Do-it-yourself repair of nets on plastic windows: causes of breakdowns, step-by-step instructions

Why does the mosquito net break

The mosquito net is one of the most fragile window accessories. Its frame is made of a thin aluminum profile, and the handles are made of plastic. And the canvas itself also cannot be called excessively durable. The reliability of the design is enough for several years of operation if all operations are performed correctly. But the risk of breakage remains significant throughout the entire period of use.

There are several reasons why a mosquito net can fail. Knowing the root causes of breakdowns will help you avoid operational errors and extend the life of this useful accessory. In addition, when the reasons for the breakdown are clear, it is much easier to plan a repair.

Here are the factors that cause your mesh to fail most often:

Errors when installing the grid on the window. If the fasteners are installed inaccurately (for example, mistakes were made when marking) or are selected incorrectly, installing the mesh in place will be fraught with difficulties. And then an unsuccessful application of force will lead to breakage.
Attempting to remove the mesh or install it on the frame without understanding how to do it.
Actions of domestic animals, birds that have flown in by accident.
Destruction of plastic under the influence of solar ultraviolet radiation and temperature extremes. Under these conditions, the plastic ages and becomes brittle.
The vagaries of nature. A gusty gusty wind, frequent rain or hail may well damage the canvas or frame.

To extend the service life of the mesh, it is worth carefully studying the rules for installing it on the window and removing it from the mounts (and also teach this to everyone at home). At times, the structure needs to be inspected for cracks, traces of corrosion, holes. If all detected faults are eliminated in a timely manner, the mesh will serve for many years without requiring major repairs.

Replacing glass in a double-glazed window

Sometimes the repair of plastic windows also includes glass replacement. This is much more difficult. First of all, you need glass that is cut strictly to size. You can, of course, cut it yourself, and then process the edge so as not to get hurt. You can also order glass from the workshop, asking for the edges to be sanded.

Then the glass unit is removed from the frame of the plastic window, laid on a flat surface. It is more convenient on the table, but also on stools. If you work on the table, cover it with something.

Then, with a sharp knife (you can use wallpaper), the silicone is cut along the perimeter. Then the damaged glass is finally separated from the glass unit and removed. In its place, a new washed to shine is laid, leveled. In size, it should match up to a millimeter.

Next, we cover the glass with silicone sealant (not acrylic). We insert the tube with the sealant into the construction gun, go along the perimeter of the glass, making sure that the seam is filled evenly. We are waiting for the silicone to dry, then we take an adhesive tape 40 mm wide, glue the glass unit around the perimeter. The glass in the double-glazed window has been changed, you can put it back.

Key window adjustment points

To understand how to repair a plastic window, you need to know how it works. Almost any plastic window inserted in an average apartment has three levels (or planes) of adjustment. This, first of all, makes it possible to be the window part itself in the optimal (tightly pressed and not skewed) position to the frame, plus it provides a reliable abutment to the seal. All the "magic" is in the loops. The lower hinge is responsible for the vertical position of the sash and the lower vertical angle; the upper part of the sash is responsible for adjusting the upper hinge; the clamping force directly depends on the eccentrics.That's all the tricks.

Plastic window

The main problem here is the well-known displacement of the mechanism, which does not allow the sash to open and close correctly, or do it at the right angle. This is the so-called "sagging", due to which the window touches the frame and, in the end, may simply stop closing at all.

In this case, we are interested in window canopies. We do not take into account the lower one, here it does not play any role. It is necessary to open the window and at the very top of the window find two screws, adjustable with a hexagon. The lower one is slightly loosened, and with the upper one we work: with the help of a hexagon we turn it back and forth until it gets into the desired position.

Features of the repair of plastic window fittings

The window is used daily. The most exploited part of it is the handle. Over time, it can loosen up or even break down. How to repair plastic window fittings?

Fixing a loose handle

In fact, the repair of plastic window fittings is quite simple. If the handle is loose, it is very easy to tighten its attachment. To do this, pry off the rectangular pad, which is located under the handle. Never use a screwdriver or other tools for this, as you can scratch, break or deform the edge of the plug. Next, turn the entire part 90 degrees and tighten the two bolts with a Phillips screwdriver.

