Do-it-yourself replacement and repair of plastic window fittings

Nowadays, hardly anyone will challenge the advantages of plastic windows. And in fact, they bring additional comfort and coziness to the apartment. If window structures are purchased from a trusted manufacturer, if they are installed by experienced craftsmen who observe all the subtleties of installation technology, they can serve without fail for many years. However, even with such products, problems sometimes arise; window repairs and/or fittings need to be replaced. You shouldn’t panic about this, and you shouldn’t rush to look for a professional repairman: repairing window fittings and replacing its elements can often be done yourself, with your own hands.

When replacement and adjustment of fittings is required

The main reason for repairing and replacing window hardware is failure.
Usually this is a breakdown of the handle, strikers, fasteners, and transmission mechanisms. Seals that lose their properties (dry out, crack) also cannot be restored; they only have to be replaced. Adjustment is required if:

• The tight fit of the sash to the frame is broken;
• The sash has sagged or fallen out;
• When closed, there is a draft from the window.

Often the problem is solved by cleaning or tightening the adjusting screws.

Replacement is possible not only in case of loss of properties or breakdowns, but also if it is necessary to expand the functionality of the glazing. For example, install a child lock or change the opening method. It is possible to add without significant changes - if you need to add a limiter (comb) or a valve for ventilation.

Plastic windows are less demanding compared to their wooden counterparts. They last longer and retain heat better. Their main weak point is the fittings. Most often it is this that requires repair. Especially if the window was installed more than ten years ago.

How replacement is carried out in frames made of different materials

The packages are installed in frames made of different materials. Each option has its own installation features. As a rule, they are used in three types of windows - plastic, wooden, aluminum.

Double-glazed windows are not installed in old wooden windows; in this case, wooden windows mean modern models. They are more environmentally friendly and energy efficient than plastic ones due to the frame, but the packages installed in them are the same. Broken glass also leads to a decrease in thermal protection and loss of properties of the entire package, so repairs are necessary. It is performed in the following sequence:

• dismantling glazing beads;
• removal of used sealant;
• removing a broken package;
• if defects appear on the frame, eliminate them with special tools (defects that will cause problems in operation may not be noticed by an inexperienced person);
• installation of a new package using straightening plates;
• return of glazing beads;
• using sealant to remove formed cracks (a transparent sealant is used to maintain aesthetics).

Installing a new package in a plastic window does not require as much care as installing new glass in an aluminum frame. There are several reasons for this, including the high softness of the metal, which can be accidentally damaged if careless movements are made, and rubber seals. The rubber bands are threaded after installing the beads and installing the package, so they are difficult to install for a non-specialist. It is even more difficult to change the glass in an aluminum stained glass window. Our company’s specialists are ready to take on any work with wooden or aluminum frames, as they have special equipment and experience.

Types of window fittings

The entire variety of fittings is often divided into varieties according to the method of opening the doors:

• rotary;
• folding;
• tilt and turn.

The rotary mechanism is the most common. Despite the familiarity, this type is constantly being improved to make using the windows even more comfortable.

The folding method is otherwise called the transom method. The sashes recline, like transoms, and are fixed in a certain position, which is achieved by using limiters.

The tilt-and-turn method combines the previous two. By turning the handle, you select the type of opening - swing or folding. Often, when replacing fittings on old plastic windows, this particular method is chosen so that in addition to swinging, tilting is also supported.

Opening the frame simultaneously with its tilting

If this happens to you, do not panic. Calmly adjust the sash vertically so that it remains only in rotation mode. In this case, the top hinge should be pressed against the frame.

When making this repair of both fittings and mechanisms of PVC windows, the sashes should be kept completely open. The handle should also be moved to the same position, making it horizontal. If the locking mechanism prevents this, it should be disabled in accordance with the procedure described above. The doors are then closed by turning the handles down. To check the correct operation of the window mechanisms, the position of the handle should be slowly changed, repeating this action several times.

Why do fittings break?

