DIY plastic window hinge repair

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

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Today, almost every home has plastic window frames installed to replace obsolete wooden frames. Caring for them is much easier, since you no longer have to paint the frames annually, but for the winter to deal with insulation procedures, such as sticking paper tapes, and this is a significant factor. While the windows are under warranty, the installation company will be engaged in setting, adjusting, and also replacing the fittings, but after its completion, all these manipulations, and they may be necessary, fall on the shoulders of the owners themselves. Do-it-yourself repairs, as well as replacement of fittings in plastic windows, are quite possible, therefore, it is worth going into this issue in more detail.

It often happens that a seemingly quite workable design suddenly starts to malfunction, does not work correctly, and even breaks down altogether. 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 puts the constructions himself, or after the warranty expires, one has to look for other ways besides calling a professional. Of course, you can call a master 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 hardware of plastic structures is a rather complex mechanism, which includes elements such as hinges, brackets and rods, as well as other parts that allow the sash to open, as well as close, tilt or turn.

You need to know that the fittings are perfect in any window block, they do not install it exclusively in blind structures without sashes. The entire mechanism is located on the perimeter of the sash, and control is often assumed with the help of a handle, as with which everything is tied. Since there is nothing complicated in this mechanism, the repair of window fittings for plastic windows and even its full or partial replacement is quite possible without outside help, that is, with your own hands.

First of all, the hardware consists 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 swing-out. Windows in general can be hinged, tilt-and-turn, rotary and deaf.

The swing arm limiter will ensure that the sash is stationary 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 blockers prevent the window from opening if it is in the open position.
The swing-out mechanism is called a scissor and is also adjustable and replaceable.
There are also microlifts in the sash, which will allow you to slightly lower or raise the sash, remove 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 must 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 the hassle of replacing.Make sure that the spare parts you purchased are reliable and durable, because better brother is the products of well-known manufacturers all over the world, even in spite of the noticeably high cost. It will not hurt to take into account the resistance to rust, high-quality materials, attractive appearance and functionality. It must be said that the arrangement of fittings for wooden windows with double-glazed windows does not differ in any way from plastic ones, therefore there is no fundamental difference in them.

To begin with, you should definitely figure out what kind of repair of window fittings with your own hands you will need to perform, since professionals are accustomed to dividing it into current, that is, preventive, as well as usual, which is carried out in the event that something is broken or is working not correct. As a preventive measure, you can simply adjust the sash hold-down, check the functionality of the handle, clean and lubricate all moving parts of the mechanism with special grease, and replace the seal, if necessary. However, if there are no special reasons for that, then it is better to touch nothing, and postpone the repair and replacement of window fittings until better times. But how to understand that the time has come 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.
Various difficulties when unlocking or closing, indicate the need to adjust or replace window fittings.
Breakage of the handle in any part of it.
Deformation of the window profile can also indicate breakage of the fittings.
Frost in winter and condensation at any time of the year is a sign that it is time to set up, repair or replace the fittings of plastic windows.

It is clear that with bare hands it will hardly be 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 then start to work.

Curly Phillips screwdriver, with a cross section of 3x4.
Special 4mm Allen key.
Pliers or pliers.
Special screwdriver bits marked with TX and T.
Electric screwdriver or drill with an appropriate attachment. It is not worth buying a screwdriver specially, since you can easily cope without it.

There is one more 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 machine oil will also work.

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

Read also: DIY vaz engine repair stand

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

Moreover, sometimes even completely new designs may need to be repaired or adjusted, or even to replace fittings, for example, after repair, a lot of dirt and dust from the work carried out 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 handle it, slowly and observing 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 loop, lightly hitting it first from the top and then from the bottom.
Using the pliers, pull out the axle and remove the sash from the lower hinge as well, gently holding it and slowly.
Place the sash on a table or floor and then remove the handle. To do this, you need to turn the decorative plastic plug at the base of the handle and unscrew the screws that open to your eyes.
Then everything should go like clockwork, and the mechanism should easily and millet come out of the groove assigned 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, hard brush. In case of heavy contamination, use special cleaning solutions or the good old WD-40 aerosol, which even "eats" rust with a bang.

Next, it remains only to dry the prepared and cleaned mechanism. It is very easy to do this with a regular household hair dryer, but you can use a vacuum cleaner with a reverse draft function or a bicycle pump. Please note that replacing plastic window fittings requires special attention, so all parts must be in place to ensure functionality. Lubricate all moving parts and then reinstall in reverse order. Before the final installation of the sash in its place, it is worth lubricating the window hinges as well, for their better functioning.

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

Even if you have supplied high-quality products and made them correctly, over time, the handle may fail or it will be necessary to replace the insulation. It is possible that the glass breaks or the mechanism requires adjustment. This repair of plastic windows is within the power of the owners.

This problem is common and easy to fix. First you need to buy a new window handle. You can do this at a home improvement store. To replace it, you will need to find the decorative plate, which is located directly under the handle, then turn it so that you can see the screws that will need to be removed.