We are replacing the handle

Sometimes it becomes necessary to repair the handle of a plastic window completely, that is, to replace it. This requires a little more effort. So, start repairing plastic window fittings:

Pry the plate gently with your fingers.
Rotate it 90 degrees.
Unscrew the two screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
Lightly wiggle the handle in the connector, then carefully remove it.
Install the new element in the same position as the old one.
Use the bolts to secure the handle and slide the rectangular plug over it.

Jamming mechanism

Often the opening mechanism is jammed. The fix is easy enough:

We carry out the dismantling of the PVC window handle.
Using a brush or vacuum cleaner, thoroughly clean the mechanism from dirt. If necessary, you can use a glass cleaner.
All movable mechanisms are treated with oil. Experts recommend using WD-40 grease, which comes with a tube nozzle.
We install the entire system back.

Some users are faced with the problem of sticking the handle of a plastic window when the locking mechanism is incorrectly triggered. This state does not allow changing the position of the window in the open state. To fix this, you need to:

Carefully remove the clips (lever) of the lock from the handle side at the sash end.
Free the propulsion system of the lever.

Should you install plastic windows? Do-it-yourself repair of such systems requires an investment of a certain amount of money. The price of fittings depends on the quality and the manufacturer of the plastic structures. Choose all parts and mechanisms carefully. Not only the appearance of the window depends on this, but also the duration of its operation.

Experts recommend periodically adjusting the window mechanism, at least 2 times a year. Such a process allows to ensure the minimum stress of the window fittings and to prevent overhaul of the product.

Damaged double-glazed window - it doesn't matter, step-by-step guide to action

In more complex cases, a complete replacement of the glass unit or glass will be required. It is advisable to invite professional specialists for such work. If desired, all manipulations can be performed at home on your own.

Complete replacement of a double-glazed window

A glass unit is a sealed structure that consists of several sheets of glass.Sometimes it becomes necessary to replace it. This can happen in the following cases:

glass is broken or cracked, respectively, there was a depressurization of one chamber;
condensation has appeared on glass surfaces, and the desiccant rolls down in the form of a yellow resin;
street noise is heard in the room, it became necessary to install a sound-absorbing glass unit;
drafts appeared that are not regulated by any of the above methods. Accordingly, heat is not retained in the room;
the structure has lost its tightness, or it is required to install a double-glazed unit with a large number of chambers.

Depressurization of a double-glazed window

To replace a double-glazed window, you must perform the following manipulations.

Determine the marking of the glass unit, which is applied to the aluminum frame and order a similar one from the manufacturer.
First remove the glazing bead from the vertical side of the glass unit, then the closest one from the free corner. After dismantling all glazing beads, remove the glass unit. It is advisable to use a spatula and a mallet in the work.
Install a new glass unit, having previously laid the straightening plates.
Fasten the glazing beads until they click.

Insulating glass unit marking

The procedure for dismantling a double-glazed window

How to replace glass in a glass unit with your own hands

Replacing glass in a glass unit requires certain knowledge and skills. Let's consider the whole process in more detail.

Illustration	Description of action
	Remove the glazing beads around the perimeter of the glass unit.
	Remove the glass unit, lay it on a horizontal surface with the broken glass facing up. Using a stationery knife, cut through the sealant along the perimeter to the distance frame.
	Remove the broken glass from the glass unit.
	Cut off the sealant layer at a slight angle, wipe the new glass with a cleaning agent, remove all dirt and put the washed side inward on the glass unit.
	Thoroughly seal all joints with plumbing silicone. Acrylic sealant cannot be used in this case. Wait until it is completely dry, glue the structure around the edges with adhesive tape, insert into the frame, and install the glazing beads.

In more detail, the entire course of work can be seen in the video:

Repair of plastic doors

We talked about possible malfunctions of plastic windows. But you should also consider the breakdowns occurring in the plastic door system, which have recently become very popular. Such elements have a rather attractive appearance and fashionable modern design. But it should be remembered that even the highest quality door during long-term operation requires regular inspection and prevention. In fact, the repair of plastic windows and doors has a lot in common.

The most common malfunctions of a plastic door are:

Broken handle.
Sagging loops.
Failure of the boom.
Closer problems.