The need for repair and replacement of plastic window fittings is caused by:

• Marriage.
  It usually appears immediately or almost immediately after glazing an apartment or house. Defective fittings quickly break.
• Installation of low-quality products.
  Often, developers put the cheapest fittings on windows, which break in the first years after occupancy. For the same reason, it is better not to save money, but to immediately buy products from trusted companies so that the windows will serve for decades.
• Neglect of service.
  To ensure that the doors always open without difficulty, and that the profiles retain heat and protect from noise, dampness, and dust, care is needed. It is simple, but with its help the windows will last for many years.
• Wear.
  Frequent opening and closing of the valves leads to gradual wear of the parts, especially if they are made of plastic or low-quality metal.
• Excessive force when opening the door.
  If you open the doors too sharply, pull the handle, or turn it with force, damage will not take long to occur.
• Entry of foreign objects, contamination
  .

Causes of damage

1. The most common cause of window defects is poor installation and poor quality material.
2. Sometimes the shortcomings that appear are influenced by human factors. For example, chips, cracks and holes in glass can appear due to careless handling of the window.
3. A common cause is incorrect glass production technology.
4. Problems with fittings arise due to the age of the material or due to improper care. Street dirt often collects in this part or mold forms.

Important! To avoid problems with fittings and drainage holes, you must follow the operating instructions and clean the window regularly.

Features of repair of fittings in plastic, wooden and aluminum windows

Repair of fittings in wooden, aluminum and PVC windows is similar if they are made according to modern European standards. All of them consist of profiles, double-glazed windows, seals, hinges, closing and opening mechanisms. However, there is a difference.

Replacement of fittings in PVC windows

quite simple. All components of a single design are quite easy to disassemble. To adjust the sash, you need a hex key, which is sometimes called a furniture key. The seals here can be removed without much effort, as well as the handles. Removing the sash from its hinges is not a problem.

Features of replacing fittings in wooden windows

depend on the type of window frames. If they are made according to European standards, then they are very similar to PVC structures. There are also the usual hinges, seals, and double-glazed windows. The sashes are removed from the hangers in the same way as plastic ones: to do this, remove the decorative trim from the top hinge, remove the pin, then lift the sash, pulling it out of the lower hanger. The main difference is that the glazing beads holding the glass unit are glued here. Often seals are glued to the glue. To change the fittings, you will have to drill it out and then make new holes, since the old ones will no longer be suitable for reuse. Installing new hinges is also a rather painstaking process, requiring care and choosing a suitable place to attach them. Sometimes you have to make grooves (for seals), seal cracks or holes with special compounds, and treat wood to eliminate rot and mold.

The main difficulty of replacing aluminum window fittings

The problem is that you have to carefully dismantle the entire system. Usually only fitting kits are sold, and not individual products, as for PVC profiles. The fittings here are mounted around the perimeter of the profile, inserted into a special rail at the end. To transmit movement, teeth with hinges are used. Adjustment of swing and tilt sashes is done in the same way as in plastic or wooden ones. The difficulty arises when adjusting sliding windows. To do this, you have to adjust the position of the rollers. Sometimes the doors do not close tightly or do not close at all due to the incorrect position of the strike plate, or because the tongue does not extend completely. The solution lies in a complete overhaul of the mechanisms followed by adjustment.

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When installing windows, the hinge design is chosen by the manufacturer, depending on the type of opening, profile weight, glass unit and fittings.

High-quality hinges guarantee long-term operation of windows. If necessary, the valves must be adjusted to avoid serious damage.

You can lubricate and adjust the hinges yourself. If the warranty period has not yet passed, and a defect is discovered in the window design, you should not solve the problem yourself. You need to contact the installers.

Breaking

Problem:

The window cannot be closed.

Solution:

careful inspection. If the fittings on the sash or the strikers on the frame are damaged, the only way out of the situation is to completely replace the window fittings.

If the handle is broken, all that remains is to replace it. To do this, remove the decorative trim, under which the bolts are located. These fasteners are unscrewed and the handle is pulled out. To make it easier, you can rock it from side to side. More information about replacing the handle is written in another article.

Sagging of the sash

Problem:

when opening, the sash catches on the frame, or it is noticeably skewed, between it and the profile there are noticeable gaps from which it blows.

