How to switch plastic windows to summer and winter mode? Step-by-step instruction

In the 21st century, people began to install plastic windows instead of wooden ones and replaced them in almost every home. But not all users are aware that by setting up different modes, they can expand the scope of use and improve the quality of life. For example, summer allows you to ventilate the room. If you open the window completely, dust and dirt from the street enter the room. In winter, due to the ability to adjust modes, we save on heating and keep the room warm. How to switch from one mode to another? How do we know if our plastic windows support this feature? Today we will study all types, learn how to effectively use this opportunity and learn about the rules when adjusting modes.

What are the types of plastic windows?

1. Winter . When it’s -40 degrees outside, we try to maintain a warm temperature in the house for a long time. Using the regulation, we press the sash tightly against the frame, which creates conditions under which heat remains in the house.
2. Summer. In hot weather, we try to get as much coolness as possible. For example, due to the lack of air, we open the windows completely; at this moment, midges, dust, and dirt enter the room along with freshness. Therefore, in order to ventilate the room, small gaps are left.
3. Standard.

Maco hardware lubrication

It should be noted that lubrication and adjustment of MASO fittings should be carried out at least once a year, thereby extending the service life of mechanisms and window structures in general.

How to lubricate window fittings?

There are many products available to lubricate various mechanisms. You can use both window care kits and other lubricants, including gun oil. One thing is obvious - you will not harm the window. Liquid lubricants will get into the hidden cavities of the fittings faster, but will dry out faster. With thick ones it’s the opposite. Priority is given to those that are pumped into a pressure cylinder and have an extended sprinkler for supplying the emulsion to hard-to-reach places.

First of all, lubricate the main lock gearbox. A gear rotates in it, which sets the entire window frame in motion. It is advisable to have a lot of thick lubricant there. If there are no technological holes in the main lock, it must be removed from the fitting groove by 5-10 mm so that lubricant can be pumped into the gear. To do this, take out the handle and unscrew several screws above and below.

When lubricating corner switches, it is necessary to turn the window handle to the extreme upper or lower position - to make the inside of the switch as accessible as possible. This way the oil will get most deeply into the mechanism.

Carefully lubricate the rubbing parts of the scissors. The window handle is in the middle position. It is better to put lubricant with a thick consistency here.

Apply lubricant to all locking pins. Upon completion of all activities, it is necessary to develop the fittings and allow the lubricant to disperse. To do this, on the open sash, pressing the lock, rotate the handle 5-10 times to the extreme positions.

Why do windows switch to winter and summer mode?

By adjusting the window mode, we can achieve the required level of window frame pressure. It is recommended to convert windows from plastic for the following three reasons:

1. When opening or closing, the window sash freezes. For example, if the window jams while airing the room, then the culprit may be a mode that was set incorrectly. Such problems happen often and sometimes users may not even know what the reason is.
2. In December the apartment is cool, you can feel the wind blowing. Sometimes, despite the fact that the heating is on, the inside of the room does not become warmer. Perhaps the summer mode is now set to avoid ventilation of the room, it is worth replacing with a winter one.
3. Hanging window sash. Replacing the mode or accessories will help improve the situation.

The handle does not turn to the desired position: repair features

This problem occurs for the following reasons:

1. After long-term use, the structure needs to be cleaned and lubricated, so it must be disassembled into small parts, remove dirt, and then lubricate it with oil and a thin brush.
2. If the handle turns only up to a certain point and then jams, you should slightly loosen the sash clamp. In this case, the trunnions that are located nearby are rotated. There are hinges on the other side; it is also recommended to adjust the bolts in them.

How do you know if plastic windows have the ability to adjust modes?

Interesting fact: not all window users are aware of the existence of such a function as switching and adjusting modes, because often during installation a person does not receive the necessary information. But it’s easy to determine whether such an opportunity exists for your windows. To do this, you need to look at the window, find the trunnion or eccentric. This is a hardware part that allows you to adjust the level of pressure.

The hardware piece, which resembles a bolt, has a so-called “head”. It exists in two types: round and oval. If the shape is oval, then it immediately indicates the possibility of adjustments. If the shape is round, then the hexagon sign also indicates the possibility of transfers.

A lot depends on what kind of fittings you have. By comparing the types of parts, we determine whether plastic windows have this function or not. Mainly divided into three categories :

1. Budget accessories . These parts are sold at the lowest prices; they are responsible only for making the window open and close.
2. Standard fittings . The kit includes special anti-burglary parts that help prepare plastic windows for a specific season.
3. Professional fittings. This is the best choice that contains all possible parts to switch between modes.

Handle breakage

If the handle is broken, then it will no longer be possible to return it to its previous appearance - all that remains is to purchase a new one. It is not difficult to dismantle the previous one, just unscrew the screws and pull it towards you. Next, all that remains is to attach the new handle.

Window fittings are available for sale in various hardware stores.

Prices for various types of handles for plastic windows

Handle for plastic window

Is it possible to determine which mode is currently set?