Handle repair

The most common malfunction of any door is a broken handle. It is best to replace it in this case. It’s very simple. Replacing a door handle is very similar to repairing plastic window hardware. First of all, you need to rotate the decorative plate by 90 degrees, which is located near the base of the handle. After that, unscrew all the screws with a screwdriver and install a new one instead of the old faulty element. The question arises: do all breakdowns require replacement of the whole mechanism? No, not all. If the handle is intact, but turning it is difficult, then all moving mechanisms should be treated with a special lubricant.

Sagging door problem

Often all consumers are faced with the problem of door sagging. This is easy enough to fix. The first step is to adjust the position of the door. To do this, you need a hex wrench. It must be inserted into the lower loop and turned clockwise. In this way, you can quickly and easily raise the door leaf to the desired position.

Rod repair

One of the most common problems is a broken arm (rod). Owners most often encounter its kink, bend, damage to the fastener or jamming in the joints. Be careful here, because on your own, without the help of specialists, you can repair only some breakdowns of the bar. For this, as a rule, welding is used, but it is better to replace the broken part with a new one. Do you understand that you will not be able to cope with this breakdown? Then contact the specialists of the company that repairs plastic windows. Customer feedback will help you make the right choice.

Closer repair

The door closer can also fail. This mechanism is responsible for the smooth and quiet closing of the door. You can repair it yourself. Often the cause of a malfunction of this mechanism is the leakage of a working fluid from it. This mainly occurs in the cold season due to depressurization of the oil seals. As a result, the door loses its smooth movement. Be careful, the door closer is not designed to be disassembled, so you will have to completely replace the mechanism.

Every element in a plastic door can wear out over time. Long-term operation affects the operation of all mechanisms, so regularly monitor their condition. For example, if you notice that your PVC door begins to close too slowly or quickly, then you need to turn the adjustment valve clockwise or counterclockwise. After that, with the door open at a right angle, tighten the retainer as tight as possible. This will improve the door closing delay function.

How to repair or change the handle on a plastic window?

As a rule, fittings and other components for plastic windows are of high quality, and many manufacturers of structures can reduce the cost of their products due to other factors, but preferring not to save on working mechanisms.

But still, sometimes problems occur and, for example, the handle of a window may become loose over time. Repair in this case comes down to the fact that:

first you need to get to the screws with which the handle is fixed, and they are located under the decorative strip. And it is it with some effort, but carefully, you need to turn it 90 ° and pull it back;
after access to the screws is open, they should be tightened if the handle is loose, or unscrewed if it is necessary to change the mechanism;
then everything is in reverse order: first the screws are tightened, then the protective element is fixed.

In the event that it is necessary to install a comb - a special mechanism for controlling the limitation of the leaf opening in the tilt position - this element is first mounted, then the handle is installed and screwed on with screws.

It is also important to take into account one more important point: the cause of a malfunction of the handle can be, for example, sagging of the sash. Therefore, you first need to eliminate this problem, and only then proceed with adjusting or replacing the handle.

Setting the pressure mechanism

Before you start fixing something, you need to know if it needs fixing. We close the window and use a lighter to reveal the presence of "see-through" areas. If the flame flutters, we get down to business. If you look at the window sash from the end, you can see three oval (most often) eccentrics. Try to twist the window handle - and you will see that the eccentrics "work". So, they need to be twisted, but quite a bit, often a couple of millimeters is enough. Plus, there will be a reserve for a few more twists: do not forget that the seal also wears out. And, most importantly, do it so that the eccentrics are strictly in one position. To work with them, you will need either pliers or a hexagon. It is very useful that the eccentrics themselves have certain marks: if you see that they are "looking" at the street - you need to press harder, if the lines are directed into the house, the clamp is very good.

Setting the pressure mechanism

Now let's look at different types of adjustments that have their own significant differences. In order to move the frame to some extent or get rid of the bevel, it is the horizontal adjustment that is necessary.

It is carried out as follows: a hexagon is alternately inserted into the upper and lower loop (there are special holes there). When you start turning the hexagon clockwise, the window will rise noticeably. When you rotate in the opposite direction, that is, counterclockwise, you will see that the window, on the contrary, is lowered. This procedure must be done strictly with an open window and move the sash no more than 2 mm, so as not to "overtighten" the mechanism and not damage it.