Solution:

If the window is opened in a swing way, then you need to lift the sash by the handle, insert it into the frame, and close the handle. If this fails, the hinges need to be adjusted. This is done simply:

• decorative overlays are removed from the hinges;
• on the lower hinge a groove with an adjusting screw is found - it “looks” towards the room or is located on top;
• a 4 mm hexagonal L-shaped key is inserted into the groove;
• the key is turned clockwise to raise the sash, counterclockwise to lower it;
• To adjust the position of the sash horizontally, the key is inserted into the groove on the top hinge.

After each turn of the key, the position of the sash is checked by opening and closing it. As soon as the correct position is found, the hinge covers are returned to their place, the work is completed.

Types of loops

Conventionally, they can be divided into categories:

1. Where will they be located:
   At the top of the glass unit itself and on the frame.
2. At the bottom.
3. According to their purpose, they can be:
   Rotary - the usual type of hinges, was very common for some time.
4. Folding. They are used on transoms, vents, that is, where you need to tilt part of the window down.
5. Invoices. There are detachable and non-detachable ones; if they are not hidden under the original linings, they can ruin the appearance.
6. By production method:
   Pressed.
7. Forged. But these loops can be classified as handmade, and they are made exclusively to order.
8. Secretive. This is the most common and popular option because they provide thermal protection more than other options. The mechanism is located inside the glass unit, and a flow of cold air cannot pass through it.
9. Open hinge design. Such a mechanism is usually hidden with plugs to ensure its obvious visibility.

Also, hinges for double-glazed windows can be either adjustable or non-adjustable; the first option will be better: there is always the opportunity to correct them and put the window itself in place.

Bad pressure

Problem:

The window closes, but the sash does not press well to the frame.

Solution 1:

regime change. At the end of the sash there are eccentrics - round or oval parts, similar to a bolt with a large “cap”. Marks are applied to the round eccentrics. In summer mode, the porch is weakened so that air penetrates better into the room. In winter mode, the seal density is maximum. To change the mode, use pliers to turn the eccentric 90 degrees.

Solution 2:

inspect the seals. If the mode is set to maximum pressure, but the sash still does not fit well, the rubber seals may have worn out. This assumption is confirmed by detected cracks in the seal, severe deformations, and loss of elasticity. The solution is to replace it. The elastic band can be pryed off with any tool and pulled out with your fingers. Then the same model or an analogue suitable for a specific profile is bought in the store, the required length is measured, and inserted into the groove. The edges are glued together.

The window does not close

Problem:

the door cannot be closed.

Solution 1:

inspect the structure from the ends. Perhaps dirt has accumulated in the mechanism, or a foreign object has entered. All contaminants are cleaned with soapy water; if the metal parts are rusty, they are treated with anti-corrosion compounds (WD-40 is suitable for cleaning), and lubricated with special silicone lubricants for PVC windows. If unnecessary items are found, they are deleted.

Solution 2:

blocker adjustment. It is needed to prevent spontaneous opening or swinging open in two modes at once. Sometimes it gets stuck due to sudden movements. The problem is solved simply: the lock is manually moved so that it is parallel to the end, then the handle is moved to the “open” position. If this does not help, check the position of the valves and inspect the profile. If there is sagging, adjustments are made. If deformation of the profile is detected, replacing the fittings will not help; you need to align the frame or replace the entire window.

Solution 3:

adjusting the position of the slot ventilator. Typically this accessory is located at the top of the frame. Sometimes it moves, which prevents it from closing. Often, to fix a problem, it is enough to tighten the fasteners. If this does not help, you can try to adjust the position of the sash through the hinges, selecting a position that will maintain a tight fit and allow closing. Another solution is to adjust the strike plates. This is done by tightening the screws. You can check the slats one at a time, removing them, trying to close the window, and putting them back in place until the faulty part is found.

What to do when windows are delivered?

When representatives of the company from which you ordered windows bring the structures into your apartment and place them in the prepared place, you will need to sign a transfer certificate or a delivery note. This document contains the following information:

• information about the seller/manufacturer;
• contract number;
• a list of designs indicating sizes, shapes, configurations, colors;
• date, signature of the person in charge, seal.

