Do-it-yourself plastic window hinge repair

In detail: do-it-yourself plastic window hinge repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

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Today, almost every house has plastic window structures installed to replace obsolete wooden frames. Caring for them is much easier, since you no longer have to paint the frames every year, and for the winter you have to deal with warming procedures, such as sticking paper tapes, and this is a significant factor. While the windows are under warranty service, the installation company will be engaged in setting up, adjusting, and also replacing fittings, but after it is completed, all these manipulations, and they may be necessary, fall on the shoulders of the owners themselves. Repair, as well as replacing fittings in plastic windows with your own hands, is quite possible, so it’s worth looking into this issue in more detail.

It often happens that a design that is quite functional in appearance, suddenly starts to fail, does not work correctly, and even breaks down. Any installer who installed new plastic blocks in your house is obliged to provide full warranty service, as well as high-quality repair of plastic window fittings at any time throughout the entire period. However, when the master installs the structures himself, or after the warranty expires, you have to look for other ways than calling a professional. Of course, the master can be called just like that, but the services of a real specialist are not cheap, and not everyone can afford it. Then it’s time to figure out for yourself what this mechanism is, as well as to replace or repair window fittings, which is quite affordable to do with your own hands.

Video (click to play).

In fact, the fittings of plastic structures are a rather complex mechanism, including elements such as hinges, brackets and rods, as well as other parts that allow the doors to open, as well as close, recline or turn.

You need to know that fittings are available in any window block, they are not installed exclusively in deaf structures without sashes. The entire mechanism is located around the perimeter of the sash, and control is often assumed with the help of a handle, as which everything is tied up. Since there is nothing complicated in this mechanism, then the repair of window fittings of plastic windows and even its complete or partial replacement is quite possible without outside help, that is, with your own hands.

First of all, the fittings consist of an upper and lower hinge, as well as the locking mechanism itself. It also includes tilt adjustment mechanisms, if the window was originally made as a tilt-and-turn window. Windows in general can be folding, tilt-and-turn, rotary and deaf.

The limiter of the rotary part will provide you with a fixed position of the sash in any position. That is, they block its movement, even with a sufficiently strong wind or draft. A special brake can also be mounted, which will limit the tilt angle, which is also important.
Rotation locks prevent the window from opening if it is in the open position.
The tilt and turn mechanism is called scissors, and it can also be adjusted and replaced.
There are also microlifts in the sash, which will allow you to slightly lower or raise the sash, relieve part of the load from the hinges, and also prevent hanging.

However, this is not all, since the replacement of fittings in plastic windows also implies the concept of the load that this or that mechanism can withstand, in fact, its power, which will definitely have to be taken into account when choosing new parts.

Up to fifty kilograms.
From fifty to eighty kilograms of load.
Power up to one hundred kilograms.
From one hundred and thirty kilograms and above.

If this indicator is not taken into account, then the metal of the mechanism may simply not withstand and break, which will entail, again, new costs, as well as trouble with replacement.Make sure that the spare parts you purchase are reliable and durable, because it is better to take the products of well-known manufacturers around the world, even despite the noticeably higher cost. It does not hurt to take into account the resistance to rust, high-quality materials, attractive appearance and functionality. It must be said that the fittings for wooden windows with double-glazed windows are no different from plastic ones, because there is no fundamental difference in them.

To begin with, you should definitely figure out what kind of do-it-yourself window hardware repair you will need to do, as professionals are used to dividing it into the current one, that is, preventive, as well as the usual one, which is carried out when something is broken or works not correct. As a preventive measure, you can simply adjust the leaf pressure, check the functionality of the handle, clean and lubricate all moving parts of the mechanism with special grease, and also replace the seal, if necessary. However, if there are no special reasons for this, then it is better to touch nothing, and postpone the repair and replacement of fittings on the windows until better times. But how do you know when it's time to do something? Let's figure it out together.

If, when checking, you feel a strong enough draft.
The fall of the sash from the hinges definitely means a breakdown and a serious one.
A variety of difficulties when unlocking or closing indicate the need for adjustment or replacement of window fittings.
Breakage of the handle in any part of it.
Deformation of the window profile can also indicate a breakdown of the fittings.
Ice in winter and condensation at any time of the year is a sign that it is time to set up, repair or replace plastic window fittings.

It is clear that with bare hands it is hardly possible to cope with such a rather difficult task as adjusting or replacing window fittings of plastic structures. You will first have to prepare a special tool, and only after that get to work.