Adjustment

Windows made of metal-plastic can be adjusted using the lower hinge. In this case, vertical adjustment is used. It is necessary to remove the plug and open access for the hexagon, then turn it clockwise. As you can see, there are no difficulties here either.

Ventilation of PVC windows

I would like to briefly describe the principle of ventilation at plastic windows. 90% of such windows do not provide for the good old vents, but they have a ventilation mode that everyone loves. For three seasons, this mode pleases, and on the fourth - frosty - a person finds himself in a difficult situation: either freeze, or do not ventilate at all.If you are not a happy owner of a plastic window with self-ventilation, you can use a comb, which will one hundred percent perform the function of a ventilation regulator (and it costs a penny). Such a simple device fits almost every plastic window and has 4 modes (or rather, 4 "arches" for adjusting the air flow into the room).

How to fix a breakout

If there is a small breakthrough on the mosquito net, then you should not immediately spend money and buy a completely new canvas. Consider a simple method to eliminate this kind of breakdown. The work will look like this:

Cutting the canvas

This requires a small piece of suitable mesh to cover the breakout. You can use an old mosquito net if you have one.

Ready patch

So, cut out a suitable piece of mesh with a margin, on all sides by 2.5 cm.
After that, you will need a curved needle and a strong thread, preferably the same color as the canvas. You can also use a thin line that is almost invisible.

Note that a regular straight needle can also be used. Curved is necessary if only one side of the mesh is available to you.

Curved needle

Now cover the hole with the cut mesh. It is most convenient if you can remove it from the window. Next, it remains to sew the patch to the net with small stitches. Pull the stitches moderately, otherwise there is a chance that the mesh will deform.

Final result

This is how you can fix a small break in the grid very simply and quickly. The only drawback of this method is aesthetics. Therefore, it is better to approach the issue of eliminating the breakthrough creatively. For example, cut a patch in the shape of a butterfly in a contrasting color or something else. You can connect imagination, and from the outside it will seem that it should be so.

How is a glass unit in a plastic window replaced?

This type of repair can be considered rare, and the need for it appears only when, for any reason, an old glass unit breaks - it does not depend on the service life of the window.

Therefore, many owners of such structures may not even think about how to remove a glass unit from a plastic window in order to replace it with a new product.

It should be noted right away that to solve this problem it is best to contact specialists, although you can independently perform all the work that is not particularly technical, but rather laborious and requires accuracy and some skills.

You will need to purchase a special wooden hammer - a mallet, as well as a spatula and / or chisel.

Even if a decision is made to do the work with your own hands, you will still have to contact a specialized company in order to order the manufacture of a new double-glazed window, exactly the size of the old one.

But before you remove the plastic window, or rather pull out the broken glass unit, you need to remove the protective elements - glazing beads - with a spatula. The process looks like this:

a spatula blade is inserted into a thin gap between the glass and the glazing bead, with which you need to carefully lift the protective element. Sometimes you need to make an effort and wind the spatula with a mallet, lightly hitting its handle;
then the rest of the glazing beads are removed in the same way and the double-glazed window is carefully removed;
the damaged glass unit must be laid on the floor and measured with a tape measure with maximum accuracy;
using the obtained data, it is necessary to order a new product with the required dimensions.

When performing this type of work, it must be borne in mind that although you can do them yourself, you will definitely need to involve an assistant.

It should be borne in mind that a double-glazed window has a fairly large weight, which, coupled with its size and design features, will not allow you to carefully remove it yourself.However, to install a new one, you will also have to get an assistant.

After the new glass unit is ready, it is necessary to install special plates, the location of which depends on the type of sash and its size:

for blind structures, the plates are installed at the bottom;
for opening ones - in the corners, but with an indent from them by 100 mm. When installing large double-glazed windows, their number can be increased.

It is allowed to use a sealant for plastic windows for a more reliable fixing of a double-glazed window in the frame, and then install the glazing beads in place.

Glazing methods for balconies and loggias. Types of windows. - here is more useful information.