There is no need to rush to sign this document. First you need to check the condition of the structures and their configuration

It is worth paying attention to:

• Color and surface uniformity. Welded seams in the corners in accordance with GOST 30674-99 are distinguished only by a small white groove (no more than 1 mm deep and no more than 5 mm wide). There should be no scratches or chips on the profile.
• The glass unit is clean, without debris inside and without inclusions, cracks, or scratches on the glass. There is also no distortion of visibility. The number of glasses is easily checked by the reflection of the flame from the lighter.
• The beads are firmly fixed, without cracks or damage.
• The seals are elastic and located evenly along the entire contour.

After such a check, if there are no defects, you can safely sign the acceptance certificate.

The window does not open

Problem:

it is not possible to open the door. The result of a malfunction may be a tripped blocker. This usually happens when, with the sash open, the handle is inadvertently moved to the closed position, and then the window closes.

Solution:

First, you can try opening the window alternately in the swing and tilt modes. If you can't turn the handle, you can:

• pull the corner near the loop from above with one hand;
• at the same time turn the handle to rotary mode;
• give the trunnion clamping eccentric a vertical position.

If the handle rotates, but does not open, it is broken. A harbinger of this malfunction is the play of the handle, which gradually increases, so you need to pay attention to such changes in a timely manner. Repair comes down to installing new fittings for plastic windows - for example, ROTO.

We choose a single-chamber or double-glazed window depending on the type of room

We have already discussed the functionality and main differences between double-glazed windows, but how do you know which double-glazed window is right for you? To do this, it is important to take into account the type of room and external conditions, as well as understand what you want to get from a new window. So, a single-chamber double-glazed window is suitable for:

So, a single-chamber double-glazed window is suitable for:

• Glazing of a balcony or loggia. If you do not see the need to create a warm loggia, you can safely install windows with the simplest double-glazed windows.
• Cottages, gazebos, summer houses. As a rule, such premises “come to life” only in the warm season. At this time of year, increased thermal protection is not useful. A double-glazed window with one camera is quite enough.
• Warm climate. If you live where birds actively migrate in winter, then you do not need double-glazed windows with enhanced thermal insulation. However, if you live in a busy part of the city, you will have to think about sound insulation.

Double-glazed windows, in turn, are suitable for:

• Cold climate. Our region is known for its harsh winters; sometimes even heating cannot save people. Then windows come to the aid of people: a two-chamber energy-saving double-glazed window perfectly retains heat in the house.
• Children's room and bedroom. Peace and quiet should reign in the child's room and bedroom. A double-glazed window with two air chambers of different widths and energy-saving glass will provide additional sound insulation and will not allow any external conditions to disturb your comfort. Read more about this in our article about windows for children's rooms.
• Balcony combined with a room. In this case, an ordinary single-chamber double-glazed window cannot be used, because the area of ​​the former balcony will freeze.

Stuck while airing

Problem:

the sash cannot be closed because the scissor mechanism has come out of the grooves or is broken.

Solution:

• The main thing is not to try to close it by force. Excessive force will make the damage worse.
• The sash is removed. The pads are pulled off the loops. The rod is pulled out from the upper canopy and the loop is removed. Next, the sash rises, being removed from the lower hinge.
• The removed structure is placed on the floor for ease of working with its upper part.
• There are grooves for the scissor mechanism, the scissors are inserted back into them. Sometimes you need to press the locking bar or turn the handle to do this.
• The structure is assembled in reverse order.

You can not remove the block if there is access to the mechanism from above, i.e. if it is convenient to work without removing. Either if it is clear that a foreign object is preventing closure, or if it is noticeable that the fittings are broken.

Changing the glass unit

If the glass in the sashes is broken, you can also try to repair the plastic windows yourself. Initially, you should remove the old glass unit from the frame. To do this, remove all the glazing beads holding the glass - a metal spatula is installed in the joint between the glazing bead and the frame, which is struck lightly with a rubber mallet, the glazing bead easily moves away from the frame. Next, the window is freed from the damaged glass unit, and its dimensions (length, width and thickness) are measured before disposal.

Having found out the dimensions of the glass, you can order a new double-glazed window from the nearest company that produces plastic windows, and after waiting for its production and delivery, begin installation. The first thing to do when making such a repair is to install straightening plates. They should be placed in the corners, maintaining a gap of 10 cm, if the window sash opens, or at the bottom, if the window sash is solid. We check whether the window geometry is respected. If not, then add straightening plates. After we have achieved the correct geometry, the new double-glazed window is secured with glazing beads.

