Unlike old wooden frames, modern plastic windows are more functional. They do not need to be opened completely for fresh air to enter the room, it is enough to open the sash inside the room or set the micro-ventilation mode. However, a situation often arises when the plastic window does not close from the ventilation mode. What to do in this case and what is the cause of the problem?
Functions of a Modern Window
To ventilate and ensure normal air exchange, it is no longer necessary to fully open the entire window, it is enough to transfer it to one of the available modes of the plastic window.
To ventilate the room, just turn the handle up and the sash will deviate to the desired position.
Microventilation becomes available by turning the control handle at an angle of 45 degrees from the vertical. In this case, a gap of several millimeters is formed, which is enough for fresh air to enter the room.
In addition, ventilation can be provided even without unlocking the sash, but for this you need to make changes to the design itself and install an additional ventilation valve.
These functions, as well as full opening and closing, are available thanks to the mechanism that is regulated during the installation of the window package.
The problem of closing and its causes
Sometimes a situation may arise when the sash cannot be closed. Do not immediately think about replacing the window, the reasons can be very simple, and eliminating them does not require a lot of time and money.
- Skew. Such a problem arises due to the loosening of the position control mechanism in a vertical or horizontal plane. In this case, the sash catches the edges of the frame and does not fit snugly into place.
- Loose fit. This type of malfunction of the window can appear for two reasons: wear of the insulation or lost settings of the eccentrics (trunnions).
- Grip jamming. In this case, the window does not close, because it is impossible to return the handle to its original (locked) state. The problem arises due to the jumping out of the groove of an element of the mechanism called “scissors”.
- The shutter transferred immediately to two modes. A double-glazed window in this case stands in two positions at once: at the opening and at the ventilation. When you try to return the sash to its original position, the control handle is locked and does not turn.
- The drainage bar has moved. This is the least difficult reason. Such a defect arises due to clogging of the drainage channels or the frame moving away from the profile.
- Sagging. The shutter edges can cling to the window frame. If the situation has not changed after adjustment, the problem may be one - a change in the geometry of the frame of the entire package due to shrinkage or movement of the walls.
As you can see, in most cases, the sashes on plastic windows do not close for elementary reasons. However, if you do nothing with this, the mechanism will gradually wear out. Yes, and the ventilation mode of plastic windows cannot be eternal, someday you still need to close the sash anyway.
How can I fix the problems and how to adjust the micro-ventilation of windows?
Sash closing problems
To adjust the window and return to normal settings, you will need a minimum of tools and skills. It is enough to prepare pliers and a hexagon, as a rule, by four millimeters. How to adjust the sashes and fix most problems?
Sash skew
The skew of the sash is removed by simply adjusting the position in the vertical or horizontal plane. To do this, on the inside of the window on the hinges there are corresponding screws, which are covered with decorative (protective) caps.
The protection is removed and with the help of the hexagon they try to correctly set the position of the window sash. The bottom screw adjusts the position up or down, and the side screw to the left and right. At the same time, you need to close and open the system several times to check how it locks. Adjust the screws, after which the problem will simply disappear.
Loose fit
A loose fit is eliminated depending on the cause of the problem. If the seal is worn out (elasticity is lost, there are tears and others), then it must be replaced.
The same problem can be caused by an incorrectly adjusted control eccentric (in summer, the summer mode is set). The mechanism controls the degree of cusp pressure and in summer the pressure is weaker than in winter. The set mode is indicated by a marker located on the cam.
Using a hexagon, plastic windows are put in the winter position (label “on the street”). In the warm season, the marker is returned to summer mode.
Wedge handle
To fix this problem, you need to remove the sash from the frame. This is done by knocking the pin off the upper loop (after removing the protective cap).
Now you need to insert the “scissors” into the groove where they should be. This process can be done without dismantling the sash, provided that the slopes do not interfere and there is access to the mechanism.
Shutter in two modes
Violation occurs when the window is moved too sharply and quickly from the airing mode to the closing mode. This problem is resolved very simply. The shutter is pressed to the frame by pressing the upper corner. The lock is clamped to the frame. The handle is transferred to the open mode. The shutter is locked.
Drainage frame
If the drainage frame has moved away, then it is returned to its place, after having thoroughly cleaned the entire frame of the window.
When the flaps sag due to deformation of the entire window, specialist intervention is indispensable. Most likely, a full window replacement will be required.. In this case, the problem arises as a result of wall shifts or shrinkage of the house (if it was recently erected). Replacement is carried out, making sure that such deformations do not recur.
If the window has changed its geometry due to improper installation, then all installation work must be performed by the installation company!
Microventilation setting
Micro-ventilation is a built-in function of a modern window when, by turning the handle to the desired position, the sash leaves a gap of a few millimeters for air from the street to access. But you can also install additional devices for the organization of normal air exchange.
Combo control
A comb is an additional fittings that works as a limiter for the angle of inclination of the sash in the ventilation mode. The window can be installed with a slope of 30, 45 or 60 degrees.
A plastic comb with recesses for the limiter is mounted on the frame. A hook is mounted on the frame itself. It works as a limiter. When switching to the ventilation mode, the frame tilts, and the comb is put into the limiter by the necessary recess.
Micro ventilation valves
This is also an additional hardware that is mounted on the window profile. Such valves are of two types: with manual regulation and automatic. Manually, the user himself sets the required air flow mode. Automatic valves are regulated independently, providing ventilation depending on the temperature and humidity in the room.
There are also systems that are located in the handle, they are more aesthetic, and in functionality they are not inferior to their counterparts.
Modern windows allow you to set various modes to normalize air exchange. Small problems can be completely eliminated on your own by simply adjusting the window to the desired position. In most cases, problems with closing occur during a normal failure of the settings.