Why do plastic windows need cover strips?

As a rule, the installation of plastic windows is carried out using foam, with the help of which the opening is closed and the tightness of the entire structure is ensured.

You will be interested in this article - Panoramic windows in a private house and apartment.

Next, the decorative design of the window opening is carried out, for which a variety of building and finishing materials can be used.

But sometimes there is still a need for a more accurate and reliable design of the junction between the frame and the wall, and for these purposes, a strip for plastic windows, which is, in fact, a pretend strip, is ideal.

For their manufacture, both plastic and wood or aluminum can be used, and their choice is determined not only by the material of the window, but also by the design features of the interior of the room or facade (depending on the place of their installation).

In addition to the decorative function, the strips also serve to protect the assembly seam from destruction, while installing both self-adhesive products and models for which self-tapping screws are used is not particularly difficult.

It should be noted that, although this element is not mandatory in the design, it allows you to give it an aesthetically pleasing appearance and guarantees the windows a long service life.

The importance of winter-summer regimes

Despite the fact that in warm weather the windows are opened for ventilation, adjustment of the sash in summer mode is required to create a good indoor climate. It is also effective when it becomes necessary to leave for a certain period. Then there will be no musty smell in the house due to a small draft through the cracks in the sash. In the process of setting the modes, the mechanisms should be lubricated with machine oil or petroleum jelly so that their operation is smooth and of high quality.

Experts recommend adjusting the pressure density for the winter position gradually in order to reduce the load on the seal and not deform it. Before this, you should thoroughly clean the window frame from dust and debris, which can form a draft due to the loose fit of the sash. In winter, blowing is excluded, so the tightness of the closure is checked with a lit match. Its fading or oscillation of fire indicates the presence of cold bridges.

How to make DIY holders?

Craftsmen offer many ways to make holders yourself and attach them to a mosquito net. For work, various materials at hand are used: plastic lids, bottles for carbonated drinks, staples made of thin metal for fastening drywall, and others. The Internet is replete with all kinds of "recipes" for repairing safety nets, and all of them are so simple that any housewife can cope with the work.

Plastic bottle loops

The handles on the mosquito net must be strong and flexible. The plastic from which bottles for the sale of mineral water and other drinks are made fully complies with these requirements, so high-quality holders are obtained from it. The main thing is to choose a container with not too thin walls.

Holders made in the manner described below do not have a completely familiar shape, however, they do not spoil the view of the window and perfectly fulfill their function.

Holders manufacturing method:

The middle is cut out of the plastic bottle. The neck and bottom are not useful - you only need a flat flat part of the dishes to make the handles.
Now you need to mark and cut two identical strips 1 cm wide and 12 cm long. The dimensions are given approximately, and there are no restrictions here. However, when choosing the length of the loop, you must be guided by the thickness of the index finger.
To install new holders, you need to choose a place 2-3 cm higher or lower than the old one, where the cord has already become thinner. Otherwise, the handles will constantly fall out.
Pull back the seal and insert a folded plastic strip.
Roll the cord into the groove using a special roller or a thin curly screwdriver.

Perhaps such a design will not last too long, but as a temporary option it will do quite well. Now, by pulling on the two loops, you can easily remove the mosquito net and reinstall it.

"Ears" from a plastic cover

This method uses a regular plastic cover to fix the mosquito screen. The parts cut from it in appearance almost do not differ from the purchased ones, and even surpass them in the strength of the material and fastening.

The destroyed holders are pulled out of the mosquito net and, by attaching them to the surface of the lid, a stencil is made. To make the new handles easier to fix, they are slightly lengthened.
Holders are cut out on the pattern with scissors or a clerical knife.
With the help of a self-tapping screw passing through both walls of the strip, on which the mosquito net is stretched, new handles are fixed.

Such fastening is more reliable than the traditional one (with the help of a rubber seal). Now you don't have to worry that the elastic will collapse and weaken, because of which the homemade handles will fall out of the profile.

The handles of the mosquito net are the weakest point of the design. They often break, sometimes for no apparent reason. Therefore, you need to have a repair kit with spare parts on the farm in order to quickly fix the malfunction, or be able to make holders from available tools.