As a rule, despite the similarity in the design of window blocks made of metal-plastic and eurowood, repairing the latter is more complex and requires extraordinary skills. Therefore, if a wooden model window breaks, it is best to contact a specialist. In other cases, troubleshooting is not particularly difficult and can be done on your own.

Replacement of glass unit

If one glass of a double-glazed window is damaged, the entire double-glazed window should be replaced; this is the most expensive type of repair of PVC windows. If you are not confident in your abilities, you can call a specialist, but this is an additional expense. To replace a double-glazed window, you don’t need any special knowledge; in extreme cases, you can watch a useful video where everything is described in detail.

First of all, you should dismantle the damaged glass unit; to do this, use a chisel or spatula to remove all the beads. After removing all the beads, you can easily pull out the damaged glass unit.

Rice. 9. Replacement of double-glazed windows.

To install a new double-glazed window, you should order it from a specialized store or factory, indicating exact measurements. To avoid mistakes, you should measure the distance between the extreme points of the glass unit. You can also specify the window model, then the specialists themselves will select the required double-glazed window. To install a new double-glazed window, you should do all the steps in reverse order. The main thing is not to damage the new double-glazed window and carefully install the glazing beads. You can easily and simply repair a plastic window at home and not spend money on craftsmen.

Colored windows

• Stained glass windows for wardrobes
• Stained glass windows for the kitchen
• Faceted stained glass windows

Balcony doors

• Plastic doors with layout
• Entrance plastic doors
• Balcony door lock

Window elements

• Plastic windows with decorative layout
• Window impost
• Window - advantages and disadvantages

Sagging on one loop

Problem:

the sash is supported only by the lower hinge and the upper scissors. This happens if you switch the ventilation mode to full swing mode without pressing the sash all the way to the profile.

Solution:

• The sash is pressed into the operating position as if it were not sagging. You need to carefully press the upper corner all the way with your hand.
• The blocker is pressed with a finger and placed vertically. The handle is moved to a horizontal position. The top corner should remain pressed.
• This will hook the upper mechanism into the loop, after which it can be opened and closed in the usual way.

The handle does not turn completely

Problem:

The handle cannot be turned completely. Possible reasons are mechanism failure, profile deformation, displacement of the striker plates. The deformation cannot be eliminated on your own, but the slats can be adjusted.

To solve it, you need to open the window and turn the handle. If in the open position it turns completely, it means that when closing it, full rotation is prevented by the fact that the clamps rest against the strikers. To find exactly where the abutment occurs, you need to unscrew the clamps one by one, after each one trying to close the window. It will close after unscrewing the faulty element. As soon as a malfunctioning clamp is detected, all that remains is to raise it higher or lower by releasing the fasteners.

If the handle does not rotate fully in either the open or closed position, there is a problem with the mechanism.

Solution:

• The handle is turned to the position it reaches.
• The trunnions are inspected. Since the window is not completely closed, they should not go all the way either. However, she can reach the end of them - it is this detail that is the problem.
• Now you should open the handle and disassemble the problem area.
• The fasteners are removed, the problematic pin is moved to the same position as the other pins.
• The structure is assembled in the reverse order.

The loop is broken

Problem:

under heavy load (especially high in large windows), the lower hinge cracks, breaks, or otherwise fails.

Solution:

• decorative overlays are removed from the hinges;
• the window opens using the swing method;
• the bearing axle is partially knocked out with a hammer;
• a part of the axial mechanism is found below - it is clamped with pliers and pulled entirely down;
• The sash is slightly pulled towards itself, then raised until it is removed.

Now all that remains is to unscrew the hinges and install new ones.

Repair or replacement?

Repair of window fittings for plastic windows is possible if:

• no physical damage;
• there is a loose connection of the valve;
• distortions in the position of the window, blockers, and locking pins are visible;
• The window was recently installed, its functionality is satisfactory.

Replacement of fittings is required if damage is detected, or if adjustment no longer helps. Sometimes you can change the mechanisms on plastic windows in order to change the hinged sashes to tilting ones, thereby expanding the functionality.

