenience, however, 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 plastic windows wizard check the position of the valves in each of the modes, as well as the absence of gaps between the parts. However, ideally made installation is not a guarantee that the sash will not disperse over time.
If windows are installed in early spring or winter, the structures are subject to external influence:
- There is an increase in temperature outside.
- Under the influence of climate change, plastic begins to expand.
- There is a decrease in temperature outside.
- Under the influence of temperature changes, plastic decreases in volume, while it is not always able to take on its original shape.
Similar processes occur when windows are installed in summer. But initially the material is compressed when the temperature drops, and then expands. At the same time, it is impossible to avoid changes in product specifications, therefore, gaps often appear in the windows.
The need to transfer plastic windows to winter or summer mode may be due not only to seasonal changes, but also for a number of other reasons:
- Draft from the window, carrying in winter frosty air and dust in summer.
- Slack flaps due to wear of the loops.
- Jamming of the sash in the mode of ventilation.
Note!During operation of windows, the sealing material is subject to heavy wear. Therefore, it is very important to make timely adjustments of plastic windows with your own hands when switching to winter / summer modes.
The possibility of transition between the 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 components:
- Low-cost hardware – the parts that have the lowest cost and are solely responsible for opening and closing the window construction.
- Standard fittings – the package contains standard and anti-burglary parts, allowing to prepare the window structure for summer or winter.
- Specialized accessories – includes anti-burglar and specialized parts that allow the transfer of plastic windows in the winter mode or summer.
Most modern manufacturers produce standard and specialized accessories with the function of switching from one mode to another.
Most popular brands:
- Siegenia Aubi;
- Maco;
- GU;
- Roto.
During installation, the user is not always provided with detailed information about the functionality of the fittings. In order to find out whether a transition between modes is provided for in the window construction, it is necessary to examine the appearance and marking of a complete set, namely, a pin.
The eccentric or trunnion is one of the elements of the furniture filling, which allows adjustment of the degree of pressing the sash to the frame of the metal-plastic window. This part is placed on the side.
If the pin contains special holes designed for the key, then the design has the function of adjustment. This can be easily noticed even in the photo of plastic windows, which are quite a few on the net. As a rule, marking is marked with a hexagon, screwdriver or asterisk. In some cases, the regulating part has an oval shape, which also indicates that the window can be operated in different modes.
Before adjusting plastic windows for the winter, it is necessary to establish in which position the hardware is installed. There are several ways to help find out how the leaf is located. In each case, the technique depends on the shape of the trunnion.
How to determine the winter mode of plastic windows before fitting the fittings:
- Take a sheet of paper.
- It is placed between the sash and the window frame so that one of the tips remains on the side of the room.
- The window closes.
- Then you should pull the sheet towards yourself.
If the paper passes easily, then the design is set to operate in summer mode. Otherwise, it will break.
Helpful advice! Manufacturers of metal constructions are advised to operate windows in summer mode 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 installed on plastic windows, photo examples with markings can be easily found on the Internet. According to this method, it is necessary to find marking on a round pin in the form of a dash, asterisk or point. Next, you should determine the direction of this mark. If the marking points towards the room, it means that the windows are set to summer operation mode. If the mark looks towards the street, then the design is set to winter mode.
On the one hand, such manipulations offer advantages, reducing heat loss through the window construction, and on the other hand, as a result of adjustment, the seal wears out quickly.