1. For the first method, you need to take a standard A4 piece of paper, place it between the sash and the frame, and close the window. Next, try to get the sheet out of the closed window. Let's consider the cases: either it breaks and cannot be pulled out at all, or it can be pulled out without much effort. In the first case, we conclude that it is in winter mode, in the second, the opposite is true.
2. To determine using the second method, a trunnion will help us. On it is a hat with an icon that can be in the form of stars, dots and strokes. Then you need to target the icon itself. If it is directed towards the room, then this means winter mode, in the opposite direction - summer mode.

The handle is blocked: adjustment method

Some users, when the handle is blocked, rush to replace it with a new one, but this is not always necessary. In this case, you don’t even need to unscrew it and disassemble it into parts, because the problem is related to the locking device, which prevents the sash from changing its position when open. You just need to turn the lever to the side.

Schematic representation of the locking device

There are two ways to fix this problem. So, in the first case, the lever is located at an angle to the rubber (in the form of a tongue). In the second case, it looks like a clamp that is located above the seal.

Winterization Tips

Step-by-step instructions: how to properly prepare for winter

In order to carry out a quality transfer from summer to summer, you need to carefully prepare. The first step is to do some general cleaning. We will need the following tools:

1. To effectively clean a window, sill, frame, you need to use a mop.
2. Products for cleaning accessories and washing glass.
3. Paper towels and napkins.
4. Silicone Grease.
5. Hard brush.

Important! If you regularly wash your windows and keep them clean, then in the fall and spring before changing the regime you will not have to spend a lot of time on general cleaning.

After general cleaning, we proceed to the main process:

1. To switch windows to winter mode, a hexagon will come to the rescue.
2. Once you open the window, you will find a pin. Often the image on it is directed upward, which means that the average mode is now set. In summer, the notch faces the street, and in winter it is directed into the room.
3. If you have a key, it will be much easier to use. Insert it into the hole and turn it clockwise. If there is no key, then grab the head of the trunnion with pliers and move it to the rigid clamp position. Then you need to insert the hexagon into the central hole and turn it 90 degrees towards the seal.

Important! Many plastic windows have more than one pin. In most cases, the number does not exceed three. To ensure it doesn’t get blown out in winter, you need to change the mode on all existing trunnions.

1. As soon as you are done with changing the mode, you need to lubricate the seal.
2. At the end, you need to check whether the switch to winter mode was carried out correctly.

Mysterious pin, where to look for it

The trunnion, also called the cam, is part of the window hardware. It is located directly on the sides of the sash. Some models have additional trunnions at the bottom and top. The main task of this element is to ensure adjustment of the level of pressure on the valves.

Do all windows have cams?

The possibility of adjustment is not provided for economy class models. The transition between modes is possible only on modern models produced by Roto, Rehau, GU, Maco, Siegenia Aubi and some other companies.

The availability of transfer to another mode is determined by the design characteristics of the eccentric. A trunnion designed for transition must have a recess for a special key. Also, all windows with an oval eccentric have the ability to change modes.

You can check the switch to winter mode in the following ways:

• The most common method is using a piece of paper, which was discussed above. This is the most common and popular verification option.
• There are no squeaks or other extraneous sounds.
• The window seal is the same thickness everywhere.
• All bolts are screwed in the same way.
• You can freely open and close the window without any difficulty, nothing interferes with the opening of the sashes.

If a plastic window is blowing, this is due to the following reasons:

1. Poor glass compression. In cold weather the material will shrink, and in winter this phenomenon will be more pronounced because the glass will fly out of the beads. If replacement is necessary, it is better to contact a specialist.
2. Incorrect selection of accessories. If the thickness of the seal is not uniform, there will be gaps for air to enter.
3. Poor quality profiles can cause cracks.
4. The frame was installed incorrectly, so after a while the windows began to not close properly.
5. Air passes through the joints of the frame. These slots must be covered with liquid plastic.

Important! Experts do not recommend applying maximum pressure if the window is new. In order not to pinch the sealing rubber, set it closer to the maximum. If you press too hard, it will need to be replaced after a while.

Features of restoration and replacement of seals (rubber bands)

Unfortunately, over time, all elements of a plastic window fail, and in particular the elastic polymer seals. The cause of this problem is pollution, dampness, and lack of regular lubrication.

If the elastic bands are no more than four to five years old, then you can try to revive them. To do this, you will need to dismantle the seals, then take a few rags and thoroughly soap them. Products are wrapped in these rags and left in this form for several hours. Sometimes such an experiment allows one to achieve stunning results, so it is allowed to be carried out for the purpose of “prevention”.

The need to replace sealing strips arises in the following cases:

• loss of color;
• the appearance of “bumps” on the surface;
• multiple cracks.

A seal with multiple damages cannot be repaired.

In this case, all that remains is to purchase a new seal - usually its thickness is from 3 to 6.5 millimeters. Most often, manufacturers guarantee a service life of up to 10 years, but in practice the rubber dries out much earlier.

Note! A high-quality seal should not become an obstacle to the circulation of oxygen, so you need to look at its composition - it must be breathable.

Prices for seals for plastic windows

Sealant for plastic windows

Video - Replacing the seal

How to switch plastic windows to summer mode?