Do-it-yourself replacement of plastic window fittings

As you can see, you can repair the fittings on plastic windows yourself. To restore or replace you will need:

• screwdrivers;
• pliers;
• brushes, rags or sponges for cleaning dirt and applying lubricant;
• lubricants, degreasing materials;
• · hexagonal L-shaped key;
• hammer.

The work is carried out with the sashes removed. To do this, the linings are removed from the hinges, and the pin is removed from the upper canopy. You may need a hammer to knock it out. The sash is then pulled out of the lower canopy. It is better to work with an assistant so that he holds the structure.

Now the handle is removed. The cover is pulled up, followed by the bolts, they are unscrewed, after which the handle is pulled out.

The sash is placed on a table that is previously covered with oilcloth. The entire mechanism is carefully inspected. The position of all parts is remembered. All fasteners are unscrewed around the perimeter and the fittings are removed. The grooves, parts, and the sash itself are cleaned.

After washing, drying, and lubricating the mechanisms, everything is assembled in the reverse order.

Installation Tools

You can install the strike plate yourself, as this will require a simple set of tools and consumables, which every home craftsman has at his disposal:

• Tape measure, ruler, construction square - for taking dimensions.
• Pencil or marker for marking.
• Construction level for correct positioning of the part on the impost.
• A set of self-tapping screws, which are most often supplied with the strike plate.
• An electric drill with a thin drill (the thickness is 1 order of magnitude less than the diameter of the fastener).
• A screwdriver with a set of bits for fixing screws.
• Manual screwdriver to control the tightening force.

All tools must be in good working order, sharpened, cleaned of dirt, and adjusted for normal operation.

Caring for fittings

To ensure that repairs to window fittings are not needed for as long as possible, PVC windows need to be looked after.

Care is quite simple:

• Once every six months, windows are washed with soapy water or glass cleaner;
• in the fall, before cold weather, the mechanism is switched to winter mode - for this, the eccentrics are rotated to a horizontal position;
• in the spring, after the end of frost, the windows are switched to summer mode - the eccentrics are rotated to a vertical position;
• twice a year or more often, the seals are lubricated with special silicone lubricants, the hinges and other parts of the mechanism are also treated with lubricants.

If renovation work is being carried out in a room, after it you need to carefully remove all dust and debris from the windows, check whether the mechanisms are dusty, and clean them if necessary. It is better to avoid long contact of fittings with water, protect it from sharp objects and other damage. Windows should be opened without sudden movements.

Preventative work

It is necessary to follow these recommendations as part of prevention:

1. Constantly check the quality of its movement when opening or closing the sash. If the slightest tightness or jamming occurs, it is better to call a technician or inspect the place where the friction of the parts is difficult. You can independently adjust the position of the valves if this is due to their misalignment.
2. The handle should turn with the slightest effort.
3. Each part, all screws must be fixed firmly enough so that the system does not dangle or become loose during operation.
4. If wear of an element or damage to a part in window fittings is detected, they must be replaced immediately.

Attention It is not necessary to completely replace the fittings; a specific damaged part is sufficient.

You must adhere to the following rules:

1. Follow recommendations for the use and maintenance of windows.
2. Prevent situations where dirt, liquid, or simply moisture from the outside gets inside the fittings.
3. Any strong gusts of wind or even hurricanes should not shake open windows, so at the slightest sign of bad weather, all windows are closed at once.
4. It is necessary to ensure that there is no load in the vertical direction on the sash.
5. Foreign objects should not be inside between the frame and the sash.
6. Do not press too hard on the moving sash.
7. Cleaning agents or detergents should not be used to care for window fittings.

Is it possible to replace the fittings yourself?

Replacing fittings on plastic windows with your own hands is possible if you have confidence in your own abilities, if the problem is clear and there is no fear of losing the warranty. It is better not to undertake independent work if you cannot find the cause of the malfunction, or if you are afraid of aggravating the damage. The cost of repairing a window after unsuccessful attempts can increase significantly: window technicians will void the warranty, seeing traces of tampering with the mechanisms, you will have to spend money not only on their purchase, but also on maintenance. Therefore, I advise you not to take risks, but to immediately contact specialists.