Figured Phillips screwdriver, with a section of 3x4.
Special adjusting hex wrench 4 mm.
Pliers or pliers.
Special screwdriver bits marked TX and T.
Electric screwdriver or drill with a suitable nozzle. It is not worth buying a special screwdriver, as you can easily cope without it.

There is another issue that requires special attention, namely, what kind of oil to lubricate window fittings, and which one is better not to use. It is optimal to buy a special silicone-based lubricant, but ordinary clean engine oil will do.

Also, real docks in their business recommend WD-40 spray, developed in the early fifties to protect rockets from corrosion. It contains mineral oil, which can reliably and permanently lubricate any mechanism, and window fittings are no exception.

Read also: DIY wetsuit repair

With a sufficiently long operation, window fittings can become overgrown with dust and dirt, which is why its original functionality is violated. It can also happen due to mechanical breakdowns, but then the repair is useless, for example, how to remove and then replace the window handle of a plastic block on your own, like it is already described on our website, it makes sense to get acquainted with this useful information.

Moreover, sometimes even completely new designs may need to be repaired or adjusted, or even replaced, accessories, for example, after repair, a lot of dirt and dust from ongoing work can get into the mechanism. The standard cost of repairing one sash will be about forty conventional units, so it makes sense to figure out how to repair and replace fittings in plastic windows with your own hands. Moreover, there is nothing overly complicated in this process, and any person can cope, slowly and following all the steps described below.

First you need to remove the sash from the hinges, for which you need to get rid of the decorative overlays on the hinges.
Knock out the axis of the upper hinge by lightly hitting it first from above, and then from below.
With the help of pliers, pull out the axis and remove the sash from the lower hinge as well, carefully holding it and slowly.
Lay the sash on a table or on the floor, and then remove the handle. To do this, you need to turn the decorative plastic cap at the base of the handle and unscrew the screws that have opened to the eye.
Then everything should go like clockwork, and the mechanism should easily and easily come out of the groove allotted to it.
Lay the window fittings you removed on the table, after which you can make an audit, looking for broken or damaged parts, they will have to be replaced.
Gently brush all parts with a large, stiff brush. For severe contamination, use special cleaning solutions or the good old WD-40 aerosol, which even “eats” rust with a bang.

Then it remains only to dry the mechanism prepared by you and cleaned. This is very easy to do with a normal household hair dryer, but you can use a vacuum cleaner with a backdraft function or a bicycle pump. Please note that replacing plastic window hardware requires special attention, as all parts must be in place to ensure functionality. Lubricate all moving parts, then reassemble in reverse order. Before the final installation of the sash in its place, it is also worth lubricating the window hinges, for their better functioning.

Window repairs can suddenly become necessary, no matter what type of structure you have installed. Many problems can be fixed without the help of a master, by doing it yourself. It is enough to know how to fix the most common problems with plastic windows.

Even if you have supplied high-quality products and they are made correctly, over time the handle may fail or the insulation will need to be replaced. It is possible that the glass will break or the mechanism will require adjustment. This repair of plastic windows is within the power of the owners.

This problem occurs quite often and is easily fixed. First you need to buy a new window handle. You can do this at a home improvement and building products store. To replace it, you will need to find a decorative plate that is located directly under the handle, then turn it so that the screws that need to be removed can be seen.

After that, the old handle will be removed without any problems, and a new one can be put in its place. Screw the screws back; at the same time, you can install a limiter for opening. To do this, it is necessary to mount a regulator plate for ventilation in the base of the element, after which the handle can be screwed on.

Repair of window fittings is not so difficult even if it is jammed. To do this, you need to find and disable the blocker. The scheme of actions depends on what accessories you have installed. If it is AUBI, you will need to find a metal plate with a spring: it is usually located near the handle. Press it against the seal and try to smoothly turn the handle. Accessories of other brands, for example, Maco, GU, Winkhaus or Roto, have a metal tongue that is located below. It must be pressed, forcing it to stand parallel to the sash.

Sometimes this method does not help, and then it is worth checking if the blocker is hooked. To fix the problem, you will need to open the window and find the place that this element touches. After that, you must remove the fasteners of the blocker, install a plastic gasket between it and the clinging structural element, and put the part back.

Do not be afraid to repair plastic windows with your own hands. The window does not close – It's not a problem.Usually this happens for the reason that the handle does not turn due to the lack of lubricant in the fittings or the sagging of the sash itself. The latter can be determined visually by carefully examining the window. The product can be adjusted by tightening the bolts on which it rests. If everything is in order, it is worth checking the lubrication. You will need to purchase a special tool, and it is desirable to lubricate all parts of the mechanism that are driven.