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

Repair of window fittings is not so difficult even if it has jammed. To do this, you need to find and disable the blocker. The scheme of actions depends on which fittings you have installed. If it is AUBI brand, you will need to find a metal plate with a spring: usually it is near the handle. Press it against the seal and try to smoothly turn the handle. Other brands of hardware, such as Maco, GU, Winkhaus or Roto, have a metal tongue on the bottom. It needs to 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 need to open the window and find the place where this element touches. After that, you must remove the bollard mounts, 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. This usually 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 that hold it. 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 set in motion.

Timely maintenance of plastic windows will help to avoid many problems. However, if the product does not sag and lubrication does not work, you will most likely need professional help.

If the sash gives in to force when opening, but hangs on one corner without fully switching to ventilation mode, try to press the upper hinge by moving the sash to the pivot position. If you can achieve this, place the handle horizontally. Sometimes the blocker interferes with this, and it will have to be removed as described above. After that, the sash must be closed. Try pushing the handle down without using force. If it gives in, try to smoothly change its position several times.Repair of PVC windows may be necessary 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, the air flows pass through the seal. To get rid of this, press the sash against the frame and check if the position of the trunnions and strips of the reciprocal type matches. If they do not correspond to each other and the pins do not go beyond the strips, 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 desired location. The windows will then begin to 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 lower hinge into which you will need to insert the turning attachment. The top hinge is also adjustable, but has a scissor-type mechanism that can be adjusted with a screwdriver.

Another difficulty is often encountered: straightening plates that are between the glass unit 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, then you will have to repair the plastic windows with your own hands. To do this, you need a small piece of plastic; you need to select the width based on the thickness of the glass unit. Take a metal spatula and insert it end-to-end, which is between the glazing bead and the glass unit. Hit the putty knife and thus detach the glazing bead. You will be able to see the straightening plates that are located between the frame and the sash. Move the glass unit 3 mm back, put the plates; by pulling out the spatula, you will return it to its place, after which you will need to close the structure with glazing beads.Pay attention that the plates do not rest against the glazed part of the structure. This could damage the glass unit.

How to put a restrictor on a PVC window for ventilation

The handle with the lock is set in place. Now you need to screw on the locking bar. It will require two small self-tapping screws and a drill with a 1.5-2 mm drill.

Ventilation limiter for the plastic window 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, we fasten the bar. That's it, the comb (retainer) is installed on the plastic window.

One of the most common problems is blowing around the sash. There are several methods of treatment. First, it is necessary to increase the clamping of the sash, which is done by adjusting the pins. If it does not help, it is possible that the seal has become inelastic and does not provide a tight seal. Then the repair of plastic windows consists in replacing the sealing gum. It is installed around the perimeter of the sashes and on the PVC window frame and needs regular maintenance. In autumn and spring, it must be washed, dried, lubricated with silicone grease. But even under such conditions, over time, it loses its elasticity, it may even crack or tear. It is very easy to change the seal on a plastic window, but first you need to buy a suitable one. The fact is that it has a different profile for different manufacturers (see photo).

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

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

Please note that the seal must be whole - 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 off with something thin and sharp. It will come out easily. Then, dust that has accumulated there will be removed from the groove.

Laying the new seal begins from one of the corners. Bring a new rubber band to the groove, insert, pressing down with your fingers. It takes some effort, but not prohibitive. It will be more difficult in the corners. Here we must try to lay it out exactly so that it does not frown, but does not stretch either.

Install the seal from one of the corners

Once the seal is installed around the entire perimeter, it can be cut. This is done with sharp scissors, and the joint is glued with good glue for rubber. This is how it is easy to change the seal on PVC windows. Such a do-it-yourself repair of plastic windows takes at most 20 minutes.

To replace the seal on the sash, it must be removed. For this, decorative caps are removed from the hinges. They need to be pulled or pushed up, sometimes towards yourself. Next, we begin to remove the sash. Just keep in mind that it is much heavier than it seems. Get ready to take on a lot of weight. If there is one of the assistants, it is better that they insure. Actions are as follows:

With your left hand, hold on to the sash from below. It will carry almost all of the weight, so be prepared.
We will work with the upper loop. We need to take out 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 an ordinary screwdriver (flat, not Phillips), press down on the pin. It protrudes a few millimeters below. 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 fully pull it out, pull it all the way (you will feel resistance).

How to remove a plastic sash from its hinges

Now we grab the upper corner of the sash with our right hand (left at the bottom), slightly raise the sash, simultaneously feeding it slightly "towards ourselves", remove it from the lower rod. That's it, the sash is free.

This is the bottom pivot of the sash. He's 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 pin of the lower hinge must be cleaned and greased. This simple maneuver - with the cleaning and lubrication of the pin - allows you to get rid of the annoying squeak that is heard when opening and closing a plastic window or door.

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

We put the flap on the lower pin.
We place it vertically, aligning the upper loop.
Finger (with a screwdriver blade) press on the rod until it pops out from above.