How to change a plastic corner for an anti-mosquito structure?

To do this, it is necessary to remove the upper bar of the structure. An inexperienced person is strongly advised not to allow the frame to be completely disassembled, because in this case the tension of the net will be violated, and it will be quite difficult to fix it. In order to remove the part, it is necessary with a thin screwdriver to carefully pry off the sealing cord, which pulls the protection on this side.

After that, without sudden movements, the cord is pulled out of the frame groove, followed by the mesh itself. After that, you need to carefully remove the broken corner. If it does not give in, then it can be pushed deeper into the cavity of the frame with a screwdriver.

For a new corner, you can use a piece of sheet plastic, it is advisable to select it in white, or in such a shade that it does not stand out much against the background of the white frame. We measure the dimensions of the profile, taking into account them you need to mark the workpiece. The required shape is given using a metal hacksaw with a thin blade and small teeth, or you can use a jigsaw.

When cutting, it is also necessary to take into account the protrusion inside the profile, which gives rigidity to the finished structure when the stop is installed. All protruding nuances on the product can be cleaned with sandpaper or a small file, after which a new corner is tried on to the profiles, and the shape and size are finalized in place.

You need to control that the angle of the part is exactly ninety degrees, otherwise the frame for the mesh will turn out to be uneven and will spoil the appearance of a beautiful window.

If the workpiece fits very tightly into the holes of the profile, then this will be enough for fixing.However, if its thickness is slightly less, or if you want to increase the reliability of the structure, on the sides of the metal profiles, you can make two holes through the part, then fix it with rivets or bolts with a small cap. This is true for both profiles where the corner will be inserted.

After the frame is assembled, you need to tighten the released protection, use the same screwdriver to insert the sealing cord into place, securing its tension. After that, the mosquito net is completely ready to be installed on the window.

How to adjust the position of the sashes of a plastic window?

Often, many people reduce the care of plastic windows to regularly cleaning them from dust and dirt, and yet this concept is much broader and should also include measures for inspecting the working mechanisms of the structure and the position of the sashes.

It is the last factor that should force the owner to either call the master, or take the tool into his own hands and eliminate the identified malfunctions.

The problem with skewed sashes is not uncommon, and windows are most susceptible to it, which often remain open. In this case, the situation can be aggravated if the sash is large and especially if a heavy glass unit with two or more chambers is installed in it.

It is not difficult to adjust the position of the sash in relation to the frame. This will require a hex screwdriver and access to the hinges, which can be obtained by removing the protective and decorative overlays.

In the event that it sagged, that is, its vertical position has changed, it is required to adjust the lower loop. After installing the key into a special adjusting groove located in the upper part of the hinge, it must be turned in the appropriate direction: when turned clockwise, the sash rises, and by scrolling in the opposite direction, the structure can be lowered.

Determining how far the key should be turned is mostly visual, although a control tool can also be used.

Sometimes it is required to adjust the position of the sash in the horizontal plane, for example, if it has an offset relative to the frame or rebate. In this case, the lower part is corrected with the lower loop, and the upper part with a special mechanism located at the top, on the sash itself.

If the lower part is adjusted, then the key is inserted into the hinge groove located at the bottom, while turning it clockwise moves the structure to the left, and counterclockwise to the right.

To correct the position of the upper part of the sash, you must first open it and gain access to the mechanism in which there is an adjusting groove. By turning the hexagon to the right or left, the problem can be eliminated.

Mosquito net repair

Why does the mosquito net break

Replacing glass in a double-glazed window

Key window adjustment points

Features of the repair of plastic window fittings

Damaged double-glazed window - it doesn't matter, step-by-step guide to action

Complete replacement of a double-glazed window

How to replace glass in a glass unit with your own hands

Repair of plastic doors

How to repair or change the handle on a plastic window?

Other problems with the handle of a plastic window

Setting the pressure mechanism

How to fix a breakout

How is a glass unit in a plastic window replaced?

Why do plastic windows need cover strips?

The importance of winter-summer regimes

How to make DIY holders?

Plastic bottle loops

"Ears" from a plastic cover

How to change a plastic corner for an anti-mosquito structure?

How to adjust the position of the sashes of a plastic window?