Timely maintenance of plastic windows will help to avoid many problems. However, if the product does not sag, and lubrication does not help, most likely, the help of a specialist will be required.

If the sash gives in to force when opening, but hangs on one corner, without switching completely to the ventilation mode, try to press the top hinge by moving the sash to the turning position. If you manage to achieve this, place the handle horizontally. Sometimes the blocker interferes with this, and it will have to be removed in the manner described above. After that, the sash needs to be closed. Try to lower the handle down without using force. If she succumbs, try to smoothly change her position several times.Repair of PVC windows may be needed if it starts to blow from under the window. It is not necessary to invite a master for this: it will be faster and cheaper to solve the problem yourself. Most often, air flows through the seal. To get rid of this, press the sash against the frame and check if the position of the trunnions and the counter-type slats match. If they do not correspond to each other and the trunnions do not go beyond the slats, you need to rearrange the last elements. This is very simple to do: you need to unscrew the screws for the fasteners and move the bar to the right place. The windows will then close tightly.If the reason is in the loops, repairing plastic windows with your own hands at home will be easy. Press the sash against the frame exactly in their area. Find a special hole on the bottom loop into which you will need to insert the nozzle for turning. The top hinge is also adjustable, but has a scissor-type mechanism that is adjusted with a screwdriver.

Often there is another difficulty: the straightening plates that are between the double-glazed window and the window profile fall or stretch. This is usually the center of the structure. They should be changed under warranty, but if it came out, you will have to repair plastic windows with your own hands. To do this, you will need a small piece of plastic, you need to select the width based on the thickness of the double-glazed window. Take a metal spatula and insert it end-to-end, which is located between the glazing bead and the double-glazed window. Hit the spatula and thus detach the glazing bead. You can see the straightening plates that are in the gap between the frame and the sash. Move the double-glazed window by 3 mm, put the plates; pulling out the spatula, you will return it to its place, after which you will need to close the structure with a glazing bead.Pay attention to the fact that the plates do not rest against the glazed part of the structure. This may damage the glass unit.

How to put a limiter on a PVC window for ventilation

The handle with the lock is installed in place. Now you need to screw the locking bar. For it, you will need two small self-tapping screws and a drill with a 1.5-2 mm drill.

Plastic window ventilation limiter installed

We place the bar on the window frame so that it “clings” to the protruding stopper. First, we apply, check if it works normally, put marks in those places where holes need to be drilled. Drill carefully so as not to drill through the frame. Next, fasten the bar. Everything, the comb (latch) is installed on the plastic window.

One of the most common problems is blowing around the perimeter of the sash. There are several ways to treat. The first - it is necessary to strengthen the pressure of the sash, which is done by adjusting the trunnions. If it does not help, the seal may have become inelastic and does not provide tightness. Then the repair of plastic windows consists in replacing the sealing gum. It is installed along the perimeter of the sashes and on the frame of PVC windows, and needs regular maintenance. In autumn and spring, it must be washed, dried, lubricated with silicone grease. But even under such conditions, it loses elasticity over time, it may even crack or tear. Changing the seal on a plastic window is very simple, but first you need to buy the right one. The fact is that it has a different profile for different manufacturers (see photo).

Forms of seals for the porch and double-glazed windows of different companies

The use of a sealant of a different shape does not guarantee the proper degree of thermal insulation. If you don’t remember what company your windows are, you can take the removed seal with you. So you definitely can't go wrong. So this time the repair of a plastic window begins with a trip to the store.

Please note that the seal must be intact - one piece. Composite of two or more pieces do not give normal tightness.

First, remove the old gum. You can simply pull it with your fingers. If it doesn’t work, pry it with something thin and sharp. She will come out easily. Then the dust that has accumulated there will be removed from the groove.

Laying a new seal starts from one of the corners. Bring a new gum to the groove, insert, pressing down with your fingers. It takes some effort, but not overwhelming. It will be harder in the corners. Here we must try to lay out evenly so that it does not wrinkle, but also does not stretch.

Install the seal from one of the corners

When the seal is laid around the entire perimeter, it can be cut off. Do this with sharp scissors, and glue the joint with good glue for rubber. This is how easy it is to change the seal on PVC windows. Such a repair of plastic windows with your own hands takes about 20 minutes.

To replace the seal on the sash, it must be removed. To do this, remove the decorative caps from the hinges. They need to be pulled or pushed up, sometimes towards you. Next, we begin to remove the sash. Just keep in mind that it is much heavier than it seems. Be prepared to receive a solid weight. If there is one of the assistants, it is better that they insure. Actions are:

With the left hand, hold on to the sash from below. It will take almost all the weight, so be prepared.
We will work with the upper loop. We need to remove the metal rod that holds the sash. It protrudes a few millimeters at the top.