With the arrival of summer days, the hot period, for good living conditions, we switch plastic windows to summer mode. For example, in winter we need to get tight pressure, but in summer, on the contrary, we constantly need fresh, cool air, so we achieve less tight pressure.

The process of switching windows to summer mode is easy and simple and does not require special skills. It is necessary to find all the eccentrics that need to be switched. Most of them have only three: two at the top and bottom, the third near the handle. To turn, we use a hex wrench or pliers.

Now let’s check: if the window doesn’t fit tightly when closing, it means everything has been done efficiently and there will be air flow into the room.

Order repair of Maso fittings

Before you start adjusting the window, it’s worth remembering the popular wisdom: if you don’t know how, don’t try it.

If you are unable to adjust the Maco fittings yourself, then you can order this service from our company. Qualified specialists with extensive experience will repair the fittings, as well as lubricate or replace them, if necessary. All work is carried out as quickly as possible, because specialists arrive with the necessary set of tools. The offer is valid for residents of Moscow and the Moscow region.

To order, you need to call the phone number indicated in the header of the site or leave a request by email. You can also contact an online consultant for help.

What are the rules when switching windows to winter and summer mode?

1. It is not recommended to switch modes immediately after installing plastic windows. For some time, even without switching between summer and winter modes, they will work normally.
2. The transition between modes is necessary in autumn and spring. Considering that summer lasts much longer than winter.
3. It is not advisable to set the winter mode in the summer, because it will be pointless: firstly, it will be very stuffy and hot, and secondly, due to the compaction of the valves, the materials will have to be replaced soon.

Important! Considering that such a good opportunity is provided to users of plastic windows, it needs to be properly assessed and used. Firstly, with the help of regulation we can get rid of heat loss in winter and live in more comfortable conditions. After you change the mode in winter, the windows will no longer blow through. Secondly, due to frequent adjustments, the seal wears out and deteriorates due to frequent transfers. Therefore, depending on the user's personal preferences, the user decides whether to switch the window to winter or summer mode.

How to prevent sash sagging

Some people believe that the sashes can only sag when open. As practice shows, the problem can appear in any position, only, for example, in a closed state it is revealed much later.

At the moment of closing the windows, the trunnions are set in motion, which meet the counter strips. As a result, friction is formed, which leads to a sagging effect.

In order to avoid such a problem, manufacturers of the accessories in question install micro-lift blockers. The design has the following features:

1. The elevator itself is represented by a small lever.
2. When you use the handle, the lever moves.

Thus, part of the load created by the weight of the structure is transferred to the frame. The lever itself is responsible for partially blocking the handle so that it does not open the sash when accidentally pressed.

When carrying out installation work and during periodic maintenance, it is quite important to adjust the operation of this structural element. The blocker should be located 1-1.5 millimeters below the bar. To perform adjustment work, you will need a TORX 15 key. Using this key, the lock is unscrewed, after which it can be positioned in the desired position.

You can significantly simplify the work of adjusting the position of the blocker by applying a scale. Each step of moving the slider should be no more than 0.5 millimeters.

How to switch plastic windows to winter mode with your own hands (video)

Kinds

Maco fittings are quite diverse, among which there are examples for both PVC windows and wooden options. Each copy is manufactured on modern equipment using the most advanced technologies, thanks to which the products have positively proven themselves in the world market and do not lose their relevance for many years. All models differ from each other in level of functionality, type of equipment, external indicators and cost.

The model range includes the following types:

• Multi is designed for tilt-and-turn windows and includes a frame system. The assortment includes products both with and without a child safety system;
• Rail-systems are used in sliding structures made of different materials;

• Espags are used on windows with external opening;
• Protect is designed for plastic structures equipped with locks and locking mechanisms;
• Emotion are modern handles of various types, among which there are examples with a special button or key that perform the functions of closing and opening.

Maco window fittings with corrosion protection deserve special attention, as well as models with the ability to pass cable sensors through them, while ensuring complete tightness.

Each type has individual features and equipment that should definitely be taken into account during the selection process. After all, the right fittings can ensure the full functionality of any window structure and create the necessary level of comfort in a particular room.

That is why manufacturers advise purchasing only the option that will fully match the type of window and become a harmonious addition to it.

Sealing window seams with thermal insulation materials

In case of improper installation, sealing the seams with thermal insulation materials may be the only solution. Sealing installation seams and joints with special heat-insulating materials is one of the most effective ways to insulate Maco windows.

How can I seal the street seams of a window?

• - polyurethane foam, which must be plastered or covered with strips
• - mineral wool, which must be covered with strips
• - polystyrene foam, which must be covered with strips
• — liquid rubber (STIZ)

How can I seal the internal joints of a Maco window?

• - silicone sealant
• - acrylic sealant
• — cosmofen (liquid plastic)

The described problems with Maco (Mako) windows can appear due to poor-quality installation of a metal-plastic structure or during a long service life - longer than 10 years. During installation, installers were required to familiarize them with the design properties of Maco windows and teach owners how to use the windows.

The end of summer, the beginning of autumn is the time to prepare your windows for winter. If you take care of insulating your windows in advance, you will definitely not freeze at home in winter!