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

It is sometimes necessary to disassemble a plastic window to replace a double-glazed window - the glass cracked or broke, it became leaky (condensation settles between the glasses). Sometimes it is necessary to change the rubber seal, which is located along the perimeter of the glass from the side of the room and the street. Over time, it loses its elasticity, and begins to blow from under the glass. For all these works, the double-glazed window must be removed.The glass unit is held in the frame by glazing beads - thin plastic strips. To remove the glass unit, they must be removed. There are four shtapiks on each double-glazed window - two long vertical, two short, horizontal. We start shooting with long ones.To work, you 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 glazing bead and the frame.We put the edge of the tool into itTurning the blade slightly to the right or left, detach the glazing bead from the frame. It locks into the groove, and when pressed, it is quite easy to separate. Swiping the tool up and down, we separate it at a greater length. Now, grasping the glazing bead with your hand, you can easily remove it. We carry out the same operation with the second vertical and horizontal strips.

It has been quite a bit since the time when metal-plastic windows appeared on the market, and many people have already managed to appreciate their advantages. Indeed, if the structure is made by a respectable company and installed in compliance with all technological nuances, the window will last for many years without bringing any particular concern to the owners. But even with the flawless 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, a master will help, and sometimes there is no need to look for a master. A little skill, patience, and do-it-yourself repair of plastic windows at home is quite possible. Some problems can be fixed in just a few minutes. Let's consider the most common problems and how to fix them yourself.

First, let's find out when a DIY repair is possible. The period of warranty service from the manufacturer or installer is on average 2 years. If the warranty period has expired, there will be a charge for repairs.

You can save money by troubleshooting yourself. But do not forget that repairing a double-glazed window at home is not easy and requires skill.

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

Rotate the decorative plate, located at the base of the handle, at right angles to its original position.
You see two screws that actually secure it. Unscrew them with a regular screwdriver and remove it.
It remains to install a new handle, and there are already screws for tightening.
In the case of the opening stop, install the adjuster plate in the base before mounting.
After the screws are completely tightened, replace the decorative plate in its original position so that it covers the screws.

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This happens if the handle is simply jammed in the "open" position, and there is no way to close the sash. The most common cause of the problem is the interlock actuation. Its purpose is quite noble - to prevent accidental scrolling of the handle if you put the window on airing or in a tilt-and-turn position. However, it happens that the blocker is triggered at the most inopportune moment. For example, when quickly moving the handle from one position to another. The method of neutralizing the blocker depends on which brand of hardware is used.

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

Look for a metal plate with a spring in the area of the handle.
Press the spring against the seal and turn the handle.

Locate a metal tongue under the handle that is angled to the frame.
Press down on it so that it is parallel to the casement. The handle can now be turned.

Important! If this technique did not work, check whether 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 reciprocal element for which the blocker should catch on.
Then unscrew the screws and place the plastic spacer between the mating piece and the frame.

This little trick helps to re-establish the grip between the mating element and the bollard.

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

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

Keeping the window spotless.
Availability of high-quality lubricant.

Important! To avoid hardware malfunction, use either a special lubricant for plastic windows or a universal penetrating compound. If this does not help, it makes sense to call the master.

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

Stand it upright and turn it into pivot mode so as to press down on the top hinge.
Now move the handle to the horizontal position, which corresponds to the open sash.
If the blocking device is triggered, disable it as already described.
Now close the window by turning the knob to the "vertical down" position.
Test the structure again by adjusting the handle in 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 push the frame harder.
There is another option - the pins and strikers do not match. In this case, you need to rearrange the strike plates 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.
Mounting errors 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.

When the warranty period expires, 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 glass unit:

Take a metal trowel, put it in the seam between the profile and the glazing bead, then remove the glazing bead.
Using the same glazing bead, move the insulating glass unit at a distance of 3 to 5 mm.
Install the straightening plates and assemble the glass unit.

Important! Do not allow the plastic plate you have installed to rest against the glass. It can crack.

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

Remove the decorative trims from the top and bottom hinges.
Knock the axle out of the upper hinge, then remove it with pliers. Use the help of another person, since the weight of the glass unit is considerable.
Remove the sash from the lower hinge and lay it on a horizontal surface.
Remove the handle.
Unscrew all screws holding the fittings around the sash.
Remove the hardware, rinse it with a brush.
Dry the fittings with air, you can use a bicycle pump. Lubricate all fittings with a special compound.
Reassemble all fittings in reverse order. Screw on the handle, hang the sash on the previously oiled 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 any dirt off the groove.
Lubricate the groove with adhesive around the perimeter.
Insert the sealant into the groove, being careful when doing so. Do not allow the cord to be squeezed or stretched.

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Do-it-yourself double-glazed windows repair is already serious. If you think that your knowledge is not enough, then you should contact the master. You will have to purchase a new double-glazed unit in any case. If you want to make repairs yourself, then follow this algorithm:

Remove the damaged glass unit.
Remove the glazing beads using a putty knife and rubber mallet.
Take out the glass unit. Work together with an assistant, because the structure weighs a lot.
Measure all parameters of the structure: length, width and thickness. Inform the results of measurements to the manufacturing company to order the insulating glass unit.
Install the straightening plates at the bottom (with a blind sash). If it opens, then the plates are installed with an indent of 100 mm in the corners.
Install a new glass unit, remembering to control the geometry of the structure. If necessary, add additional straightening plates.
The last step is to mount the glazing beads.