Upper hinge on which the sash is held

We take a regular screwdriver (flat, not Phillips), press down the pin. It protrudes a few millimeters below. We insert a screwdriver into the resulting gap and squeeze the rod even lower. Now you can grab it with your fingers (pliers) and pull it down. It is not necessary to pull it out completely, pull it all the way (you will feel resistance).

How to remove a plastic sash from its hinges

Now, with the right hand, we take the upper corner of the sash (left below), slightly raise the sash, simultaneously feeding it slightly “toward ourselves”, remove it from the lower rod. Everything, the sash is free.

This is the lower stem of the sash. He is mobile

Further, the process of replacing the seal is similar: we take out the old one, wipe the groove from dust, dry it, insert a new seal. Just before putting the PVC window sash in place, the bottom hinge pin must be cleaned and lubricated. This simple maneuver - with cleaning and lubricating the pin - allows you to get rid of the annoying creak that is heard when opening and closing a plastic window or door.

When installing a plastic window sash, the procedure is reversed:

We put the sash on the bottom pin.
We expose it vertically, combining the upper loop.
Finger (blade screwdriver) press on the rod until it pops out from above.

That's it, the PVC window sash is put in place, the repair of the plastic window is completed. The process is simple, but for better understanding, watch the video.

It is sometimes necessary to disassemble a plastic window to replace a double-glazed window - the glass has cracked or broken, it has become leaky (condensate settles between the glasses). Sometimes it is necessary to change the rubber seal that stands along the perimeter of the glass from the side of the room and the street. It loses its elasticity over time, it begins to blow out from under the glass. For all these works, the double-glazed window must be removed.The double-glazed window is held in the frame with glazing beads - thin plastic strips. To remove the double-glazed window, they must be removed. There are four glazing beads on each double-glazed window - two long vertical ones, two short horizontal ones. We start shooting with long ones.To work, you will need a spatula with rounded corners or an old knife with a thick blade, some other similar tool. This tool is inserted at an angle into the gap between the glazing bead and the frame.

There is a small gap between the bead and the frame. We put the edge of the tool into itSlightly turning the blade to the right or left, disconnect the glazing bead from the frame. It is fixed in the groove, and when pressed quite easily separates. After swiping the tool up and down, we separate it at a greater length. Now, holding the glazing bead with your hand, you can easily remove it. We carry out the same operation with the second vertical and horizontal bars.

Quite a bit has passed since the time when windows made of metal-plastic appeared on the market, and many people have already managed to appreciate their advantages. Indeed, if the design is made by a respectable company and installed in compliance with all technological nuances, the window will last for many years without causing any particular concern to the owners. But even with the impeccable operation of the product, minor troubles cannot be avoided. A failed seal, broken fittings or a handle that fell off at the most inopportune moment - all this happens. In some cases, the wizard will help, and sometimes you don’t need to look for the wizard. A little skill, patience, and do-it-yourself plastic window repair at home is quite possible. Some problems can be fixed in just a few minutes. Consider the most common problems and how to fix them yourself.

First, find out when self-repair is possible. The warranty period from the manufacturer or installer is an average of 2 years. If the warranty period has expired, the repair will be charged.

Troubleshooting yourself will save you money. But at the same time, do not forget that repairing double-glazed windows at home is not an easy task and requires skill.

It happens that the old handle is loose or a crack has formed in it. Sometimes the handle is intact, but you want to install a handle lock or opening limiter to keep your child safe. Repair is quite simple, and it is not necessary to call a specialist. Just buy a new handle from the hardware store and replace it:

Rotate the decorative plate located at the base of the handle to a right angle to its original position.
You see two screws, which, in fact, it is fixed. Unscrew them with a regular screwdriver and remove it.
It remains to install a new handle, and the screws for tightening are already there.
In the case of an opening limiter, fit the adjusting plate into the base before installation.
After the screws are fully tightened, reinstall the decorative plate in its original position so that it covers the screws.

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This happens if the handle is simply stuck in the “open” position, and there is no way to close the sash. Most often, the cause of the problem is the operation of the blocker. Its purpose is quite noble - to prevent accidental scrolling of the handle if you put the window on ventilation or in the tilt-and-turn position. However, it happens that the operation of the blocker occurs at the most inopportune moment. For example, when quickly moving the handle from one position to another. The way to neutralize the blocker depends on which brand of fittings is used.

