Most of all, the movable fittings of plastic windows are loaded, therefore handles, latches, mechanisms often fail. Static elements in the form of seals also change properties, they need to be changed periodically. Double-glazed windows freeze, fog up from the inside for various reasons that need to be eliminated. It is quite feasible to do the repair of plastic windows with your own hands at home without the involvement of specialists.
Features of plastic windows
A plastic profile belongs to complex products, the quality of the window block depends on its technical characteristics. The thickness of the window frame can be from 5.8 to 8 cm, they are up to 13 cm in size, they are equipped with multi-chamber double-glazed windows. Profiles characterize the number of air chambers inside, which are located along the entire length.
There are elements in the construction of a plastic window:
- frame on which the sashes and fittings are reinforced;
- sash - swing or hinged opening part;
- fittings for controlling the opening and fixing of the sashes;
- double-glazed window - a product made of two or more glasses, hermetically connected through gaskets.
A metal insert is installed in the profile to stiffen the frame. The number of chambers affects the thermal insulation characteristics of the window.
Types of malfunctions
Over time, the sash starts to work intermittently or sags. There is a skew of the transom under the weight of the glass unit.
Other breakdowns may occur:
- the handle turns with difficulty;
- the transom is not fixed in the folded or closed position;
- blowing from under the glazing bead;
- fog up the glass inside and outside;
- mold appears on the window slope and frame, water streaks are visible.
There are instructions for repairing mechanisms, fittings contain adjusting screws and parts for coordinating work.
Necessary tools and materials for work
The composition of the set of tools is taken care of even at the installation stage by installers, in order to subsequently repair the double-glazed windows or the swing-out mechanism with their own hands.
The repair kit contains:
- hex wrenches;
- Phillips and flat screwdrivers;
- spatula for prying the glazing bead when removing;
- tape measure, construction knife;
- rubber mallet.
Of the materials, you will need fittings that need to be replaced, strips of sealant. When replacing a glass unit, sealing will be required. Need a silicone sealant, lubricants for moving parts and mechanisms.
Do-it-yourself breakdown elimination
First, they identify the malfunction and figure out how to fix it. Moving fittings, which are the most functional element of the window, deteriorate more often.
The system includes:
- lower and upper loops;
- lock in the corner;
- swing-out mechanism;
- pins, latch bolts;
- extension cords and corner transmissions;
- interchangeable gears and hinged locks.
Elements wear out from lack of lubrication. Poor quality fittings are not covered with a protective layer against corrosion.
Glass unit replacement
A double-glazed window is a one-piece sealed structure, it will not work to change one broken glass in it. Do-it-yourself repair of a double-glazed window at home consists in replacing the product.
To remove and install a new design, perform the following actions:
- remove the glazing beads around the perimeter using a rubber hammer and a spatula;
- remove the glass unit from the seat;
- before installing a new one, place adjusting plates on the bottom and sides of the frame in order to maintain the mounting clearances;
- after that, the glazing beads are mounted and snapped into place.
The work is performed carefully so as not to damage the edges of the fragile glass unit.
Replacement of handles and fittings
The handles are replaced with new ones if the old ones are broken or you need to put the product with a lock. The work takes a short time, only a screwdriver is needed.
Scope of work:
- the plastic base cover is turned at right angles;
- use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws securing the handle to the frame;
- remove the old handle, put the new one in its original place;
- fix to the box with screws.
A coordination bar is placed under the base of the handle to regulate the opening for ventilation. This is done when installing the "comb" opening limiter. Items are bought in stores or at the market.
Replacing the gum seal
Rubber gaskets lose their elasticity and sealing properties over time. Turkish manufacturers provide quality work for 5 years, and European manufacturers produce gaskets that last up to 8-10 years.
Replacement steps:
- on the blind parts of the window, the elastic bands are changed in place, and the sashes are removed, since the hinges restrict free access for work;
- using a spatula and a hammer, remove the glazing bead;
- the seal is dismantled from both sides of the sash and removed in the opening of the sash;
- new elastic bands are threaded into the grooves so that they can be wrapped at the corners or the joints can be glued.
The processing of corner joints is necessary, since the seal is compressed during cooling and openings for the entry of cold air are exposed.
Lubrication of window fittings
For the lubrication of moving parts, professional oils are purchased, which are intended for this. Do not use household oils or animal fats. The composition must be free of resins or acids.
Step-by-step instruction:
- clean the fittings from dirt with a rag and a stiff brush, pay attention to drainage holes;
- lubricate the fittings, a few drops are enough for one mechanism;
- the residues are distributed inside the device by turning or moving the handle, the regulator.
There are lubricants in cans. They are spray applied, with the spray positioned at some distance from the coating site.
Window adjustment
When sagging, the sash hits the stop. For repair, remove the safety strips, then tighten the hardware on the hinges with a hex wrench. Sometimes there is an adjusting roller instead of screws. The line of the roller is brought closer to the compactor, while the pressure is increased.
In some types of fittings, the adjustment is carried out by an eccentric. It is taken with two fingers, turned and moved up and down to coordinate the force of pressing the transom to the window frame.
If the adjustment does not eliminate the slack or the outside air is still flowing in, the manufacturers should be consulted. Perhaps the cause of the trouble lies in a violation of the assembly technology or in the installation of low-quality components.