The sash needs to be vertical. If the sash is in the tilt-and-turn position, then the blocker located on the upper hinge prevents the handle from turning:

Look for a metal plate equipped with a spring near the handle.
Press the spring against the seal and turn the handle.

Find a metal tongue under the handle, located at an angle to the frame.
Press down on it so that it is parallel to the window sash. Now the handle can be turned.

Important! If this technique does not work, check if there is contact between the blocker and the response mechanism on the frame. Sometimes, with thermal expansion, the blocker simply slips:

Open the window and find the response element for which the blocker should catch on.
Then unscrew the screws and place a plastic spacer between the counterpart and the frame.

This little trick helps to re-establish the adhesion between the mating element and the blocker.

Do-it-yourself plastic window handle repair has been successfully completed.

And sometimes it stops spinning altogether. The reason for this is the drying of the lubricant in the fittings. By itself, the fittings of a plastic window is a complex system with a large number of transmission mechanisms. For the latter to function normally, two conditions are necessary:

Keeping windows immaculately clean.
Good quality lubrication.

Important! To avoid incorrect operation of fittings, use either a special lubricant for plastic windows or a universal penetrating compound. If this does not help, it makes sense to call the wizard.

Not a very pleasant situation, especially since the weight of the sash is quite large:

Place it vertically and turn it into swivel mode in such a way as to press the top loop.
Now move the handle to the horizontal position, which corresponds to the open sash.
If the blocking device has been activated, disable it as already described.
Now close the window by turning the handle to the “vertical down” position.
Test the design again by setting the handle to different positions.
If it works fine, then everything is done correctly.

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You begin to notice this malfunction when the window blows:

First, try to press the frame harder.
There is another option - the trunnions and strikers do not match. In this case, you need to rearrange the strikers a little lower.
If the draft remains, then the reason is something else. Contact the master.

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There are several reasons for this phenomenon:

Loss or initial absence of straightening plates.
Errors during installation when the middle clamp does not work.

Important! If the warranty period has not expired, contact the workshop and they will install straightening plates for you free of charge.

At the end of the warranty period, you can install the plates with your own hands.

As a straightening plate, you can use any plastic, the width of which is not less than the thickness of the double-glazed window:

Take a metal spatula, put it in the seam between the profile and the bead, then remove the bead.
Using the same glazing bead, move the double-glazed window to a distance of 3 to 5 mm.
Install the straightening plates and assemble the double-glazed window.

Important! It is impossible for the plastic plate that you installed to rest against the glass. It may crack.

This applies to old metal-plastic structures. With prolonged use, the accessories become dirty, they work worse. It happens that after repair, completely new fittings are clogged with whitewash. A qualified master can sort it out. And if you want to save money, you can do this work yourself:

Remove the decorative trims from the top and bottom hinges.
Knock the axle out of the top loop, then remove it with pliers. Use the help of another person, since the mass of a double-glazed window is considerable.
Remove the sash from the bottom hinge and place it on a horizontal surface.
Remove the handle.
Unscrew all the screws holding the fittings around the perimeter of the sash.
Remove the fittings, rinse it with a brush.
Dry the fittings with air, you can use a bicycle pump.Lubricate all fittings with a special compound.
Assemble all fittings in reverse order. Screw the handle, hang the sash on pre-greased hinges.

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On average, a sealant on metal-plastic windows lasts from 5 to 10 years. If the seal is worn out, you need to purchase a new one and replace it.

Important! Products from Germany have a service life of up to 15 years, Turkish products serve less - about 5 years.

Remove the old seal.
Clean and rinse the groove from dirt.
Lubricate the groove with adhesive around the perimeter.
Insert the seal into the groove, being careful. Do not allow the cord to be compressed or stretched.

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Repairing double-glazed windows with your own hands is already serious. If you think that your knowledge is not enough, then you should contact the master. In any case, you will have to purchase a new double-glazed window. If you want to make repairs yourself, then proceed according to the following algorithm:

Remove the damaged glass unit.
Remove the glazing beads using a spatula and a rubber mallet.
Take out the glass pane. Act together with an assistant, because the structure weighs a lot.
Measure all design parameters: length, width and thickness. Report the results of measurements to the manufacturing company in order to order a double-glazed window.
Install the leveling plates at the bottom (with a blind sash). If it opens, then the plates are set with an indent of 100 mm in the corners.
Install a new double-glazed window, while not forgetting to control the geometry of the structure. If necessary, place additional straightening plates.
The last step is to mount the glazing beads.